Pirfenex 400mg Tablet
Manufacturer
Cipla Ltd
Salt Composition
Pirfenidone (400mg)
Key Information
Short Description
Pirfenex 400mg Tablet is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It reduces scarring and swelling in the lungs and helps to breathe better.
Dosage Form
Tablet
Introduction
Pirfenex 400mg Tablet is best taken with food. Take it at the same time every day to get the most benefits. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. You should take this medicine for as long as it is prescribed for you. The most common side effects of this medicine include insomnia, headache, dizziness, dyspepsia, nausea, diarrhea, and photosensitivity. To overcome dizziness, avoid driving or attention-seeking activity. Some people may experience weight loss and other side effects. Monitor your weight regularly or ask for the doctor's advice in such cases. Your doctor also may perform a liver function test while on treatment with this medicine.
Directions for Use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Pirfenex 400mg Tablet is to be taken with food.
How it works
Pirfenex 400mg Tablet is an antifibrotic medication. It works by blocking the action of a certain natural substance in the body that is involved in causing fibrosis. This reduces the scarring and swelling in the lungs and makes breathing easier.
Quick Tips
Pirfenex 400mg Tablet reduces scarring and swelling in the lungs and helps you breathe better. It is best to take this medicine with food and at the same time each day. This medication may make you more sensitive to sun. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Stop smoking during treatment with Pirfenex 400mg Tablet as it can reduce the effect of the treatment. It may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you. It may cause weight loss. Monitor your weight regularly. Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop abdominal pain, loss of appetite, darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
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Frequently asked questions
What monitoring will I need during treatment with Pirfenex 400mg Tablet?
Your healthcare provider will closely monitor your liver function before starting treatment with Pirfenex 400mg Tablet. This will involve regular blood tests, initially every month for the first six months and then every three months thereafter. In addition to this, they will also monitor your lung function periodically to assess the response to Pirfenex 400mg Tablet.
Why is it important to continue treatment with Pirfenex 400mg Tablet?
It is crucial to control the progression of the disease by preserving your lung function, which cannot be restored once lost. Therefore, it is highly recommended to start and continue treatment with Pirfenex 400mg Tablet as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Doing so can help preserve existing lung function.
What are the side effects of Pirfenex 400mg Tablet?
Common side effects of Pirfenex 400mg Tablet include increased sensitivity to sunlight, nausea, tiredness, diarrhea, indigestion or upset stomach, loss of appetite, and headache. Other common side effects may include infections of the throat or airways, bladder infections, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, sleepiness, changes in taste, hot flushes, shortness of breath, and cough. Additionally, some people may experience stomach problems such as acid reflux, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain and discomfort, heartburn, constipation, skin problems like itchy skin, skin redness or red skin, dry skin, skin rash, muscle pain, aching joints/joint pains, weakness, chest pain, and sunburn. Blood tests may also show increased levels of liver enzymes.
Is Pirfenex 400mg Tablet a steroid?
No, Pirfenex 400mg Tablet is not a steroid. It belongs to the pyridines group of medicines and is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in adults. In IPF, the tissues of the lungs become scarred and swollen over time, causing breathing difficulties. This medicine helps reduce these effects to improve lung function.
How do I know that Pirfenex 400mg Tablet is right for me?
Only you and your healthcare provider can decide if Pirfenex 400mg Tablet is suitable for you. The doctor will assess your condition before prescribing the medicine. Based on your response to treatment and tolerability, you should continue taking the medication.
If my disease is stable can I stop Pirfenex 400mg Tablet?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease, although its progression may be unpredictable. It is not recommended to stop the medication without consulting your healthcare provider. Continue taking Pirfenex 400mg Tablet to slow down the progression of the disease.
What should I avoid while taking Pirfenex 400mg Tablet?
You should limit sun exposure, wear sunblock daily, and cover your arms, legs, and head to reduce exposure to sunlight. Additionally, avoid smoking as it decreases the effectiveness of Pirfenex 400mg Tablet.
What is the survival rate of pulmonary fibrosis?
The median survival of patients with pulmonary fibrosis is 2-3 years, although some people may live much longer. Factors that can contribute to a shortened survival include older age, smoking history, and lower body mass index. Other factors that may be responsible for shorter survival are more severe disease extent both radiologically and physical impairment, and the development of other lung complications or conditions.
