Pirfenidone
About Pirfenidone
Pirfenidone is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in adults. IPF is an irreversible disease that is marked by a progressive decline in lung function. The tissues in the lungs become swollen and scarred over time, which makes it difficult to breathe deeply. The scarring makes it hard for the lungs to work properly.
Pirfenidone contains ‘Pirfenidone’, which helps reduce scarring and swelling in the lungs by decreasing the release/activity of naturally occurring growth factors in the body, thereby helping you breathe better. Pirfenidone helps in slowing down the progress of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as nausea, tiredness, diarrhoea, indigestion, loss of appetite, headache, and photosensitivity. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor before taking Pirfenidone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pirfenidone may cause tiredness and dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol with Pirfenidone as it could lead to increased dizziness. Pirfenidone is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Pirfenidone
Medicinal Benefits
Pirfenidone is an anti-fibrotic medicine used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in adults. Pirfenidone can help effectively slow the rate of lung function decline by 50%. Pirfenidone helps reduce the scarring and swelling in the lungs by decreasing the release/activity of naturally occurring growth factors in the body, thereby helping you breathe better. Pirfenidone helps in slowing down the progress of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pirfenidone
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion/Stomach upset
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Photosensitivity
Drug Warnings
Do not take Pirfenidone if you are allergic to any of its components; if you have a severe or end-stage liver impairment or kidney disease requiring dialysis; if you are taking fluvoxamine (anti-depressant). Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines that might make you photosensitive, if you smoke or have kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking Pirfenidone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pirfenidone may cause tiredness and dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol with Pirfenidone as it could lead to increased dizziness. Pirfenidone is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Pirfenidone may interact with an anti-depressant (fluvoxamine), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, rifampicin), antiarrhythmic (amiodarone, propafenone), antacid (omeprazole).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid grapefruit juice and chargrilled meats.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have severe hepatic problems or end-stage renal impairment requiring dialysis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Pirfenidone. However, avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Pirfenidone as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether Pirfenidone can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionPirfenidone might cause dizziness and tiredness. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this. Pirfenidone is not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns. Pirfenidone is not recommended for patients with an end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis.
Children
unsafePirfenidone is not recommended for children below 18years as the safety and effectiveness has not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Watch out for triggers that make the cough worse, such as smoke, foods, air-conditioning, high altitude, etc.
Exercise moderately. Eat healthily.
Follow the pulmonary rehabilitation program. It includes exercise, disease education, and group therapy.
Quit smoking.
Get ample rest.
Include green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, mangoes, citrus fruits, berries, and cocoa.
Lean proteins such as fish, meat, and poultry are the best.
Hydration is important. Drink plenty of water, herbal tea, and fruit juices.
Avoid processed and refined foods.
Special Advise
Your doctor may advise liver function tests prior to the start of the treatment.
Regular blood tests are advised at the start of treatment with Pirfenidone and monthly for every 6 months, and then for every 3 months thereafter to check the liver functioning.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis belongs to a group of interstitial lung diseases. It is an irreversible chronic disease marked by a progressive decline in lung function. The tissues in the lungs become inflamed and scarred over time, which makes it difficult to breathe properly. The scar tissue, known as fibrosis, becomes thick /stiff over time, making it hard for the lungs to work efficiently. This causes decreased lung function, which leads to increased breathlessness and coughing. Breathing difficulties can lead to other medical problems. Symptoms of IPF are shortness of breath, persistent dry cough, loss of appetite, weight loss, and rounded and widened tips of the fingers and toes.
FAQs
Pirfenidone is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in adults. IPF is an irreversible disease that is marked by a progressive decline in lung function.
Pirfenidone helps in reducing the scarring and swelling in the lungs by decreasing the release/activity of naturally occurring growth factors in the body, thereby helps you breathe better.
Pirfenidone might make you photosensitive (sensitivity to sunlight). Avoid exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen and protective clothing to reduce exposure to sunlight. Talk to your doctor if you are taking any medicines known to cause photosensitivity. If you notice any symptoms of photosensitivity, consult a doctor.
Do not discontinue Pirfenidone without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Pirfenidone for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Pirfenidone.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Pirfenidone. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you have severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
No, avoid smoking prior to the start of the treatment and while taking Pirfenidone as smoking might alter the effectiveness of Pirfenidone.
Weight loss could occur due to loss of appetite. Maintain proper weight by eating healthy food. Your doctor might monitor your weight whilst taking Pirfenidone. Consult your doctor if you notice severe weight loss.
Pirfenidone is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness have yet to be established.
Taking Pirfenidone on an empty stomach may cause stomach discomfort. So, take Pirfenidone with food. Swallow Pirfenidone as a whole with a glass of water; do not chew or crush it.
While taking Pirfenidone, your doctor will monitor you regularly for potential side effects. This includes checking your liver and kidney function, blood cell count, weight, and skin for any reactions. They will also perform eye exams and monitor your lung function. Regular check-ups are crucial to ensure safe treatment. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions and attend all scheduled appointments.
Continuing treatment with Pirfenidone is crucial because it helps slow down the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), reduces the risk of lung function decline, and manages symptoms like cough and shortness of breath. This helps improve your quality of life and keeps you active. Stopping treatment may lead to disease progression, so it's essential to stick with your treatment plan and consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Common side effects of Pirfenidone may include nausea, tiredness, diarrhoea, indigestion, loss of appetite, headache, and photosensitivity. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
No, Pirfenidone is not a steroid. It is an antifibrotic medication, which means it helps to reduce scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs. It reduces inflammation and slows the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic lung disease. While steroids can be used to reduce inflammation, Pirfenidone is a specific medication designed to target fibrosis in the lungs and has a different mechanism of action.
Pirfenidone is right for you if you have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and your doctor has prescribed it to slow down lung scarring and progression.
Do not discontinue Pirfenidone without consulting your doctor, even if your condition appears to be under control. Stopping the medication abruptly may lead to a resurgence of symptoms and a loss of progress made. Continue taking the medication as prescribed and only discontinue use under the guidance of your healthcare provider. Regular monitoring and adjustments to your treatment plan will help ensure the best possible management of your condition.
While taking Pirfenidone, be sure to avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen to protect your skin. Quit smoking to ensure the medication works effectively and to improve your overall health. Also, refrain from taking other medications without consulting your doctor, as they may interact with Pirfenidone. Additionally, limit your consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice to minimize potential side effects. By following these guidelines, you can safely manage your treatment and optimize your health outcomes.
The survival rate of pulmonary fibrosis varies depending on several factors, including the patient's age, health, lifestyle, and the severity of the disease at diagnosis. According to the European Respiratory Society, the median overall survival time of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is 4.5 years. However, survival rates can vary significantly, with some patients living up to 10 years or more after diagnosis.
