How should I take pirfenidone?
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using pirfenidone.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take pirfenidone with food at the same time each day.
Pirfenidone is usually taken 3 times per day. Your dose needs will change over the first 15 days of your treatment.
- For the first week, you will take only 1 capsule or tablet at a time.
- During the second week, you will take 2 capsules or tablets at a time.
- From the third week on, you will take 3 capsules or tablets at a time.
If you use the 801-milligram tablet from the third week on you will take only 1 tablet at a time, 3 times per day.
You should not take more than 3 doses per day.
You must follow this first-2-week "dose escalation" schedule when you start taking pirfenidone, or if you start taking the medicine again after not taking it for 14 days or longer. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
If you do stop taking pirfenidone for any reason, talk with your doctor before restarting the medicine.
You may need frequent medical tests to be sure pirfenidone is not causing harmful effects on your liver. Your next few doses may be delayed or reduced based on the results of these tests.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.