Medication Information Leaflet
It is used to treat mild to moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (condition that causes reduced lung function and chronic shortness of breath due to excessive scarring and hardening of lung tissue).
The medication works by reducing fibrosis (thickening and scarring of lung tissue) in the lungs, hence delaying the progression of the disease and improving symptoms of breathlessness.
Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
This medicine should be taken with or after food.
Swallow capsules whole with liquid. Do not open, chew, or crush the capsules.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember – each dose should be separated by at least 3 hours. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding (remove if not needed)
You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
You have liver disease and/or end stage kidney disease requiring dialysis
You are a smoker, and currently smoking
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn and abdominal pain
Take the medication after a meal to reduce gastric discomfort and nausea
Drink more water when having diarrhoea
These gastrointestinal side effects usually occur within the first 3 months of treatment and reduce over time
Giddiness, tiredness, headache
Take the medication after a meal to reduce giddiness
Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel giddy or tired
Weight loss
The doctor will monitor your weight while you are taking this medicine
Skin sensitivity to sun, rash, itch
This usually occurs in the first 6 months of treatment
Avoid prolonged exposure of skin to direct sunlight or sunlamps
When outside, use sunscreen (at least SPF 50) and wear protective clothing that cover your skin to avoid sunburns
Upper respiratory tract infection
Changes in taste
Joint pain
Insomnia
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
Some of other rare but serious side effects include:
Liver problem: Signs include dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin
Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (severe skin reaction which may be life-threatening): Signs include red, flat or circular patches on the body, central blisters, skin peeling, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes, fever and flu-like symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
Consult your healthcare professional if you are currently taking any other medications e.g. antidepressants or antibiotics, as it may increase levels of Pirfenidone in your body and lead to more side effects.
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
For general waste: Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on Oct 2022
This article was last reviewed on Tuesday, December 20, 2022