What is Esbriet: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Esbriet overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Esbriet

Generic Names:

  • Esbriet

Uses:

  • Treats idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Respiratory Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Esbriet used for?

Esbriet is used to treat a lung disease known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It causes scar tissue to build up in the lungs resulting in the lung tissue becoming thick and stiff. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis reduces lung function and causes breathing difficulty. Esbriet slows the progress of this condition but it does not restore lost lung function. It is indicated for use by adults and is available as a capsule.

What form(s) does Esbriet come in

  • Tablet

  • Capsule

What are common Esbriet doses?

  • Capsule 267MG

  • Tablet 267MG

  • Tablet 801MG

Common Esbriet prescriptions

  • Esbriet
    267mg capsule

  • Esbriet
    267mg tablet

  • Esbriet
    801mg tablet

How to take Esbriet

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss a dose for 14 days or more, tell your doctor right away. You may need to start at a lower dose again.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take this medicine at the same time each day.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss a dose for 14 days or more, tell your doctor right away. You may need to start at a lower dose again.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take this medicine at the same time each day.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Esbriet

Esbriet contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to pirfenidone.

Esbriet warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or stomach or bowel problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsStomach or bowel problems

  • Stop smoking before treatment with pirfenidone and avoid smoking while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

Esbriet interactions

  • Some medicines and foods can affect how pirfenidone works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:CiprofloxacinEnoxacinFluvoxamine

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsStomach or bowel problems

  • Stop smoking before treatment with pirfenidone and avoid smoking while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Esbriet side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes

  • Severe sunburn or increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

  • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain or upset

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping

  • Weight loss

  • Dizziness

  • Joint or muscle pain

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