Is it necessary to continue taking pirfenidone (Asri) after taking it and suggestions for discontinuing the drug?

Pirfenidone (Pirfenidone) is an anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory drug mainly used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The disease is a progressive and irreversible interstitial lung disease. There is currently no cure, and the role of pirfenidone is to delay the progression of the disease and slow down the decline of lung function. Since its mechanism determines that the drug needs to continue to work, it is usually recommended that patients start taking the drug as soon as possible after diagnosis and take it regularly for a long time to maximize the stable period and improve the prognosis.

For mostIPF patients, pirfenidone is not a short-term medication but requires maintenance therapy. If the drug is stopped at will, it may lead to an accelerated decline in lung function, worsening of dyspnea and other symptoms, thereby losing the long-term benefits brought by the drug. Therefore, once pirfenidone is started, it usually needs to be continued unless serious adverse effects occur or there are clear indications for discontinuation.

In terms of drug discontinuation recommendations, if the patient experiences obvious serious side effects, such as intolerable gastrointestinal reactions, severe rash, liver function damage, etc., the patient should inform the doctor immediately, and a professional team will evaluate whether the dose needs to be adjusted, intermittent medication, or complete discontinuation of the drug. At the same time, for patients whose lung function has been extremely exhausted, whose drug benefits are limited, and whose quality of life has been severely reduced, discontinuation of the drug may also be considered under the guidance of a doctor.

In general, the use of pirfenidone should follow the principle of “long-term, regular and individualized”. Patients should not stop taking medication on their own or interrupt treatment. They should regularly monitor lung function, liver function and other indicators under the guidance of a doctor, and evaluate the medication plan based on disease progression and tolerance. If it is necessary to discontinue the drug, it should be done under the comprehensive judgment and supervision of a doctor to avoid the risk of rapid disease progression.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/