Pirfenidet (Pirfenidone)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Pirfenidet Used For?
Pirfenidet contains the active ingredient pirfenidone and is specifically designed to treat a serious lung condition called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).
Primary Uses
Pirfenidet is used to treat Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a condition where lung tissues become swollen and scarred, making it difficult for the lungs to work properly.
How It Works
Pirfenidet helps reduce scarring and swelling in the lungs, which helps improve breathing and lung function.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive
How to Take Pirfenidet
Your doctor will start you on a lower dose and gradually increase it over 14 days to help your body adjust to the medication.
Dosage Instructions
Days 1-7: Take 267 mg three times daily (801 mg/day). Days 8-14: Take 534 mg three times daily (1602 mg/day). Day 15 onward: Take 801 mg three times daily (2403 mg/day). Always take with or immediately after food. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Take at the same times each day for best results.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but make sure to separate each dose by 3 hours. Do not take more than 3 doses per day. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Never take more than 2403 mg per day – doses above this are not recommended for any patient
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Muscle aches or pain
- Skin reactions after sun exposure
- Rash or itching
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion or stomach upset
- Loss of appetite
- Throat or airway infections
- Acid reflux
- Vomiting
- Feeling bloated
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Difficulty sleeping
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin or whites of eyes)
- Dark or brown urine
- Pain in upper right stomach area
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Swelling of face, lips, or tongue
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Pirfenidet should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Pirfenidet
Do not take if you are taking fluvoxamine (for depression/OCD), have severe liver or kidney problems including dialysis, are allergic to pirfenidone or any ingredients, are under 18 years old, or are pregnant.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, are a smoker, have allergies to medicines/foods/preservatives, or drink alcohol.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take during pregnancy as it may affect your developing baby. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine as it’s unknown if pirfenidone passes into breast milk.
Liver Warning: Call your doctor immediately if you develop yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, upper right stomach pain, or unusual bleeding/bruising
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with Pirfenidet or be affected by it, so it’s important to tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Grapefruit interaction: Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking Pirfenidet as it may prevent the medicine from working properly
- Fluvoxamine (depression/OCD medication)
- Tetracyclines like doxycycline (antibiotics)
- Ciprofloxacin and enoxacin (infection treatments)
- Omeprazole (stomach ulcer treatment)
- Rifampicin (antibiotic)
- Amiodarone (heart disease medication)
- Propafenone (heart disease medication)
Alcohol & Driving
Pirfenidet can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with alcohol, so special precautions are needed.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Discuss any alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Pirfenidet may cause dizziness and tiredness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything dangerous if you experience these symptoms. Be careful with activities requiring alertness and coordination.
Storage
Keep tablets in the original bottle until ready to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Pirfenidet, seek immediate medical attention even if you feel fine. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pirfenidet helps control your condition but does not cure it. It’s important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well, as directed by your doctor.
Yes, you should take Pirfenidet with or immediately after food. This helps reduce the risk of side effects like nausea and dizziness.
No, Pirfenidet is not addictive according to the medication information.
Do not stop taking Pirfenidet suddenly or lower the dose without checking with your doctor, as your condition may worsen. If you need to stop for more than 14 days, your doctor will restart you on a lower dose and gradually increase it.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Discuss any alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider while taking this medication.
Yes, Pirfenidet can cause weight loss. Your doctor will monitor your weight while you are taking this medicine.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but separate each dose by 3 hours. Do not take more than 3 doses per day and never double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.