Representative image. Actual product may vary in appearance.
Refer to product for labeling details.
ESBRIET® is a registered U.S. trademark of Genentech, Inc.
Pirfenidone tablets and capsules are a prescription medication and a generic for the brand-name medicine, Esbriet®, that is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).2,3 Sandoz pirfenidone is therapeutically equivalent1 to the brand-name medicine.
Pirfenidone tablets and capsules are a prescription medication and a generic for the brand-name medicine, Esbriet®, that is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).2,3 Sandoz pirfenidone is therapeutically equivalent1 to the brand-name medicine.
*See eligibility details below.
Restrictions, including monthly and/or annual maximums, may apply. Prescription must be for an approved indication. This program is not health insurance. This program is for insured patients with pirfenidone coverage only; cash-paying or uninsured patients are not eligible. Patients are not eligible if prescription for pirfenidone is paid, in whole or in part, by any state or federally funded programs, including but not limited to Medicare (including Part D, even in the coverage gap) or Medicaid, Medigap, VA, DOD, or TriCare, or private indemnity plans that do not cover prescription drugs, or HMO insurance plans that reimburse the patient for the entire cost of their prescription drugs, or where prohibited by law. The pirfenidone co-pay program may apply to out-of-pocket expenses that occurred within 120 days prior to the date of the enrollment. The pirfenidone co-pay program may not be combined with any other rebate, coupon, or offer. The pirfenidone co-pay program has no cash value. Sandoz reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this offer without further notice. Offer is not valid where prohibited by law and is only valid in the United States and Puerto Rico. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Representative image. Actual product may vary in appearance.
Refer to product for labeling details.
Pirfenidone tablets and capsules are indicated for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
None.
Elevated Liver Enzymes and Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) have been observed with pirfenidone. In the postmarketing period, non-serious and serious cases of DILI, including severe liver injury with fatal outcome, have been reported. Patients treated with pirfenidone 2403 mg/day in three Phase 3 trials had a higher incidence of elevations in ALT or AST ≥3 × ULN than placebo patients (3.7% vs. 0.8%, respectively). Elevations ≥10 × ULN in ALT or AST occurred in 0.3% of patients in the pirfenidone 2403 mg/day group and in 0.2% of patients in the placebo group. Increases in ALT and AST ≥3 × ULN were reversible with dose modification or treatment discontinuation.
Conduct liver function tests (ALT, AST, and bilirubin) prior to the initiation of therapy with pirfenidone, monthly for the first 6 months, every 3 months thereafter, and as clinically indicated. Measure liver function tests promptly in patients who report symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice. Dosage modification or interruption may be necessary for liver enzyme elevations.
Photosensitivity Reaction or Rash
Patients treated with pirfenidone 2403 mg/day in the three Phase 3 studies had a higher incidence of photosensitivity reactions (9%) compared with patients treated with placebo (1%). The majority of the photosensitivity reactions occurred during the initial 6 months. Instruct patients to avoid or minimize exposure to sunlight (including sunlamps), to use a sunblock (SPF 50 or higher), and to wear clothing that protects against sun exposure. Additionally, instruct patients to avoid concomitant medications known to cause photosensitivity. Dosage reduction or discontinuation may be necessary in some cases of photosensitivity reaction or rash.
Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), have been reported in association with the use of pirfenidone in the post-marketing setting. If signs or symptoms of SCAR occur, interrupt pirfenidone treatment until the etiology of the reaction has been determined. Consultation with a dermatologist is recommended. If a SCAR is confirmed, permanently discontinue pirfenidone.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
In the clinical studies, gastrointestinal events of nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, vomiting, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and abdominal pain were more frequently reported by patients in the pirfenidone treatment groups than in those taking placebo. Dosage reduction or interruption for gastrointestinal events was required in 18.5% of patients in the 2403 mg/day group, as compared to 5.8% of patients in the placebo group; 2.2% of patients in the pirfenidone 2403 mg/day group discontinued treatment due to a gastrointestinal event, as compared to 1.0% in the placebo group. The most common (>2%) gastrointestinal events that led to dosage reduction or interruption were nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and dyspepsia. The incidence of gastrointestinal events was highest early in the course of treatment (with highest incidence occurring during the initial 3 months) and decreased over time. Dosage modifications may be necessary in some cases of gastrointestinal adverse reactions.
