Pioglitazone

Diabetes medicine (glitazone)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Pioglitazone is a diabetes medicine (glitazone) found in 2 medicines sold in India, such as Pioz 15, Pioz 30. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Helps the body respond better to its own insulin.

How it works

A glitazone that makes the body's cells more sensitive to insulin.

How to take it

Usually 15 to 30 mg once a day, with or without food.

Common side effects

  • Weight gain
  • Swelling of ankles
  • Anaemia

Get medical help straight away if

  • Breathlessness or rapid weight gain (heart failure)
  • Blood in urine (bladder cancer risk with long use)
  • Dark urine

Be careful

Can cause weight gain and swelling; not with heart failure.

Other medicines and interactions

Fluid build-up is worse with insulin. Raises fracture risk in women.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not for use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Brands of Pioglitazone (2)

Pioz 15Pioz 30

Common questions

What is Pioglitazone used for?

Helps the body respond better to its own insulin.

How does Pioglitazone work?

A glitazone that makes the body's cells more sensitive to insulin.

How should I take Pioglitazone?

Usually 15 to 30 mg once a day, with or without food.

What are the side effects of Pioglitazone?

Common: Weight gain, swelling of ankles, anaemia. Get help straight away for: Breathlessness or rapid weight gain (heart failure), blood in urine (bladder cancer risk with long use), dark urine.

Does Pioglitazone interact with other medicines?

Fluid build-up is worse with insulin. Raises fracture risk in women.

Is Pioglitazone safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Not for use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Does Pioglitazone need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Pioglitazone?

Pioz 15, Pioz 30.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.