Key facts about Pirfenidone
What dosages is Pirfenidone available in?
Pirfenidone is available as a 267 mg oral capsule.
What is Pirfenidone used for?
Pirfenidone is an antifibrotic agent that is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
How does Pirfenidone work?
It is not exactly clear how Pirfenidone works, but it lessens the chemicals that cause inflammation and fibrosis (scarring) in the lungs. As a result, your lungs don’t scar as quickly and your breathing doesn’t worsen as much over time.
How do I take Pirfenidone?
When first starting Pirfenidone, you’ll need to follow a specific dose schedule.
- Week 1: Take 267 mg (1 pill) by mouth three times daily
- Week 2: Take 534 mg (2 pills) by mouth three times daily
- Week 3 and beyond: Take 801 (3 pills) by mouth three times daily. Pirfenidone is also available as a 801 mg tablet, so you may eventually get to switch to 1 pill a day once you reach this maintenance dose
Is it safe for me to take Pirfenidone?
Pirfenidone is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Pirfenidone Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Pirfenidone:
- Nausea
- Rash
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Common cold symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Poor appetite
Pirfenidone Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Pirfenidone. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Liver injury: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark-colored urine, pain on the right side of your torso, more bleeding or bruising, tiredness that doesn’t go away
Severe sunburn or rash
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Pirfenidone
The following medications may interact with Pirfenidone:
- Moderate (e.g., ciprofloxacin) and strong inhibitors of CYP1A2 (e.g. fluvoxamine) increase systemic exposure of Pirfenidone and may alter the adverse reaction profile of Pirfenidone. Discontinue fluvoxamine prior to administration of Pirfenidone or reduce to one capsule three times a day
- Consider dosage reduction with use of ciprofloxacin
Who makes Pirfenidone?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Pirfenidone safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Pirfenidone will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Pirfenidone.