The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) are nausea, rash, abdominal pain, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, dizziness, vomiting, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, sinusitis, insomnia, weight decreased, and arthralgia.
CYP1A2 Inhibitors
Pirfenidone is metabolized primarily (70 to 80%) via CYP1A2 with minor contributions from other CYP isoenzymes including CYP2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 2E1.
Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors
The concomitant administration of pirfenidone and fluvoxamine or other strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., enoxacin) is not recommended because it significantly increases exposure to pirfenidone. Use of fluvoxamine or other strong CYP1A2 inhibitors should be discontinued prior to administration of pirfenidone and avoided during pirfenidone treatment. In the event that fluvoxamine or other strong CYP1A2 inhibitors are the only drug of choice, dosage reductions are recommended. Monitor for adverse reactions and consider discontinuation of pirfenidone as needed.
Moderate CYP1A2 Inhibitors
Concomitant administration of pirfenidone and ciprofloxacin (a moderate inhibitor of CYP1A2) moderately increases exposure to pirfenidone. If ciprofloxacin at the dosage of 750 mg twice daily cannot be avoided, dosage reductions are recommended. Monitor patients closely when ciprofloxacin is used at a dosage of 250 mg or 500 mg once daily.
Concomitant CYP1A2 and other CYP Inhibitors
Agents or combinations of agents that are moderate or strong inhibitors of both CYP1A2 and one or more other CYP isoenzymes involved in the metabolism of pirfenidone (i.e., CYP2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 2E1) should be discontinued prior to and avoided during pirfenidone treatment.
CYP1A2 Inducers
The concomitant use of pirfenidone and a CYP1A2 inducer may decrease the exposure of pirfenidone and this may lead to loss of efficacy. Therefore, discontinue use of strong CYP1A2 inducers prior to pirfenidone treatment and avoid the concomitant use of pirfenidone and a strong CYP1A2 inducer.
Hepatic Impairment
Pirfenidone should be used with caution in patients with mild (Child Pugh Class A) to moderate (Child Pugh Class B) hepatic impairment. Monitor for adverse reactions and consider dosage modification or discontinuation of pirfenidone as needed.
The safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of pirfenidone have not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Pirfenidone is not recommended for use in patients with severe (Child Pugh Class C) hepatic impairment.
Renal Impairment
Pirfenidone should be used with caution in patients with mild (CLcr 50 to 80 mL/min), moderate (CLcr 30 to 50 mL/min), or severe (CLcr less than 30 mL/min) renal impairment. Monitor for adverse reactions and consider dosage modification or discontinuation of pirfenidone as needed. The safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of pirfenidone have not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. Use of pirfenidone in patients with end-stage renal diseases requiring dialysis is not recommended.
Smokers
Smoking causes decreased exposure to pirfenidone, which may alter the efficacy profile of pirfenidone. Instruct patients to stop smoking prior to treatment with pirfenidone and to avoid smoking when using pirfenidone.
Please see full Tablet Prescribing Information and full Capsule Prescribing Information for additional safety information.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sandoz Inc. at 1-800-525-8747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Pirfenidone tablets and capsules are indicated for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
References:
1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Orange Book Preface to 42nd Edition. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approval-process-drugs/orange-book-preface. Accessed July 5, 2023.
2. Pirfenidone Tablets. Package Insert. Sandoz Inc.; April 2023.
3. Pirfenidone Capsules. Package Insert. Sandoz Inc.; March 2023.