Pirfenidone

Generic name: Pirfenidone
Brand names: Esbriet
Drug class: Miscellaneous uncategorized agents

Usage of Pirfenidone

Pirfenidone is used in adults to treat a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Pirfenidone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Pirfenidone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Pirfenidone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

new or worsening problems in your stomach or esophagus such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, and stomach or esophagus pain;

skin rash on your face or arms that worsen in sunlight; or

liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of pirfenidone may include:

nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

stomach pain, heartburn, upset stomach;

diarrhea;

headache, dizziness, tired feeling;

weight loss;

joint pain;

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat; or

sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Pirfenidone

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

if you smoke; or

liver or kidney disease.

It is not known if pirfenidone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using pirfenidone.

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How to use Pirfenidone

Usual Adult Dose for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis:

Initial dose: -Days 1 to 7: 267 mg (one capsule) orally three times a day -Days 8 to 14: 534 mg (two capsules) orally three times a day Maintenance/Maximum dose (Day 15 onward): 801 mg (three capsules) orally three times a day Comments: -Take with food to reduce nausea and dizziness.-Doses should be taken at the same time each day.Use: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What other drugs will affect Pirfenidone

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Other drugs may affect pirfenidone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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