PIRFENEX TABLET
Generic : Pirfenidone (200mg)
Treatment : Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pack size : 15 (Tablet)
Manufacturer : Cipla Ltd
Made In : INDIA
PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
Pirfenex 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.
Pirfenex 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.
Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have liver or kidney disease. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. It makes your skin sun-sensitive, wear protective clothing or apply sunscreen while in direct contact with the sun. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
BENEFITS OF PIRFENEX TABLET
In Treatment of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease caused by lung tissue becoming thick and stiff and eventually forming scar tissue within the lungs. The scarring, or fibrosis, seems to result from a cycle of damage and healing that occurs in the lungs. These changes are irreversible and the affected person may experience shortness of breath or dry cough as initial symptoms. Pirfenex Tablet reduces the scarring or fibrosis and makes breathing easier. You may experience some bothersome side effects. Discuss with your doctor if you have any doubts.
HOW TO USE PIRFENEX TABLET
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 Tablet is to be taken with food.
HOW PIRFENEX TABLET WORKS
Pirfenex 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.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Pirfenex Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Pirfenex Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Pirfenex Tablet during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
UNSAFE
Pirfenex Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Pirfenex Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Pirfenex Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Pirfenex Tablet is not recommended with severe kidney disease and dialysis patients.
Use of Pirfenex Tablet is not recommended with severe kidney disease and dialysis patients.
Liver
CAUTION
Pirfenex Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Pirfenex Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Pirfenex Tablet is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
Use of Pirfenex Tablet is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
INTERACTION WITH DRUGS
- FLUVOXAMINE
- CIPROFLOXACIN
- ENOXACIN
- RIFAMPICIN
- AMIODARONE
- PROPAFENONE
- OMEPRAZOLE
SIDE EFFECTS
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Pirfenex
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Sinus inflammation
- Loss of appetite
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Photosensitivity
FAQ's
Q. What monitoring will I need during treatment with Pirfenex Tablet?
Your doctor will check your liver function before starting treatment with Pirfenex Tablet. This test will be repeated monthly for the first 6 months and then it will be done after every three months. In addition to that, your doctor will also monitor your lung function periodically in order to see the response to Pirfenex Tablet.
Q. Why is it important to continue treatment with Pirfenex Tablet?
It is important to control the progression of the disease by preserving your lung function which cannot be restored, once lost. Hence, it is highly recommended to start and continue the treatment with Pirfenex Tablet as prescribed by your doctor. Doing so can help preserve the existing lung function.
Q. What are the side effects of Pirfenex Tablet?
Most common side effects of Pirfenex Tablet include skin sensitivity to sunlight, nausea, tiredness, diarrhea, indigestion or upset stomach, loss of appetite, and headache. Other common side effects include infections of the throat or the airways, bladder infections, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, sleepiness, changes in taste, hot flushes, shortness of breath, and cough. Additionally, one may experience stomach problems such as acid reflux, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain and discomfort, heart burn, constipation, skin problems such as itchy skin, skin redness or red skin, dry skin, skin rash, muscle pain, aching joints/joint pains, weakness, chest pain, and sunburn. It is possible that after using Pirfenex Tablet blood tests may show increased levels of liver enzymes.
Q. Is Pirfenex Tablet a steroid?
No, Pirfenex Tablet is not a steroid. It belongs to pyridines group of medicines. It is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in adults. In IPF, the tissues of the lungs get scarred and swell with time, which creates problem in breathing. This medicine helps reduce these effects to make you breathe better.
Q. How do I know that Pirfenex Tablet is right for me?
Only you and your doctor can decide if Pirfenex Tablet is right for you. The doctor will only prescribe Pirfenex Tablet after assessing your condition. Based on your response to treatment and tolerability, you should continue the medicine.
Q. If my disease is stable can I stop Pirfenex Tablet?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease though its progression is unpredictable. Do not stop the medication without consulting the doctor. Continue taking Pirfenex Tablet to slow down the progression of the disease.
Q. What should I avoid while taking Pirfenex Tablet?
You should restrict sun exposure, while taking Pirfenex Tablet. Wear sunblock daily and cover your arms, legs, and head to reduce exposure to sunlight. Along with that, avoid smoking as it decreases the effect of Pirfenex Tablet.
Q. What is the survival rate of pulmonary fibrosis?
The median survival of patients with pulmonary fibrosis is 2-3 years, yet some people live much longer. The factors which can be held responsible for shortened survival are older age, smoking history, and lower body mass index. The other factors can be more severe extent of disease both radiologically and physical impairment, and the development of other lung complications or conditions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pack size – 15
pack form – tablet
MORE INFORMATION
Information Leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
Important: We advise you to always read the patient information leaflet inside the medication box, as the generic medication may not always entirely match the patient information leaflet listed. Please contact us if you have any questions.
