What is Pirfenidone?
Category: Prescription Drugs
Most popular types: Esbriet Pirfenex IPF Phase III ASCEND (pirfenidone) Show all
Pirfenidone is an oral medication used for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The exact way this drug works is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to help fight the fibrosis and inflammation that lead to the progression of IPF.
| Purpose | Patients | Evaluations | Perceived Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis | 1136 | 230 | |
| Asbestosis | 1 | 0 | |
| Feels like i am suffocating | 1 | 0 | |
| Shortness of breath (dyspnea) | 1 | 0 | |
| Support immune health | 1 | 0 |
- Major
- Moderate
- Slight
- None
- Can't tell
Side effects
Side effects as an overall problem
| Severity | Evaluations | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Severe | 40 | |
| Moderate | 51 | |
| Mild | 92 | |
| None | 51 |
Commonly reported side effects and conditions associated with Pirfenidone
| Side effect | Patients | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Decreased appetite | 121 | |
| Indigestion | 101 | |
| Nausea | 100 | |
| Abdominal pain | 74 | |
| Headaches | 74 | |
| Rashes (redness, swelling) | 65 |
Duration
Stopped taking Pirfenidone
| Duration | Patients | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 month | 5 | |
| 1 - 6 months | 13 | |
| 6 months - 1 year | 9 | |
| 1 - 2 years | 10 | |
| 2 - 5 years | 2 |
What people switch to and from
Patients started taking Pirfenidone after stopping:
| Treatment | Patients | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Nintedanib (Ofev) | 14 | |
| Acetylcysteine (Mucinac) | 2 | |
| Pirfenidone (Esbriet) | 2 | |
| ALS Phase 2 Study Creatine/Tamoxifen Clinical Trial | 1 | |
| Azathioprine (Imuran) | 1 |
Patients stopped taking Pirfenidone and switched to:
| Treatment | Patients | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Nintedanib (Ofev) | 29 | |
| Oxygen therapy | 2 | |
| Pirfenidone (Esbriet) | 2 | |
| Vitamin B (Stress Vitamin B) | 1 | |
| Vitamin B Complex (Vitamin B Super Complex) | 1 |
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