Esbriet
Generic name:pirfenidone [ pir-FEN-i-done ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous uncategorized agents
What is Esbriet?
Esbriet is used to treat a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF causes scar tissue to form deep within your lungs. The scar tissue thickens and becomes stiff or thick over time, which can make it harder for your lungs to work. Decreased lung function can make it hard for you to breathe. Other medical problems can occur when your brain, heart, and other organs do not get enough oxygen.
The cause of IPF is often unknown, but this condition is a progressive disease that can be fatal.
Esbriet is not a cure for IPF, but this medicine may slow the progress of this disease.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Esbriet if you are allergic to pirfenidone.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
liver disease;
kidney disease; or
if you smoke.
It is not known whether Esbriet will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether pirfenidone passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
How should I take Esbriet?
Take Esbriet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using Esbriet.
Take this medicine with food at the same time each day.
Esbriet is usually taken 3 times per day. Your dose needs will change over the first 15 days of your treatment.
For the first week, you will take only 1 capsule or tablet at a time.
During the second week, you will take 2 capsules or tablets at a time.
From the third week on, you will take 3 capsules or tablets at a time.
If you use the 801-milligram tablet from the third week on you will take only 1 tablet at a time, 3 times per day.
You should not take more than 3 doses per day.
You must follow this first-2-week "dose escalation" schedule when you start taking Esbriet, or if you start taking the medicine again after not taking it for 14 days or longer. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
If you do stop taking Esbriet for any reason, talk with your doctor before restarting the medicine.
You may need frequent medical tests to be sure pirfenidone is not causing harmful effects on your liver. Your next few doses may be delayed or reduced based on the results of ...
