Side effect(s) of Pirfenidone

Last Updated on Jun 29, 2023

Review the side-effects of Pirfenidone as documented in medical literature. The term "side effects" refers to unintended effects that can occur as a result of taking the medication. In majority of the instances these side-effects are mild and easily tolerable, however sometimes they can be more severe and can be detrimental.

If the side effects are not tolerable adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication can help to manage or overcome side effects. If you have any doubts or questions, we recommend seeking advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

  Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, gastritis, GERD (gastro oesophageal reflux disease), loss of appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain, abdominal distension

  Skin: Photosensitivity, rash, itching and dry skin

  Central Nervous System: Dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue

  Respiratory: Sinusitis and upper respiratory infections

  Others: Increased liver enzymes, joint pain, weight loss

Other Precautions :

• Cigarette smoking during the therapy should be stopped as smoking causes increased clearance of drug from the body leading to decreased effectiveness of the drug.
• Increased calorie intake may be required in patients with excessive weight loss due to pirfenidone.

Drug Name : Pirfenidone

Pirfenidone generic Pirfenidone is prescribed for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis which is a severe irreversible disease marked by a progressive decline in lung function. The scarring of lungs is caused by some unknown origin. The exact mechanism of action of pirfenidone is not known. Pirfenidone is thought to reduce the lung fibrosis (scarring and thickening of lungs) by decreasing the release or activity of naturally occurring substances in the body such as certain growth factors. It works by increasing the amount of two incretin hormones in the body that are produced naturally by the body in response to food intake.