What are the common side effects of Pirfenidone/Axri? How to reduce adverse reactions

Pirfenidone is an anti-fibrotic drug used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It slows down the progression of pulmonary fibrosis and improves patients' lung function by inhibiting the release of TGF-β and inflammatory mediators. However, as an oral drug used for a long time, pirfenidone may also cause some adverse reactions, affecting patient tolerance and compliance.

The most common side effects of pirfenidone include gastrointestinal discomfort, skin photosensitivity, and liver function abnormalities. Gastrointestinal discomfort usually manifests as nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and indigestion, especially when the drug is first started or the dose is increased. This may be related to the irritating effect of the drug on the gastrointestinal mucosa. To reduce gastrointestinal side effects, patients are advised to take it with food and gradually increase the dose rather than taking the full dose suddenly.

Skin photosensitivity is another common adverse reaction. Patients are prone to rash, erythema and even sunburn after exposure to ultraviolet light. Therefore, while taking pirfenidone, patients should try to avoid direct sunlight, wear a sun hat, use high-magnification sunscreen (SPF 50+) when going out, and wear long-sleeved clothing to reduce the occurrence of photosensitivity reactions. In addition, if skin allergy or severe erythema occurs, you should report it to your doctor in time, and the dosage may need to be adjusted or the medication may be suspended.

Abnormal liver function is one of the potential side effects of pirfenidone. Some patients may experience increases in liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), while taking the drug. Therefore, during the initial period of medication and during treatment, it is recommended to regularly monitor liver function. If abnormal increases in liver enzymes are found, the dosage should be adjusted appropriately or use should be suspended under the guidance of a doctor. In addition, patients should avoid drinking alcohol to reduce additional damage to the liver.

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