Description
Pirfenex 400 mg (Pirfenidone 400 mg)
Pirfenex 400 mg Pirfenidone contains pirfenidone, an antifibrotic medicine used in the management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF causes progressive scarring of lung tissue and can gradually reduce lung function. This page explains pirfenidone uses, dose information, side effects, precautions, interactions, cost, and important safety considerations.
What Is Pirfenex 400 mg?
Pirfenex 400 mg is a tablet containing pirfenidone. Pirfenidone belongs to a group of medicines called pyridones and is used for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
The product shown in the image is Pirfenex 400 mg from Cipla. Because product strengths and regulatory approvals can differ between countries, always check the packaging and prescribing information supplied with your specific medicine.
In addition, healthcare professionals may consider your diagnosis, lung function, medical history, and other medicines before recommending pirfenidone treatment.
What Is Pirfenidone Used For?
Pirfenidone is primarily used for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. IPF causes scar tissue to develop in the lungs without a known underlying cause.
Over time, this scarring can make breathing more difficult and reduce lung function. Therefore, treatment focuses on managing the disease and slowing its progression rather than removing existing lung scars.
Current U.S. labeling lists pirfenidone as a treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
How Does Pirfenidone Work?
Pirfenidone has antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the exact mechanism responsible for its effect in IPF has not been fully established.
The medicine affects biological processes associated with fibrosis and inflammation. As a result, pirfenidone can help support long-term management of IPF in appropriate patients.
Because the response varies between individuals, your healthcare professional will monitor your condition throughout treatment.
Pirfenex 400 mg Dose
The correct pirfenidone dose depends on the product, treatment stage, medical condition, and instructions from your healthcare professional.
Importantly, the 400 mg strength shown on this product page should not automatically be treated as the standard U.S. pirfenidone dose. Current U.S. pirfenidone labeling describes 267 mg and 801 mg tablet strengths and recommends gradual dose escalation during the first 14 days.
Therefore, do not use a 400 mg tablet to reproduce a U.S. dosing schedule unless a qualified healthcare professional has specifically instructed you to do so.
Never increase, reduce, or change your pirfenidone dose on your own.
How to Take Pirfenex 400 mg
Take Pirfenex according to the instructions supplied with your specific product and the directions provided by your healthcare professional.
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed.
- Follow the recommended treatment schedule consistently.
- Take pirfenidone with food when directed by your product information or healthcare professional.
- Swallow tablets with water unless your product instructions state otherwise.
- Do not take more tablets than prescribed.
- Do not change the treatment schedule without medical advice.
Taking pirfenidone consistently can help maintain the intended treatment schedule. Furthermore, taking it with food can help reduce some gastrointestinal side effects.
Pirfenidone Dose Titration
U.S. pirfenidone labeling uses a gradual increase in dosage when treatment begins. The labeled schedule reaches the maintenance dosage over 14 days.
| Treatment Period | U.S. Labeling Schedule |
|---|---|
| Days 1–7 | 267 mg three times daily |
| Days 8–14 | 534 mg three times daily |
| Day 15 onward | 801 mg three times daily |
This table describes current U.S. labeling for approved pirfenidone products, not a dosing instruction for the pictured Pirfenex 400 mg product. Product-specific instructions can differ by country and formulation.
Pirfenidone Side Effects
Pirfenidone can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Some reactions mainly affect the digestive system, while others involve the skin or liver.
Common Pirfenidone Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Joint pain
- Tiredness
- Difficulty sleeping
These effects may vary in severity. However, contact your healthcare professional if symptoms become persistent, severe, or difficult to manage.
Serious Pirfenidone Side Effects
Some symptoms can indicate a more serious reaction. Contact your healthcare professional promptly if you develop unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, unusual bruising, upper-right abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Similarly, seek urgent medical attention if you develop swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or a severe skin reaction.
Early medical evaluation can help your healthcare professional determine whether treatment should continue or change.
Pirfenidone and Liver Function
Pirfenidone can affect liver function. Therefore, healthcare professionals recommend liver-function testing before starting treatment and may continue monitoring during therapy.
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or develop symptoms such as dark urine, yellow skin, yellow eyes, unusual tiredness, or pain in the upper-right part of your abdomen.
Regular monitoring can help identify liver-related problems early.
Pirfenidone and Sun Exposure
Pirfenidone can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Consequently, appropriate sun protection becomes important during treatment.
- Limit unnecessary or prolonged sunlight exposure.
- Use suitable sunscreen as recommended by your healthcare professional.
- Wear protective clothing and sunglasses when appropriate.
- Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
- Report severe redness, swelling, blistering, or other unusual skin reactions.
These precautions can reduce the risk of significant photosensitivity reactions.
Pirfenidone and Smoking
Smoking can reduce pirfenidone exposure and may reduce its effectiveness. Therefore, people who smoke should discuss smoking cessation with their healthcare professional.
If you use tobacco products, tell your doctor before starting pirfenidone. In addition, avoid smoking during treatment unless your healthcare professional provides different instructions.
Pirfenidone Drug Interactions
Before starting pirfenidone, provide your healthcare professional with a complete list of your medicines. Include prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products.
Some medicines can change pirfenidone exposure or increase the risk of side effects. For example, certain medicines that affect liver enzymes may require additional consideration.
Therefore, do not start or stop another medicine without first discussing the change with your healthcare professional.
Pirfenidone and Kidney Problems
Tell your healthcare professional if you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function.
Your medical team can review your kidney function and determine whether pirfenidone remains appropriate. In addition, they can advise you about any dose adjustments or monitoring that may apply to your specific product.
