Pirfenidone

Pirfenidone Uses

Pirfenidone is used to treat a certain lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This disease causes the lungs to get scarred and become stiff, making it hard to breathe. Pirfenidone may help slow down the worsening of your IPF.

How to use Pirfenidone Capsule

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking pirfenidone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day. Taking pirfenidone with food may help decrease dizziness and nausea. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.

Pirfenidone Side Effects

Tiredness, lack of energy, loss of appetite, weight loss, or changes in taste may occur. Dizziness, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, or heartburn may also occur but taking pirfenidone with food may lessen these side effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Pirfenidone may rarely cause serious liver disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, including: persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

 This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Pirfenidone Precautions

Before taking pirfenidone tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease (such as dialysis).

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Pirfenidone Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Other medications can affect the removal of pirfenidone from your body, which may affect how pirfenidone works. Examples include rifamycins (such as rifampin), drugs used to treat seizures (such as phenytoin), among others.

Cigarette smoking decreases blood levels of this medication. Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking.

Note:  We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.

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