Introduction
USES OF PIRFENEX TABLET
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Pirfenex 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.
It may be taken with food. But, It is better to 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, and dizziness. To overcome dizziness, avoid driving or attention-seeking activity. Some people may experience weight loss, hence monitor your weight regularly or ask for doctor consultation. Some side effects, which means you must inform your doctor include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes. Your doctor may perform a liver function test while on treatment.
Before 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 sun. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy & Breast Feeding
- Pirfenex 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.
- Information regarding the use of Pirfenex Tablet during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Driving & Using Machines
- Pirfenex Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
How to 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.
- It is best to take this medicine with food and at the same time each day.
- This medication may make you more sensitive to sun. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
- Stop smoking during treatment with Pirfenex Tablet as it can reduce the effect of the treatment.
- It may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- It may cause weight loss. Monitor your weight regularly.
- Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop abdominal pain, loss of appetite, darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
Side Effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them
Common
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Sinus inflammation
- Loss of appetite
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Weight loss
HOW TO COPE WITH SIDE EFFECTS?
The occurrence of side effects varies from person to person. The following are a few ways of dealing with some of the common side effects. However, consult your doctor if these persist.
More Information
Storage
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date
FAQs
Your doctor will check your liver function before starting treatment with Pirfenex. 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.
Q. Why is it important to continue treatment with Pirfenex?
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 as prescribed by your doctor. Doing so can help preserve the existing lung function.
Q. What are the side effects of Pirfenex?
Most common side effects of Pirfenex 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. Additionally, 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 blood tests may show increased levels of liver enzymes.
Q. Is Pirfenex a steroid?
No, Pirfenex 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.
Q. How do I know that Pirfenex is right for me?
Only you and your doctor can decide if Pirfenex is right for you. The doctor will only prescribe Pirfenex after assessing your condition. Based on your response to treatment and tolerability, you should continue the medicine.
Q. If my disease is stable can I stop Pirfenex?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease though its progression is unpredictable. Do not stop the medication without consulting the doctor. Continue taking Pirfenex to slow down the progression of the disease.
Q. What should I avoid while taking Pirfenex?
You should restrict sun exposure, while taking Pirfenex. 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.
Q. 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.
Disclaimer:The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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