Other names for the drug Pirfenidone: Pirfenidona (Mexico), Kitoscell. All drug names will be mentioned in these instructions. Pirfenidone is an immunosuppressant used to treat mild to moderate primary pulmonary fibrosis in adults.
Studies have shown that Pirfenidone is also effective in treating fibrotic conditions in other organs, including the kidneys and liver.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which lung tissue swells and forms scars over time, making it difficult to breathe deeply. Thus, the lungs have difficulty functioning properly.
Pirfenidone helps shrink the scar tissue and swelling in your lungs, thereby allowing you to breathe better.
Pirfenidone: mechanism of action
It is known from in vitro and animal studies that it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic properties.
Pirfenidone reduces the proliferation of fibroblasts and other substances involved in the formation of fibrous tissue, thereby slowing the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This compound has been shown to inhibit the action of TGF-Ξ²1, a key cytokine involved in fibrogenesis.
What is Pirfenidone used for? Pirfenidona: para que sirve?
For the treatment of adults with mild to moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The disease causes the lungs to become stiff, and it takes more force for gas exchange to occur. This is further hindered by scarring of the tissue. As a result, there is less oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia).
Persistent fatigue, low physical endurance, and cough are characteristics of pulmonary fibrosis. Respiratory rate first increases during exertion and then at rest (dyspnea), and physical performance gradually decreases.
For the treatment of liver fibrosis. A disease in which changes occur in the liver when it undergoes significant, chronic, or repetitive damage. These changes manifest as fibrous scar tissue, which replaces the damaged functional cells of the liver.
The drug modulates and reduces the formation of fibrous tissue. It prevents, controls, and causes regression of fibrosis.
Pirfenidone: side effects
The most common adverse reactions while taking Pirfenidona (Pirfenidone) were:
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- skin rash;
- fatigue;
- diarrhea;
- dyspepsia;
- photosensitivity reaction;
- urinary tract infections;
- hyponatremia.
Hypersensitivity to the sun: Pirfenidone use may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. When taking this medication, avoid exposure to direct and indirect sunlight, including sunlamps and sunlight falling through windows. Furthermore, use an effective sunscreen daily (at least SPF 50 for UVA and UVB), and wear clothing that protects you from the sun's rays (such as a hat, and sweatshirt).
If you experience skin reactions (e.g., rashes, sunburns, blisters, peeling) caused by sun exposure, see your doctor.
This medicine can affect your liver function. Your doctor will monitor your liver function by doing regular blood tests while you are taking this medicine. If you experience symptoms that indicate liver problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, the appearance of dark urine or pale stools, itching during treatment with Pirfenidone, do not delay a consultation with your doctor. If you have serious liver issues, you should not take this medicine.
Adverse reactions in patients have been mostly mild to moderate, which can be resolved by lowering the dose or stopping treatment.
Dosage and route of administration
The route of administration of Kitoscell 600 mg is oral. You should take the medication with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. At the beginning of treatment, the dose should be gradually increased over 14 days to the recommended maximum daily dose.
Several factors need to be considered to determine the dose a person needs: weight, medical condition, and taking other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose that differs from the instructions, do not change the way you take medicine without first consulting your doctor. Usual doses (daily) for adults: 800-2400 mg.
Contraindications for the use of Pirfenidone
Do not use this medicine in the following cases:
- Allergy to Pirfenidone or any ingredient of the medicine;
- History of angioedema after using Pirfenidone;
- Presence of significant kidney or dialysis problems;
- The presence of serious liver problems;
- Taking a medicine called Fluvoxamine.
If you have kidney disease, talk to your doctor about how Pirfenidone may affect your condition. Furthermore, you should discuss, how the disease impacts the dosage and effectiveness of this medicine, as well as the need for special medical examinations. You should not take this medication if your kidney function has been severely reduced or if you are being treated with dialysis.
Before using any medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any illnesses or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, and any other important facts about your health. Women should indicate if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. These factors may influence how to use Pirfenidone correctly. Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking it.
Can I take it during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
The medicine should not be used during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs during treatment with Pirfenidone, consult your doctor immediately.
Breastfeeding: It is not fully known whether Pirfenidone passes into breast milk. If you take the drug while breastfeeding, you should be aware that it may impact the baby's health.
Consult your doctor to find out whether you should continue breastfeeding or stop taking the drug.
