Esbriet (Perfenidone)

Information about Esbriet (Pirfenidone)

Esbriet is the brand name for pirfenidone, an oral antifibrotic medication used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)—a chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring (fibrosis) of the lung tissue. Esbriet works to slow disease progression by minimizing lung scarring, inflammation, and the formation of fibrotic tissue.

Product Highlights

• Esbriet is specifically indicated for the treatment of adults with IPF to slow disease progression and help preserve lung function.

Key Ingredient

• Pirfenidone

Key Benefits

• Helps reduce the decline in lung function in patients with IPF.
• Decreases the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• It may help postpone the progression of respiratory symptoms and related complications.
• Convenient for home use under medical supervision.

Direction of Use

• Typically begins with a titration phase:
• Days 1–7: 267 mg three times daily
• Days 8–14: 534 mg (2 × 267 mg) three times daily
• Day 15 onward: 801 mg (3 × 267 mg or 1 × 801 mg) three times daily
• Taking it with food can help minimize nausea and other gastrointestinal side effects.
• For consistent effectiveness, take it at the same times each day to maintain stable blood levels.
• If you miss a dose, skip it and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up.

Safety Concerns

• May elevate liver enzymes; liver function tests are required regularly.
• Increases sensitivity to sunlight and UV light; can lead to rashes or sunburn.
• Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, and decreased appetite.
• These may affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
• Use caution with medications metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP1A2 (e.g., fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin).

Avoid Esbriet (Pirfenidone) If

• You are allergic to pirfenidone or any of the excipients in Esbriet.
• You have severe liver impairment or end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis.
• You are taking strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine) that significantly increase pirfenidone blood levels.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless clearly advised by a healthcare provider.
• You have a history of photosensitivity reactions or are unable to avoid sunlight exposure.