Pirfenidone tablets 200 mg for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (Esbriet, Pirespa, Etuary)

General information on Japanese Pirfenidone tablets 200 mg for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (Esbriet, Pirespa, Etuary)

Package details: 100 tablets

Manufacturer: Nichi-Iko Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Japan

Active ingredients: pirfenidone (chemical formula C12H11NO)

Medical effect: Pirfenidone tablets are effective for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Contraindications and precautions: do not use for pregnant, possibly pregnant or breastfeeding women. Please keep in mind the following precautions:

• As side effects can be provoked when taken on empty stomach, take the medicine only after meals.
• To prevent the occurrence of photosensitivity, a patient should avoid ultraviolet irradiation by wearing adequate clothes (including hat, scarf etc.) and using a parasol and a sunscreen with high sunburn-protective effects (SPF50+, PA+++).
• Since this medicine may cause sleepiness or dizziness, avoid operating in potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or working at heights.
• Refrain from smoking while taking the medicine as smoking may weaken the effect of this medicine.

If an allergic reaction occurs, stop taking the medicine and consult with your doctor. If you’re taking any other medication or receiving any other treatment, you have to consult with your doctor before use.

Dosage and administration of Pirfenidone tablets 200 mg from Japan for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (Esbriet, Pirespa, Etuary)

For adults, start taking 1 tablet (200 mg as the active ingredient) at a time, 3 times a day after meals as the initial dosage. Then gradually increase the dose by increments 1 tablet (200 mg) at a time, at intervals of 2 weeks. The maintenance dose is 3 tablets (600 mg) at a time, 3 times a day. The doctor in charge should closely monitor the symptoms and adjust the dosage if needed.

How effective are Pirfenidone tablets 200 mg from Japan for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (Esbriet, Pirespa, Etuary)?

Pirfenidone is an antifibrotic oral agent. It works by reducing fibroblast proliferation, inhibiting transforming growth factor beta stimulated collagen production, reducing the production of fibrogenic mediators and reducing production of inflammatory mediators. As the result, Pirfenidone tablets inhibit fibrosis in lung and suppress the aggravation of pulmonary function.

Who should use Pirfenidone tablets 200 mg from Japan?

Pirfenidone tablets are effective for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Clinical trials showed that treatment with pirfenidone helps to decrease the rate of decline in vital capacity and to increase the progression-free survival time over 52 weeks (H. Taniguchi, M. Ebina et al. “Pirfenidone in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis”. The European respiratory journal, 2010, 35(4): 821-9).