Esbriet (Pirfenidone)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

What is Esbriet?

Esbriet contains the active ingredient pirfenidone and is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a chronic lung disease that affects the normal functioning of the lungs to exchange gases such as oxygen with the blood. Esbriet helps to improve the functioning of the lungs by slowing the progression of the disease.

Benefits and Uses of Esbriet

Esbriet is a prescription drug recommended by doctors to treat patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. IPF causes swelling, inflammation, and scarring of the lung. Over time, this scarring (fibrosis) causes the lungs to stiffen, affecting their functioning. This further leads to difficulty in breathing.

The exact mechanism of action of Esbriet is not known. But it has been shown to reduce the production of collagen by fibroblasts and secretion of inflammatory molecules. Thereby it reduces the inflammation, slows down the progression of the disease, and increases the survival of IPF patients.

How to take Esbriet?

Esbriet is usually taken orally at the same time each day. The doctor may recommend a low starting dose of Esbriet and gradually increase your dose.

• First 7 days: 267 mg tablet 3 times a day

• Day 8-14: Two 267 mg or one 534 mg tablet 3 times a day

• Day 15 onwards: Three 267 mg tablets or one 801 mg tablet 3 times a day.

The tablet should be taken during or after a meal as it may reduce adverse drug effects such as nausea and dizziness. In case you miss a dose of Esbriet, take it with food as soon as possible. It is highly advised to not take 2 doses at the same time.

Side effects of Esbriet

Patients taking Esbriet may experience some common side effects including:

• Weakness and dizziness
• Insomnia
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Sinusitis
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Weight loss

Esbriet may also cause some serious side effects, including:

• Yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, and abdominal pain (symptoms of liver problems)
• Sensitivity to sunlight and skin rashes
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heartburn
• Call your doctor right away if these symptoms get worse or do not go away.

Drug Interactions

Sometimes taking more than two drugs can change drug action and may increase the risk of adverse effects. Tell your doctor before starting the treatment if you are taking any other medications including:

• Antibiotics such as rifamycins, ciprofloxacin, and chloramphenicol
• Antidepressants such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, and fluvoxamine
• Anti-seizure medications such as phenytoin

Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking as smoking decreases the blood level of this medication.

Safety Information

• Before you take Esbriet, tell your doctor if you have had any other medical conditions, particularly liver or kidney disease.

• Completely avoid smoking while taking the medicine

• Consult with the doctor before using Esbriet if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother.

• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight, tanning beds, and sunlamps.

• Tell your doctor if you take marijuana or drink alcohol as they can make you dizzier.

Reference:

• https://www.esbriet.com/taking-esbriet/how-to-take-esbriet.html

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-165325/esbriet-oral/details

• https://www.rxlist.com/esbriet-drug.htm

• https://pulmonaryfibrosisnews.com/esbriet-pirfenidone-idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis/