Pirfenidone ratiopharm
This medicine treats idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in adults by reducing lung scarring and swelling, making it easier to breathe.
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
267 mg
Active Ingredient
Pirfenidone
Manufacturer
ratiopharm GmbH
How to Use
Dosage
Start with 1 yellow tablet (267 mg) three times a day for the first 7 days. On days 8-14, take 2 yellow tablets (534 mg) three times a day. From day 15 onwards, take 3 yellow tablets or 1 purple tablet (801 mg) three times a day.
Method
Swallow the tablets whole with water during or immediately after a meal to reduce side effects.
Important
The maximum daily dose is 2403 mg.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Throat or respiratory infections that may spread to the lungs, and/or sinusitis
- •Nausea
- •Stomach problems like acid reflux, vomiting, constipation
- •Diarrhea
- •Indigestion or stomach discomfort
- •Weight loss
- •Decreased appetite
- •Difficulty sleeping
- •Tiredness
- •Dizziness
- •Headache
- •Shortness of breath
- •Cough
- •Joint aches/pains
- •Urinary tract infections
- •Drowsiness
- •Taste disturbances
- •Hot flashes
- •Stomach problems like bloating, pain, discomfort in the abdomen, heartburn, and gas
- •Increased liver enzyme levels in blood tests
- •Skin reactions to sunlight or sunlamps
- •Skin problems like itching, redness, dry skin, rash
- •Muscle pains
- •Feeling weak or lacking energy
- •Chest pain
- •Sunburn
RARE
- •Low sodium levels in the blood, which can cause headache, dizziness, confusion, weakness, muscle cramps, or nausea and vomiting.
- •Blood tests may show a decrease in white blood cells.
Important Warnings
- Do not take if you are allergic to pirfenidone or any other ingredients of this medicine.
- Do not take if you have previously experienced angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, possibly with breathing issues) with pirfenidone.
- Do not take if you are currently taking fluvoxamine (a medicine for depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder).
- Do not take if you have severe or end-stage liver disease, or severe kidney disease requiring dialysis.
- You may become very sensitive to sunlight. Avoid sun exposure and sunlamps, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Show 10 more warnings
- Do not take other medicines like tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) that can increase sun sensitivity.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems.
- Stop smoking before and during treatment, as smoking may reduce the medicine's effectiveness.
- This medicine may cause dizziness and tiredness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy or tired.
- This medicine may cause weight loss. Your doctor will monitor your weight during treatment.
- Stop treatment and seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or DRESS syndrome (widespread rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes).
- This medicine can cause serious liver problems, sometimes leading to death. You will need regular blood tests to check your liver function before and during treatment.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine, as it may prevent the medicine from working properly.
- Do not give this medicine to children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
- Avoid this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor, as it is unknown if the medicine passes into breast milk.