Diabetes & Heart

Metformin Cost and Wholesale Price Guide

What drives Metformin pricing: brand vs generic, pack size, freight terms and landed cost for USA, UK and Australia buyers.

4 min read Updated 2026-01-15Reviewed against manufacturer prescribing information

Metformin pricing varies far more by pack size, origin and freight term than by molecule. This guide breaks down what actually drives the landed cost for buyers in the USA, UK and Australia.

3
Markets served: USA, UK, Australia
100
Units per SKU for wholesale tiering
7–14
Working days by express air freight
1 day
Quotation turnaround

What moves the price

Brand vs genericQuality generic Metformin typically lands far below the Glucophage originator.
Pack sizeLarger packs cut per-unit primary packaging and handling cost.
Order volumeTiers begin at 100 units per SKU and improve with consolidation.
IncotermEXW, FOB, CIF and DAP shift freight, insurance and duty between parties.
Cold chainAmbient shipping keeps packing cost low.
DocumentationRegulator-ready paperwork avoids costly clearance delays.

Key takeaways

  • Compare landed cost, not unit price: freight and duty change the ranking.
  • Consolidating multiple SKUs into one consignment lowers cost per unit.
  • Metformin is quoted in USD, GBP or AUD on request.
  • Quotations include lead time and documentation scope.

Getting an accurate quotation

Send the SKU list, strength (500 mg, 850 mg, 1000 mg, XR forms), quantity, destination city and preferred incoterm. We return landed pricing, lead time and the documentation set within one working day.

Metformin at a glance

Drug classbiguanide
Common brandGlucophage
Licensed usefirst-line type 2 diabetes
Available strengths500 mg, 850 mg, 1000 mg, XR forms
Dosage formtablet / extended-release tablet
Typical onsetglycaemic effect over 1–2 weeks
Duration / dosing intervalimmediate release 8–12 hours; XR 24 hours
Storagebelow 30 °C
Catalogue

Metformin products we supply

Available to trade buyers and consumers, wholesale or as single orders.

Metformin: frequently asked questions

What is Metformin used for?+

Metformin is a biguanide used for first-line type 2 diabetes. It is available in 500 mg, 850 mg, 1000 mg, XR forms as a tablet / extended-release tablet.

How much does Metformin cost wholesale?+

Pricing depends on pack size, order volume, incoterm and destination. Wholesale tiers start at 100 units per SKU and quotations are returned within one working day in USD, GBP or AUD.

How long does Metformin take to work?+

Onset is typically glycaemic effect over 1–2 weeks, and the effect lasts immediate release 8–12 hours; XR 24 hours.

What are the most common Metformin side effects?+

The most frequently reported effects are GI upset, metallic taste, B12 depletion on long-term use. Most are mild and dose-related.

Who should not take Metformin?+

Metformin should be avoided in eGFR below 30 and acute metabolic acidosis. A prescriber should review the full medicine list before initiation.

Is generic Metformin as effective as Glucophage?+

Yes, when it is manufactured to GMP standards and proven bioequivalent. The active molecule and strengths are identical; documentation quality is what differentiates suppliers.

Does ShiningRX supply Metformin to my country?+

We supply pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, distributors and consumers across the USA, UK and Australia, with express air freight typically clearing in 7–14 working days.

Need a quote today?

Send us your product list and destination. We come back with landed pricing, lead time and documentation within one working day.