Metformin
Extended-release oral tablet$30/mo*
A once daily medication FDA approved for type 2 diabetes, studied for its role in healthy aging.
- Activates AMPK, a key metabolic regulator
- May lower glucose production in the liver
- May support healthy aging pathways
*Billed every 3 months, paid upfront.
Includes provider review · Ships in 3–5 days if prescribed
- Licensed providers
- Free shipping
- US-based pharmacies
This is an FDA-approved medication for management of diabetes. Metformin is not FDA approved for treatment related to age related matters or weight loss. This product is prescribed only if a licensed health care provider determines it is clinically appropriate following evaluation. Individual results vary. Elysium Health is not a clinical provider but contracts with third-party clinical entities with licensed health care providers which provide medical care to individuals that use the Elysium Health platform. Image for illustration only. Actual product may vary.
Metformin carries a boxed warning — the FDA's most serious. See important safety information.
Why metformin
A metabolic regulator at the center of longevity research
Metformin activates AMPK—a master switch in cellular energy metabolism—and improves how the body handles glucose. Its effects on mTOR, inflammation, and the microbiome have made it a focus of investigational aging research.
How metformin works
What it does in the body
Metformin works on the body's core metabolic machinery—well established for glucose, and studied for aging.
Activates AMPK
Metformin activates AMPK, a master switch in cellular energy metabolism.
Lowers liver glucose
It reduces glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Studied for aging
Effects on mTOR, inflammation, and the microbiome drive interest in aging—investigational, and proposed for testing in the TAME trial.
Our medical team
Developed with expert clinicians
From our Chief Medical Officer
The goal of longevity treatment is not simply more years. It is more good years. We built TELI to bring clinical rigor to a space that has too often lacked it, so people can pursue their healthspan with the same confidence they bring to the rest of their medical care.
How The Elysium Longevity Institute works
From intake to your doorstep
- Step 1
Complete your medical intake
Choose your protocol, then share your health history and goals to begin your longevity care.
What your provider needs
- Step 2
Provider review
A licensed provider will review your intake and prescribe a personalized protocol, if appropriate.
Licensed & confidential
- Step 3
Shipped to your door
If prescribed, a licensed partner pharmacy will ship to your door free of charge within 3–5 business days.
Fast, free shipping
- Step 4
Ongoing care
Message your provider any time through your TELI portal.
On-demand support
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is metformin?
Metformin is a biguanide medication that lowers glucose production in the liver, improves insulin sensitivity, and activates AMPK—a regulator of cellular energy metabolism. Metformin is an FDA-approved medication for type 2 diabetes.
Is metformin FDA approved?
Yes. Metformin is FDA-approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
How do you take metformin?
Metformin is an oral tablet typically taken with food. If prescribed, your provider will give you exact dosing instructions based on your protocol.
What are the side effects of metformin?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort, particularly when beginning treatment or increasing the dose. These effects may improve as your body adjusts. Contact your healthcare provider if side effects are severe, persistent, or bothersome.
Who shouldn't take metformin?
Metformin should not be used by people with severe kidney impairment, a known allergy to metformin, or acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis. Tell your provider about your full medical history, including kidney or liver problems, alcohol use, and any upcoming surgery or imaging procedure involving iodinated contrast. Your provider may check your kidney function before and during treatment. Metformin is formally contraindicated when eGFR is below 30 mL/min/1.73 m², while starting it at an eGFR of 30–45 is not recommended.
Is metformin safe?
Metformin has been used for decades and has a well-characterized safety profile when appropriately prescribed and monitored. Common side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea and diarrhea. Rarely, metformin can cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Your provider will review your kidney function, health history, medications, and other risk factors before prescribing. See Important Safety Information for full details.
References
Metformin's effect on blood sugar has strong evidence, and it is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Its use for healthy aging rests on observational data and is investigational — being tested directly in the TAME trial — and is not FDA-approved for aging.
- Barzilai N, Crandall JP, Kritchevsky SB, Espeland MA. Metformin as a Tool to Target Aging. Cell Metab. 2016 Jun 14;23(6):1060-1065. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2016.05.011. PMID: 27304507; PMCID: PMC5943638.
- Kulkarni AS, Gubbi S, Barzilai N. Benefits of Metformin in Attenuating the Hallmarks of Aging. Cell Metab. 2020 Jul 7;32(1):15-30. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.04.001. Epub 2020 Apr 24. PMID: 32333835; PMCID: PMC7347426.
- Guarente L, Sinclair DA, Kroemer G. Human trials exploring anti-aging medicines. Cell Metab. 2024 Feb 6;36(2):354-376. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.007. Epub 2024 Jan 4. PMID: 38181790.
Ready to start Metformin?
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