Pirfenidone
About
Pirfenidone is an anti-fibrotic medicine 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, due to which it gets difficult to breathe deeply. The scarring makes it hard for the lungs to work properly.
Pirfenidone contains ‘Pirfenidone’, which 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 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 helps 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
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
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, due to which it gets 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, rounded and widened tips of the fingers and toes.
FAQs
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.