Pirfenidone and Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or may become pregnant, discuss pirfenidone with your healthcare professional before treatment.
Current patient information advises people taking pirfenidone to discuss pregnancy with their doctor. Therefore, tell your healthcare professional promptly if you become pregnant during treatment.
Pirfenidone and Breastfeeding
Discuss breastfeeding with your healthcare professional before taking pirfenidone. Your doctor can consider your medical condition, treatment needs, and available safety information when providing guidance.
What If You Miss a Pirfenidone Dose?
If you miss a dose, follow the instructions provided with your product or ask your healthcare professional what to do.
Do not take two doses together to compensate for a missed dose. Current patient information also advises contacting your doctor if treatment has been interrupted for 14 days or more because treatment may need to restart with a lower dose and gradual escalation.
Pirfenidone vs Nintedanib
Pirfenidone and nintedanib are different antifibrotic medicines used in the management of pulmonary fibrosis conditions.
They have different mechanisms, dosing schedules, precautions, and side-effect profiles. Therefore, the choice between them depends on the patient’s diagnosis, medical history, treatment response, and clinical circumstances.
For that reason, pirfenidone should not be described as universally better or worse than nintedanib. Instead, discuss the treatment options with a qualified healthcare professional.
Pirfenidone and Esbriet
Esbriet is a brand of pirfenidone. Therefore, the active ingredient is the same, although product formulation, strength, manufacturer, packaging, and regulatory status can differ between markets.
Current U.S. labeling lists Esbriet as a treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and includes 267 mg and 801 mg dosage strengths.
Pirfenidone and Ofev
Ofev contains nintedanib rather than pirfenidone. Consequently, Ofev and pirfenidone represent different antifibrotic treatment options.
Your healthcare professional can determine which treatment is appropriate based on your diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals.
Pirfenidone and Jascayd
Jascayd contains nerandomilast, which is a different medicine from pirfenidone. Therefore, these products should not be treated as interchangeable.
Discuss all treatment options with your pulmonary specialist before changing or combining medicines.
Pirfenex 400 mg Price and Cost
The price of Pirfenex 400 mg can vary according to pack size, supplier, availability, shipping costs, and market.
Therefore, check the current product page for the latest price and available packaging.
Price should not be the only factor when selecting a prescription medicine. Product authenticity, appropriate medical supervision, storage, and applicable regulatory requirements also matter.
Related Pirfenidone Products
If you are looking for another pirfenidone strength, you can review the following related product on our website:
Frequently Asked Questions About Pirfenex 400 mg
What is Pirfenex 400 mg used for?
Pirfenex 400 mg contains pirfenidone, an antifibrotic medicine used for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
What is pirfenidone used for?
Pirfenidone is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease that causes progressive scarring of lung tissue.
What are the common pirfenidone side effects?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, stomach discomfort, decreased appetite, weight loss, headache, dizziness, joint pain, and tiredness.
Is Pirfenex 400 mg the standard U.S. pirfenidone dose?
No. Current U.S. labeling describes 267 mg and 801 mg pirfenidone tablets or capsules. Therefore, the 400 mg strength shown on this page should not be presented as the standard U.S. dosage.
Should pirfenidone be taken with food?
Yes. Current U.S. labeling recommends taking pirfenidone with food. Taking it with food can also help reduce some gastrointestinal effects.
Does pirfenidone affect the liver?
Yes. Pirfenidone can cause liver-related adverse effects. Therefore, healthcare professionals recommend liver-function testing before treatment and appropriate monitoring during therapy.
Can pirfenidone cause sun sensitivity?
Yes. Pirfenidone can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Consequently, patients should limit unnecessary sun exposure and use appropriate protective measures.
Can I smoke while taking pirfenidone?
Smoking can reduce pirfenidone exposure and may reduce its effectiveness. Therefore, discuss smoking cessation with your healthcare professional before and during treatment.
Is pirfenidone the same as nintedanib?
No. Both medicines have antifibrotic roles, but they contain different active ingredients and work differently. Your healthcare professional can determine which treatment fits your situation.
Is Pirfenex the same as Esbriet?
Both products contain pirfenidone, but they are different brands. Product strength, formulation, manufacturer, packaging, and regulatory status can vary between markets.
U.S. Regulatory and Medical Information
Pirfenidone has U.S. approval for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, approval of pirfenidone as an active ingredient does not automatically mean that every international brand or strength has U.S. approval.
Current U.S. labeling lists specific pirfenidone tablet and capsule strengths, including 267 mg and 801 mg. Therefore, this Pirfenex 400 mg product should not be described as an FDA-approved 400 mg U.S. formulation without product-specific evidence.
For official U.S. drug labeling, visit DailyMed. For patient-focused medicine information, visit MedlinePlus. In addition, you can review U.S. regulatory information through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Important Safety Information
Pirfenex 400 mg is a prescription medicine. Use it only according to the directions provided by a qualified healthcare professional.
Before treatment, tell your healthcare professional about liver disease, kidney disease, allergies, smoking or tobacco use, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and all medicines or supplements you currently use.
Because pirfenidone can affect liver function and cause photosensitivity, appropriate monitoring and sun protection can form important parts of treatment.
Also, contact your healthcare professional if you develop severe gastrointestinal symptoms, significant skin reactions, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or other concerning symptoms.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Medicine availability, approved indications, prescription requirements, product strengths, and dispensing or importation rules can differ between countries. Therefore, always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing treatment with pirfenidone.
For idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment decisions, follow the advice of your pulmonologist or other qualified healthcare professional.
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