Metformin Prescription Online

Metformin - Overview

Metformin, marketed under the name Glucophage, is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes as well as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Push Health can connect people in need of a metformin prescription with a licensed medical provider who can prescribe metformin HCl medication, including generic metformin 500 mg, metformin 1000 mg and metformin ER tablets, when appropriate to do so.

What Is Metformin Used For?

What is metformin medication used for? Metformin prescription medication, also known as metformin hydrochloride, is an oral antihyperglycemic drug used in a variety of clinical conditions:

Type 2 Diabetes

Metformin is the first-line pharmacologic treatment for type 2 diabetes recommended by the American Diabetes Association and other guidelines. It is used alongside lifestyle modification - diet and exercise - to lower blood glucose in adults and children (over age 10) with type 2 diabetes. Unlike sulfonylureas and insulin, metformin does not stimulate insulin secretion and therefore does not generally cause hypoglycemia when used alone.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Metformin is widely prescribed off-label for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - a hormonal condition that is characterized by irregular periods, elevated androgen levels, and insulin resistance. In PCOS, metformin improves insulin sensitivity which can help reduce androgen production by the ovaries, restore more regular menstrual cycles, reduce acne and unwanted hair growth, and improve fertility outcomes in some patients. Metformin is sometimes used in PCOS patients without a formal type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Prediabetes Prevention

Metformin is used off-label to slow or prevent the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes, particularly in higher-risk individuals. The American Diabetes Association recommends considering metformin for prediabetes prevention, particularly in adults under 60, those with a higher BMI, and women with a history of gestational diabetes. Patients with prediabetes interested in metformin should discuss the risks and benefits with a licensed medical provider.

More specifically, metformin medication improves glucose tolerance and results in lower postprandial and basal glucose levels in the plasma. Metformin is thought to achieve this by decreasing the absorption of glucose and production of glucose by the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. Insulin secretion during metformin drug therapy is generally unchanged. Metformin prescription tablets have a different mechanism of action than glipizide (Glucotrol) and the two are sometimes prescribed together. Metformin is also prescribed with glimepiride (Amaryl) and is also combined with glyburide in the medication Glucovance and linagliptin (Tradjenta) in the medication Jentadueto. Metformin medication is also combined with the drug dapagliflozin to form Xigduo and with canagliflozin to form Invokamet. Metformin is also under investigation for various other indications. In particular, there is significant interest in understanding if and how metformin medication use might influence the aging process.

Metformin and Longevity

There is also substantial scientific interest in whether metformin may influence the aging process. Metformin activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a cellular energy sensor, and modulates several pathways associated with aging including mTOR signaling and oxidative stress. The TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin) trial has been evaluating metformin across multiple aging biomarkers and age-related conditions. Results from this ongoing trial are expected to provide the most rigorous human evidence to date on metformin's potential role in healthy aging.

Metformin - Cost & Prescription

Metformin prescription medication is available in both generic and branded forms. Compared to many other medications, metformin tablets are affordable with generic metformin costing under ten cents per pill at many pharmacies. Metformin is also quite affordable with pills costing under fifteen cents per pill. Many insurance plans also cover the cost of metformin medication when buying metformin prescription medication at the pharmacy. Generic metformin is a prescription medication and, as a result, metformin tablets are not available as metformin OTC (over-the-counter). In some cases, metformin savings cards may also be available to reduce the cost of metformin even more. Metformin medication should be stored at 20° to 25° C. Metformin medication is also available in combination with another medication, Januvia in a combination medication known as Janumet.

Metformin - Weight Loss?

Some people have heard that metformin can help with weight loss. While a study showed some promise that metformin might help with weight loss, in people with insulin resistance, more research needs to be done to confirm the association of weight loss and metformin. Metformin prescription medication is not currently approved by the FDA for weight loss indications.

Can I Buy Metformin Online?

Metformin medication requires a prescription from a medical provider and one cannot just buy metformin online in the US. Because of this, metformin OTC is not available, either. The first step to getting metformin medication is consulting a licensed medical provider. Push Health can connect people who need a new metformin prescription or a metformin refill with medical providers who can prescribe metformin HCl tablets, including generic metformin ER, metformin 1000 mg and metformin 500 mg medication, when appropriate to do so.

Metformin - Dosage and Excretion

Metformin hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline compound that is freely soluble in water. Metformin medication is typically available as tablets that contain 500 mg, 850 mg and 1000 mg of metformin hydrochloride with additional inactive ingredients such as povidone and magnesium stearate. The bioavailability of metformin after oral administration while fasting is approximately 50%. Metformin is largely excreted in the urine and demonstrates a plasma elimination half-life of approximately six hours and a blood elimination half-life of roughly 17 hours. After oral administration of metformin prescription pills, approximately 90% of the drug that was absorbed is excreted in the urine. Because it is primarily excreted in the urine, the half-life of metformin is usually prolonged in the setting of impaired kidney function.

Metformin - Side Effects

Metformin prescription medication can cause side effects in susceptible people who use the medication. For example, metformin can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, weakness, muscle pain, stomach pain, shortness of breath, a slow heartbeat and dizziness. Some people will also experience hypersensitivity or an allergic reaction to metformin when using it and should avoid metformin in these circumstances. A rare, but serious, side effect that can result from metformin use is lactic acidosis. People with kidney disease should not use metformin medication unless instructed by their doctor or medical provider. People should avoid drinking alcohol while using metformin. All people using metformin tablets should discuss its use and possible side effects with their pharmacist and a licensed medical provider prior to use.

How to Get a Metformin Prescription with Push Health

1. Complete a brief health intake. Answer some questions about your health history.
2. Connect with a licensed medical provider. A provider will review your information, connect with you, and evaluate whether metformin is appropriate for you.
3. Get your prescription electronically. If metformin is appropriate, your provider will send a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice. No office visit required.
4. Get your medication. Pick up metformin at a retail pharmacy or have it delivered to you.

No health insurance or subscription is required. Medical providers are available now.

More Metformin Information

• Metformin - Medline