Pioglitazone is a generic prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s meant to be used together with diet and exercise.

For more information about pioglitazone’s uses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug details

Here are some details about pioglitazone:

  • Drug class: thiazolidinediones
  • Drug form: oral tablet
  • Brand-name version: Actos

Read on to learn about pioglitazone and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions.

As with all medications, the cost of pioglitazone can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

To find out what the cost of pioglitazone will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and pioglitazone.

Can pioglitazone’s price vary depending on which strength or dosage I’m taking (15 mg, 30 mg, 45 mg)?

Yes, the price of pioglitazone tablets can vary depending on the strength or dosage you’re prescribed. Other factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

If you’d like an estimate on the price you may pay for pioglitazone, talk with your pharmacist. Usually, they can use your prescription and insurance information to get a cost estimate for you. You can also ask your doctor or insurance company.

Can the cost of pioglitazone vary with and without insurance?

Yes, the cost of pioglitazone can vary depending on whether you have insurance. In general, prescription medications such as pioglitazone tend to cost more without insurance. But keep in mind other factors can affect the cost you pay without insurance, including the strength and dosage you’re prescribed and the pharmacy you use.

If you have questions about the cost of pioglitazone, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Your pharmacist may be able to help you determine what pioglitazone costs without insurance.

Pioglitazone is a generic drug that is available in a brand-name form called Actos. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of Actos compares with the cost of pioglitazone, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If your doctor has prescribed pioglitazone and you’re interested in using Actos instead, talk with your doctor. They may prefer one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as your plan may only cover one or the other.

Below are some ways to reduce long-term drug costs with pioglitazone.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of pioglitazone. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Pioglitazone may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home.

Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for pioglitazone, consider looking into websites that offer cost resources and information. Two such organizations are:

These sites can provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and pioglitazone, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to you and pioglitazone.

But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for pioglitazone.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.