Pioglitazone 15 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise, when other tablets are not enough; Added to metformin or glimepiride when sugar control is poor.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.82 to ₹8.60 per tablet across 7 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pioglitazone Tablets IP 15 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹8.25 | ₹0.82 | 19 October 2026 |
| K-Pio 15 | Blue Cross Laboratories Ltd | 15 | ₹35.62 | ₹2.37 | 19 October 2026 |
| Pionorm 15 | Micro Labs Ltd | 15 | ₹89.00 | ₹5.93 | 19 October 2026 |
| Piopod 15 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹75.14 | ₹7.51 | 19 October 2026 |
| Pioglar 15 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹81.00 | ₹8.10 | 19 October 2026 |
| Piomed 15 | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹81.98 | ₹8.20 | 19 October 2026 |
| Pioz 15 | USV Private Limited | 10 | ₹85.95 | ₹8.60 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise, when other tablets are not enough.
- Added to metformin or glimepiride when sugar control is poor.
- Added to insulin in selected patients under specialist care.
How to take it
Take one 15 mg tablet once a day at the same time each day, with or without food, swallowed with water. It works slowly – blood sugar may start falling in about 2 weeks and the full effect can take 2 to 3 months, so do not stop early. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually and will check your liver, weight and signs of fluid retention regularly. Keep taking it even when you feel well. Stop and see a doctor if you develop sudden weight gain, swollen ankles, breathlessness, blood in the urine or yellow eyes.
Side effects
Common
- Weight gain and fluid retention (swollen ankles).
- Headache, muscle pain, pain in the arms or legs.
- Sore throat or cold-like symptoms.
- Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or glimepiride.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Heart failure – sudden weight gain, breathlessness especially lying down, swelling of legs or stomach. Seek help urgently.
- Bladder cancer risk with long-term use – blood in urine, pain on passing urine.
- Liver problems – nausea, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes.
- Bone fractures, especially in women; blurred vision from swelling at the back of the eye.
Safety information
Alcohol
Limit alcohol. It can lower blood sugar unpredictably and adds to liver strain.
Pregnancy
Not used in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pioglitazone can restore ovulation in women with PCOS or irregular periods, so use contraception if you do not want to become pregnant.
Kidney problems
Can be used in mild to moderate kidney disease; tell your doctor about any kidney problem.
Liver problems
Not for people with liver disease. Liver blood tests are checked before and during treatment.
Children
Not used in children.
Missed dose
Take it the same day if you remember. If you remember only the next day, skip it. Never take two doses in one day.
Interactions
- Insulin and glimepiride – higher chance of low blood sugar and fluid retention.
- Gemfibrozil (cholesterol) – raises pioglitazone levels; rifampicin lowers them.
- NSAID painkillers (ibuprofen, diclofenac) – worsen fluid retention.
- Ranitidine – listed as an interaction; tell your doctor.
- Combined contraceptive pills – effectiveness may change; discuss contraception with your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Pioz 15 before or after food?
Either. Take it at the same time every day, with or without food.
Pioz 15 vs Pioz 30 – which do I need?
Both are pioglitazone. 15 mg is the usual starting dose; your doctor may increase to 30 mg if sugar control is still poor and there are no side effects like swelling.
Does Pioz cause weight gain?
Yes, weight gain and fluid retention are common. Tell your doctor if you gain weight quickly or your ankles swell, as this can signal heart failure.
Is pioglitazone linked to bladder cancer?
Studies found a small increase in bladder cancer with long-term use, so it is avoided in people with bladder cancer history. Report blood in the urine or pain on urinating to your doctor.
Can I take Pioz 15 with alcohol?
Keep alcohol to a minimum. It can cause unpredictable blood sugar changes and adds to liver strain.
How long does Pioglar take to work?
It is a slow-acting medicine. Sugar may begin to fall after about 2 weeks, with the full effect at 2 to 3 months. Do not stop early.
Is Pioz 15 safe in pregnancy?
No. Pioglitazone is not used in pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can also restore ovulation in women with irregular periods, so use contraception if needed.
Can Pioz 15 be taken with Glycomet?
Yes, pioglitazone is often combined with metformin. Watch for low blood sugar if glimepiride or insulin is also part of your treatment.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Pioglitazone (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms