About pirfenidon e
Antifibrotic agent
Used for
- Treats idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in adults
Usual adult dose
Titrated over 14 days to 801 mg three times daily with food; usual total 2,403 mg daily.
Common side effects
- Nausea, indigestion, or diarrhea
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Rash or sun sensitivity
- Raised liver enzymes
Important warnings
- Liver injury is possible; liver blood tests are needed during treatment.
- Sun exposure can cause severe reactions; use sun protection.
- Smoking may reduce the medicine’s effectiveness.
- Take with food to reduce stomach effects.
Pregnancy
Safety is not established; use during pregnancy is generally avoided.
Breastfeeding
Whether it passes into breast milk is unknown; breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment.
Interactions
- Fluvoxamine can greatly increase pirfenidone levels; combination is contraindicated.
- Ciprofloxacin can raise levels; dose adjustment may be needed.
- Rifampicin can lower levels and may reduce effectiveness.
- Smoking can lower levels and reduce effectiveness.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.