What is Esbriet?
Adults are treated with Esbriet for a lung condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.IPF can cause scar tissue to develop deep inside your lungs. Over time, the scar tissue becomes thicker and stiffer. This can affect your lung's ability to function. Reduced lung function can cause you difficulty breathing. When your brain, heart, and other organs don't get enough oxygen, they can cause medical issues.IPF can have a number of causes, and it is progressive. It is also fatal.Esbriet does not cure IPF, but it may help slow down the progression of this condition.Esbriet is a member of a group of drugs called pyridones. Pirfenidone blocks the actions of certain substances in the body that are involved in the fibrosis process.
Side effects of Esbriet
If you experience any of the following symptoms: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face, throat, or nose, or severe skin reactions (fever or sore throat with burning eyes or skin, blistering or peeling skin, or red or purple rash), then seek emergency medical attention.If you experience a severe drug reaction, seek medical attention. Symptoms can include a rash on the skin, fever, swelling of the glands, weakness, unusual bruises, or a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Esbriet can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- If you experience new or worsening stomach and esophagus problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, or stomach pain, then it is time to seek medical attention.
- Skin rash that gets worse in the sun on your arms or face
- Liver problems: loss of appetite, pain in the upper right corner of your stomach, fatigue, itching dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
Esbriet may cause side effects such as:
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- Stomach pain, heartburn, upset stomach;
- Diarrhea;
- Dizziness and headache;
- Weight loss;
- Joint Pain
- Cold symptoms like a stuffy nose or a sore throat.
- Sleep problems (insomnia).
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Report adverse events by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
The following are the terms and conditions for using this service: nintedanib, pirfenidone, and interferon gamma-1b.
Warnings
Inform your pharmacist and doctor if you have an allergy to Esbriet, other medicines, or the ingredient.Esbriet can interact with other medications. Tell your pharmacist and doctor what you take or intend to use. You may be asked to adjust the dosage of medications, or your doctor will monitor for any side effects.
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure Esbriet will be safe for you:
- if you smoke;
- Liver or kidney disease
There is no way to know if pirfenidone can harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor of any pregnancy or plans to get pregnant.A doctor can tell you if breastfeeding is possible while taking this medication.
How to take Esbriet?
Esbriet should be taken exactly as directed by your physician. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your medication. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Your liver will be tested frequently, and the next dosage may need to be deferred if you get negative results.Esbriet should be taken with meals at the same times each day.Esbriet can be taken three times a day. Your dosage needs may change during the first 15 days of treatment. Do not ignore your doctor's instructions.Do not exceed three tablets per day.Do not use this medication again unless your doctor has advised you to.Keep tightly sealed at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis:
Initial dosage:
Days 8–14: Orally, take two capsules of 534mg (twice a day).
Maximum/Maintenance dose: Orally, three capsules of 801mg each (day 15 and beyond)
Comments:
Take it with food for nausea relief and to prevent dizziness.
Take the doses at the same times each day.
Use: idiopathic lung fibrosis
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take two doses at once. Never take two doses of the same medication at once.
Refill your prescription before it runs out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid this
Esbriet can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn. Avoid tanning beds and medications that may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock with SPF 50 or more.While taking Esbriet, avoid smoking. Esbriet may be less effective if you smoke.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications at the same time. Using certain drugs together can cause side effects and/or reduce the effectiveness of others.There are other drugs that may have an interaction with pirfenidone. These include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
