Pirfenidone: how to take it safely
Esbriet
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Slows lung scarring in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water, with food.
When to take it
Take it 3 times a day, with meals, increasing the dose slowly as your doctor said.
Take it with
With food.
What to avoid
- Strong sunlight and sunbeds. Cover up and use sunscreen.
- Smoking.
- Grapefruit juice.
- Missing your liver tests.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems.
Possible side effects
Nausea, tiredness, rash, sun sensitivity, loss of appetite, stomach upset, dizziness.
Get help if
Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, a severe rash or swelling of the face: see a doctor straight away.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.