Pirfenidone
Generic name: pirfenidone [ pir-FEN-i-done ]
Brand name: Esbriet
Dosage forms: oral capsule (267 mg); oral tablet (267 mg; 801 mg)
Drug class:Miscellaneous uncategorized agents
What is pirfenidone?
Pirfenidone is used to treat a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF causes scar tissue to form deep within your lungs. The scar tissue thickens and becomes stiff or thick over time, which can make it harder for your lungs to work. Decreased lung function can make it hard for you to breathe. Other medical problems can occur when your brain, heart, and other organs do not get enough oxygen.
The cause of IPF is often unknown, but this condition is a progressive disease that can be fatal. Pirfenidone is not a cure for IPF, but pirfenidone may slow the progress of this disease.
Pirfenidone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use pirfenidone if you are allergic to it.
To make sure pirfenidone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
kidney disease; or
if you smoke.
It is not known whether pirfenidone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether pirfenidone passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
How should I take pirfenidone?
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using pirfenidone.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take pirfenidone with food at the same time each day.
Pirfenidone is usually taken 3 times per day. Your dose needs will change over the first 15 days of your treatment.
For the first week, you will take only 1 capsule or tablet at a time.
During the second week, you will take 2 capsules or tablets at a time.
From the third week on, you will take 3 capsules or tablets at a time.
If you use the 801-milligram tablet from the third week on you will take only 1 tablet at a time, 3 times per day.
You should not take more than 3 doses per day.
You must follow this first-2-week "dose escalation" schedule when you start taking pirfenidone, or if you start taking the medicine again after n...
