Common use

Esbriet (pirfenidone) may be used to treat adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a lung condition that causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs. Esbriet’s mechanism of action involves slowing down the build-up of scar tissue in the lungs. Esbriet is not a cure for IPF, but it does slow how quickly the condition progresses.

Dosage and direction

Take Esbriet exactly as your doctor tells you to take it. Your doctor may change your dose of Esbriet as needed. Esbriet is usually taken three times a day. Take Esbriet with food at the same times each day. This may help to decrease side effects such as nausea and dizziness. Esbriet is usually taken long-term.

Precautions

Before you take Esbriet, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have liver problems; have kidney problems; are a smoker; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Contraindications

Avoid sunlight. Esbriet can make your skin sensitive to the sun and the light from sunlamps and tanning beds. You could get a severe sunburn. Use sunscreen (SPF 50) and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you have to be in sunlight. Talk to your doctor if you get sunburn or a rash.
Avoid taking Esbriet with other medicines that can make your skin sensitive to the sun, the light from sunlamps, and tanning beds.
Avoid smoking. Smoking may affect how well Esbriet works.

Possible side effect

The most common side effects of Esbriet are: feeling tired; difficulty sleeping; upper respiratory tract infections, such as a cold; sinus infections; headache; dizziness; weight loss and lower or loss of appetite.
Esbriet may cause the following serious side effects: Liver problems; Esbriet has caused severe skin reactions. Call your doctor right away if you have a severe skin reaction, such as skin blisters, rash, sores in the mouth, hives, or any other severe skin symptoms. Your doctor may stop your treatment with Esbriet; Stomach problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, and stomach pain have also been reported with Esbriet. Tell your doctor right away if your stomach problems get worse or do not go away.

Drug interaction

Moderate (such as ciprofloxacin) and strong inhibitors of CYP1A2 (such as fluvoxamine) increase blood levels of Esbriet and may increase the risk of side effects.
Discontinue fluvoxamine before administering Esbriet or reduce the dosage to 267 mg three times a day.
Your healthcare provider may consider a dosage reduction with the use of ciprofloxacin.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember but if it is almost time for your next dose, miss that dose, and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for your missed dose.

Overdose

Do not take more than 3 doses of Esbriet each day. If you take too much Esbriet, call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Storage

Store Esbriet capsules and tablets at room temperature, 77°F (25°C). Keep in a tightly closed container. Throw away any Esbriet that is out of date or no longer needed. Keep Esbriet and all medicines out of reach of children.