How to take pirfenidone

Before patients start pirfenidone (Pirfenidone) to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), liver function tests are required. The daily maintenance dose is 801 mg three times a day for a total of 2403 mg/day. After starting treatment, titrate to the full dose of 2403 mg/day within 14 days. On days 1-7 of treatment, titrate to 267 mg daily. Three times (801 mg/day); on days 8-14 of treatment, titrate to 534 mg three times a day (1602 mg/day). After the 15th day of treatment, titrate to 801 mg three times a day (2403 mg/day). Doses exceeding 2403 mg/day are not recommended for any patient.

Patients who miss a dose of pirfenidone for 14 days or more should restart treatment on an initial 2-week dose escalation schedule until the full maintenance dose is reached. For patients whose treatment is interrupted for less than 14 days, the dose before the interruption may be resumed. If a patient experiences significant adverse reactions (i.e. gastrointestinal reactions, photosensitivity reactions or rash, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (scarring)), consider temporarily reducing or interrupting the dose of pirfenidone to relieve symptoms. If scarring is confirmed, permanently discontinue pirfenidone.

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.