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Tag: Esbriet

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

What category is pirfenidone in?

4 min read
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) affects about 100,000 people in the United States, with 30,000 to 40,000 new cases diagnosed annually [1.5.3]. For those diagnosed, understanding treatment is crucial, which leads to the question: **what category is pirfenidone in?**

Is Pirfenidone a Specialty Drug? An Examination of Its Classification

4 min read
In 2014, the FDA granted approval to pirfenidone, marking it as a significant treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). As a result, many patients and healthcare providers question the medication's specific classification, with the answer being that pirfenidone is definitively considered a specialty drug due to its cost, complexity, and distribution model.

What is an alternative to Ofev?

4 min read
Over two dozen clinical trials have investigated the effectiveness of antifibrotic therapies, including Ofev (nintedanib), in slowing the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, the need to find an alternative to Ofev may arise for various reasons, including managing side effects or seeking different therapeutic mechanisms.

How long does it take for pirfenidone to work?

4 min read
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) affects up to 140,000 people in the United States, with treatments aimed at slowing its progression. For those prescribed pirfenidone, a key question is: **how long does it take for pirfenidone to work?** The effects are gradual, often taking several months.

Can Pirfenidone Cause Diarrhea? Understanding the Gastrointestinal Effects

3 min read
In clinical trials, diarrhea was reported in approximately 19-25% of patients taking pirfenidone, a medication for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), making it a well-documented and common side effect. Patients frequently experience this gastrointestinal issue, particularly during the initial phase of their treatment regimen.

Which Is More Effective, Esbriet or Ofev? A Guide to Comparing Antifibrotic Medications for IPF

3 min read
In 2014, the FDA approved two new antifibrotic medications, Esbriet (pirfenidone) and Ofev (nintedanib), on the same day for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This milestone provided new hope for patients with this progressive and fatal lung disease. With two options available, the question of which is more effective, Esbriet or Ofev?, became a central topic of discussion among patients and healthcare providers.

Does Esbriet Cause Fatigue? Understanding a Common Side Effect

3 min read
According to clinical trials, a significant number of patients on Esbriet experienced fatigue, with some studies reporting incidence rates as high as 26% compared to placebo groups. It's crucial for patients to understand if and **does Esbriet cause fatigue** and how to manage this side effect effectively.

Is Esbriet Being Discontinued? The Status of Pirfenidone in 2025

4 min read
Affecting approximately 140,000 Americans, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a serious lung condition [1.4.1]. A key question for patients is: **Is Esbriet being discontinued?** While the brand-name drug remains available, the treatment landscape has significantly changed with the introduction of generic pirfenidone [1.3.1, 1.4.3].