Pirfenex 400mg Tablet 15.0 tablets in 1 strip

All Details About Pirfenex 400mg Tablet

Find out detailed description, uses, directions of use, side effects, warnings and precautions, frequently asked questions about Pirfenex 400mg Tablet

Description:

Pirfenex 400mg 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 400mg 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.

The most common side effects of this medicine include insomnia, headache, dizziness, dyspepsia, nausea, diarrhea, and photosensitivity. To overcome dizziness, avoid driving or attention-seeking activity. Some people may experience weight loss and other side effects. Monitor your weight regularly or ask for the doctor's advice in such cases. Your doctor also may perform a liver function test while on treatment with this medicine.

Earlier 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.

Uses:

Treatment of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Directions For Use:

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 400mg Tablet is to be taken with food.

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

Ordinary side effects of Pirfenex

Photosensitivity
Nausea
Indigestion
Diarrhea
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Headache
Dizziness
Fatiguedness
Sinus inflammation
Loss of appetite
Upper respiratory tract infection
Weight loss

Warning & Precautions:

Alcohol

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Pirfenex 400mg Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Pirfenex 400mg 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 400mg Tablet during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.

Driving

UNSAFE

Pirfenex 400mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney

CAUTION

Pirfenex 400mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Pirfenex 400mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Employ of Pirfenex 400mg Tablet is not recommended with severe kidney disease and dialysis patients.

Liver

CAUTION

Pirfenex 400mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Pirfenex 400mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Employ of Pirfenex 400mg Tablet is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.

FAQs:

What monitoring will I need during treatment with Pirfenex 400mg Tablet?

Your doctor will check your liver function before starting treatment with Pirfenex 400mg 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 400mg Tablet.

Why is it important to continue treatment with Pirfenex 400mg 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 400mg Tablet as prescribed by your doctor. Doing so can help preserve the existing lung function.

What are the side effects of Pirfenex 400mg Tablet?

Most common side effects of Pirfenex 400mg 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. Increaseitionally, 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 400mg Tablet blood tests may show increased levels of liver enzymes.

Is Pirfenex 400mg Tablet a steroid?

No, Pirfenex 400mg 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.

How do I know that Pirfenex 400mg Tablet is right for me?

Only you and your doctor can decide if Pirfenex 400mg Tablet is right for you. The doctor will only prescribe Pirfenex 400mg Tablet after assessing your condition. Meand on your response to treatment and tolerability, you should continue the medicine.

If my disease is stable can I stop Pirfenex 400mg 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 400mg Tablet to slow down the progression of the disease.

What should I avoid while taking Pirfenex 400mg Tablet?

You should restrict sun exposure, while taking Pirfenex 400mg 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 400mg Tablet.

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.

Written by:
Dr. T. Sharmila Krishna
M.B.B.S., MD (Biochemistry)

Reviewed by:
Dr. Sureshbabu Yadav
M.B.B.S., DIP.DIAB, F.R.S.H

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