Esbriet (Pirfenidone)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

What is Esbriet?

Esbriet contains the active ingredient pirfenidone and is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a chronic lung disease that affects the normal functioning of the lungs to exchange gases such as oxygen with the blood. Esbriet helps to improve the functioning of the lungs by slowing the progression of the disease.

Benefits and Uses of Esbriet:

Esbriet is a prescription drug recommended by doctors to treat patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. IPF causes swelling, inflammation, and scarring of the lung. Over time, this scarring (fibrosis) causes the lungs to stiffen, affecting their functioning. This further leads to difficulty in breathing.

The exact mechanism of action of Esbriet is not known. However, it has been shown to reduce the production of collagen by fibroblasts and the secretion of inflammatory molecules. Thereby it reduces the inflammation, slows down the progression of the disease, and increases the survival of IPF patients.

How to take Esbriet?

Esbriet is usually taken orally at the same time each day. The doctor may recommend a low starting dose of Esbriet and gradually increase your dose.

• First 7 days: 267 mg tablet 3 times a day

• Day 8-14: Two 267 mg or one 534 mg tablet 3 times a day

• Day 15 onwards: Three 267 mg tablets or one 801 mg tablet 3 times a day.

The tablet should be taken during or after a meal as it may reduce adverse drug effects such as nausea and dizziness. In case you miss a dose of Esbriet, take it with food as soon as possible. It is highly advised not to take 2 doses at the same time.

Side effects of Esbriet:

Patients taking Esbriet may experience some common side effects including:

• Weakness and Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Sinusitis
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Weight loss

Esbriet may also cause some serious side effects, including:

• Yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, and abdominal pain (symptoms of liver problems).
• Sensitivity to sunlight and skin rashes.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heartburn.
• Call your doctor right away if these symptoms get worse or do not go away.

Drug Interactions:

Sometimes taking more than two drugs can change drug action and may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Tell your doctor before starting the treatment if you are taking any other medications including:

• Antibiotics such as Rifamycins, Ciprofloxacin, and Chloramphenicol
• Antidepressants such as Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, and Fluvoxamine
• Anti-seizure medications such as Phenytoin

Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking as smoking decreases the blood level of this medication.

Safety Information:

• Before you take Esbriet, tell your doctor if you have had any other medical conditions, particularly liver or kidney disease.

• Completely avoid smoking while taking the medicine

• Consult with the doctor before using Esbriet if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother.

• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight, tanning beds, and sunlamps.

• Tell your doctor if you take marijuana or drink alcohol as they can make you dizzier.

Buy Esbriet Online:

Suppose you have a prescription for Esbriet and are looking to fill it. In that case, you can use LifeRx pharmacy which requires a valid prescription and operates within the legal framework of your country's healthcare regulations. LifeRx Pharmacy allows consumers to get the maximum spectrum of medicine, hence dropping Esbriet cost.

LifeRx Pharmacy allows consumers to avail good Esbriet prices and lowers out-of-pocket expenditure. It's crucial to prioritize your health and safety by obtaining medications through legitimate channels under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

How long can you take Esbriet?

In clinical trials, treatment with Esbriet has been shown to slow the progression of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis over some time. Patients typically take Esbriet orally three times a day with food, as their healthcare provider prescribes. Since IPF is a chronic condition, treatment with Esbriet is often long-term and may continue indefinitely, as long as it provides benefits and is well-tolerated by the patient.

What happens if you stop taking Esbriet?

If you stop taking Esbriet, the disease may continue to progress at its natural rate, potentially leading to worsening symptoms, decreased lung function, and reduced quality of life. Stopping Esbriet abruptly may result in a sudden worsening of symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. These flare-ups can significantly impact daily activities and overall well-being.

Why is Esbriet so expensive?

Limited competition can result in higher prices, as fewer alternative options are available to consumers. Secondly, Orphan drug status may be granted to medications intended to treat rare diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This designation provides certain incentives to pharmaceutical companies, such as extended market exclusivity and tax credits, which can contribute to higher drug prices.

Can you drink alcohol with Esbriet?

It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Esbriet (Pirfenidone) or any other medication unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. Drinking alcohol can potentially interact with medications and may exacerbate certain side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

Does Esbriet prolong life?

Clinical trials have demonstrated that treatment with Esbriet can slow the rate of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC), a measure of lung function, compared to placebo in patients with IPF. This slowing of disease progression can help patients maintain their ability to breathe and function for a long period. However, it's important to note that IPF remains a serious and life-threatening condition, and Esbriet is not a cure.

References:

• https://www.esbriet.com/taking-esbriet/how-to-take-esbriet.html

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-165325/esbriet-oral/details

• https://www.rxlist.com/esbriet-drug.htm

• https://pulmonaryfibrosisnews.com/esbriet-pirfenidone-idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis/