Pirfenidone

1 medicine

Pirfenidone is an antifibrotic for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis that requires regular liver-function blood tests and strict sun protection, because it can cause both liver injury and severe photosensitivity reactions.

Esbriet

Pirfenidone

200/400mg

Esbriet is a covid 19 medication containing Pirfenidone, available as 200/400mg tablets.

from $2.18 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Pirfenidone (brand name Esbriet) is an antifibrotic medicine that slows the scarring process in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
  • It's taken by mouth with food, three times a day, to reduce nausea.
  • It requires regular liver-function blood tests, and it can cause severe sun sensitivity, so strict sun protection is essential for as long as you take it.
  • Seek urgent care for yellowing of the skin or eyes, or a severe skin reaction after sun exposure.

What pirfenidone treats

Pirfenidone treats idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease in which scar tissue builds up for no known cause, gradually stiffening the lungs and making breathing harder. It slows the decline in lung function over time; it does not reverse scarring that has already formed.

How pirfenidone works

Pirfenidone blocks some of the growth-factor signals, including TGF-beta, that drive lung cells to produce excess scar tissue. By dampening this process, it slows the rate at which lung tissue stiffens.

Before you take it

  • You'll need baseline liver-function blood tests before starting, then regular monitoring, typically monthly for 6 months and every 3 months after that.
  • Do not take it with fluvoxamine or other strong CYP1A2 inhibitors, since these raise pirfenidone levels substantially. Ciprofloxacin also raises levels and needs caution.
  • Stop smoking before starting. Smoking lowers pirfenidone levels in the blood and reduces its effect.
  • Tell your doctor about any liver disease, since pirfenidone can cause liver injury.

Side effects

Common effects include nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and fatigue. Taking it with food reduces stomach upset.

Seek urgent medical care for:

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual tiredness, which can signal liver injury.
  • A severe skin reaction after sun exposure: blistering, intense burning, or a widespread rash.
  • Sudden worsening shortness of breath or chest pain.
  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.

Safety essentials

  • Pirfenidone requires regular liver-function blood tests for as long as you take it. Report unusual tiredness, nausea, or yellowing skin right away.
  • It causes severe photosensitivity. Avoid direct sunlight, use broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher, and wear protective clothing whenever you're outside, even on cloudy days.
  • Avoid smoking and strong CYP1A2 inhibitors like fluvoxamine, which change how much of the drug stays in your system.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.