Esbriet Complications and Managing Them: A Guide
In the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a medication known as Esbriet (pirfenidone) is often prescribed. Before starting treatment and throughout the course, your doctor will conduct liver function tests to monitor for potential liver injury.
Esbriet may cause a variety of side effects, some of which are temporary and mild, such as skin rash, fatigue, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, insomnia, abdominal pain, dizziness, stomach upset, headache, decreased appetite, and joint pain. These symptoms usually last for a few days to weeks.
However, Esbriet can also cause long-term side effects, including liver injury, which can lead to long-term liver problems. Signs of liver injury include fatigue, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, jaundice, itchy skin, confusion, easy bruising, and unusual bleeding. In such cases, your doctor may advise you on a different treatment option for your condition.
Both Esbriet and another drug used to treat IPF, Ofev (nintedanib), share some side effects like diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, headache, allergic reactions, and skin rash. However, Esbriet is more likely to cause gastroesophageal reflux disease and heartburn, while Ofev may cause blood clots, bleeding, back pain, and hair loss.
Esbriet may build up in the system if you have a kidney condition, raising your risk of side effects. To manage this, your doctor may adjust your dosage. If you have high liver enzyme levels, your doctor will likely lower your dose or stop treatment altogether.
Allergic reactions, including skin rash, itching, flushing, swelling, and in rare cases Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been reported in some people taking Esbriet. If you experience mild symptoms of an allergic reaction while taking Esbriet, call your doctor right away.
Cigarette smoking may negatively affect how Esbriet works, so it is recommended to stop smoking before taking Esbriet. To reduce the risk of a photosensitivity reaction while taking Esbriet, avoid or minimize sun exposure, apply SPF 50 sunscreen, and cover your skin and head when in the sun. Taking Esbriet with food may help alleviate nausea caused by the drug.
It's important to note that Esbriet may not be safe to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, if you have a liver condition, such as hepatitis, Esbriet may not be suitable for you as it may cause liver injury.
If you'd like to know more about how Esbriet and Ofev compare, talk with your doctor to determine which medication is right for you. Nausea was a common side effect reported in clinical trials of Esbriet and was a common reason why people stopped taking the drug.
By understanding the potential side effects and precautions associated with Esbriet, patients can make informed decisions about their treatment options and work closely with their doctors to manage any adverse reactions.
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