Dangers of taking pirfenidone for the elderly

Although pirfenidone (Pirfenidone) is a key drug in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), differences in tolerability between older and younger patients remain unclear. A study evaluates whether patient age affects the safety and tolerability of pirfenidone in clinical practice. Elderly patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have a higher incidence of gastrointestinal disease and a higher rate of pirfenidone discontinuation than younger patients.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating chronic lung disease with poor prognosis. Of the 120 patients examined in this study, 31 (26%) were 75 years or older. The 1-year pirfenidone persistence rate in the elderly patient group was significantly lower than that in the younger patient group (p=0.007). Adverse drug reactions to pirfenidone include discontinuation due to anorexia and gastrointestinal disorders. The incidence rate in elderly patients is significantly higher than that in younger patients. However, except for gastrointestinal disorders, other adverse drug reactions did not differ significantly between older and younger patients.

Pirfenidone has been approved for marketing in China under the trade name of Asri. It has entered the scope of Class B medical insurance and is limited to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The specifications produced by domestic pharmaceutical factoriesThe price of 100mg*54 capsules per box is around RMB 500. There are also generic pirfenidone drugs produced in other countries overseas. For example, the price of a box of 200mg*30 tablets produced by an Indian pharmaceutical factory is around RMB 100 (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). The ingredients of the generic drugs are basically the same as those of the original drug. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult Yaode Medical Consultant.