Pirfenidone

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Esbriet, Pirfenidone

Brand Names: Esbriet, Pirfenidone
Drug Class: Pyridone [EPC]
Route: ORAL
Dosage Form: TABLET, COATED
Product Type: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Pirfenidone belongs to the chemical class of pyridone. Pirfenidone is available as film-coated tablets containing 267 mg (yellow) and 801 mg (brown) pirfenidone. Pirfenidone has a molecular formula of C 12 H 11 NO and a molecular weight of 185.23. Pirfenidone has the following structural formula, which has been referred to as 5-methyl-1phenyl-2-1(H)- pyridone or 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1H)-pyridone. Pirfenidone is a white or pale yellow, crystalline powder. It is sparingly soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol (96%), very slightly soluble in heptane. The melting point is approximately 109°C. Pirfenidone capsules contain pirfenidone and the following inactive ingredients: silicified microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate In addition, the capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide and sodium lauryl sulfate. The capsule brown printing ink includes shellac glaze, n-butyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ferroso ferric oxide/black iron oxide, iron oxide red, propylene glycol, iron oxide yellow and ammonium hydroxide. Pirfenidone tablets contain pirfenidone and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, copovidone, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol (polyethylene glycol). Additionally 267 mg tablets contain iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red and 801 mg tablets contain iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red, iron oxide black. Chemical Structure

What Is Pirfenidone Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pirfenidone is indicated for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Pirfenidone is a pyridone indicated for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). ( 1 )

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Take with food. Recommended dosage: 801 mg three times daily (2403 mg/day). ( 2 ) Upon initiation of treatment, titrate to the full dosage of 2403 mg/day over a 14-day period as follows: Treatment days Dosage Days 1 through 7 267 mg three times daily (801 mg/day) Days 8 through 14 534 mg three times daily (1602 mg/day) Days 15 onward 801 mg three times daily (2403 mg/day) Consider temporary dosage reduction, treatment interruption, or discontinuation for management of adverse reactions. ( 2.3 , 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 ) Prior to treatment, conduct liver function tests. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Testing Prior to Pirfenidone Administration Conduct liver function tests prior to initiating treatment with pirfenidone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage The recommended daily maintenance dosage of pirfenidone is 801 mg three times daily for a total of 2403 mg/day. Doses should be taken with food at the same time each day. Upon initiation of treatment, titrate to the full dosage of 2403 mg/day over a 14-day period as follows: Table 1. Dosage Titration for pirfenidone in Patients with IPF Treatment days Dosage Days 1 through 7 267 mg three times daily (801 mg/day) Days 8 through 14 534 mg three times daily (1602 mg/day) Days 15 onward 801 mg three times daily (2403 mg/day) Dosages above 2403 mg/day are not recommended for any patient. Patients should not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. Patients should not take more than 3 doses per day. 2.3 Dosage Modifications due to Adverse Reactions Patients who miss 14 or more days of pirfenidone should re-initiate treatment by undergoing the initial 2-week titration regimen up to the full maintenance dosage [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . For treatment interruption of less than 14 days, the dosage prior to the interruption can be resumed. If patients experience significant adverse reactions (i.e., gastrointestinal, photosensitivity reaction or rash, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR)), consider temporary dosage reductions or interruptions of pirfenidone to allow for resolution of symptoms. If a SCAR is confirmed, permanently discontinue pirfenidone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 )] . Dosage Modification due to Elevated Liver Enzymes Dosage modifications or interruptions may also be necessary when liver enzyme and bilirubin elevations are exhibited. For liver enzyme elevations, modify the dosage as follows: If a patient exhibits >3 but ≤5 × the upper limit of normal (ULN) ALT and/or AST without symptoms or hyperbilirubinemia after starting pirfenidone therapy: Discontinue confounding medications, exclude other causes, and monitor the patient closely. Repeat liver chemistry tests as clinically indicated. The full daily dosage may be maintained, if clinically appropriate, or reduced or interrupted (e.g., until liver chemistry tests are within normal limits) with subsequent retitration to the full dosage as...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Liver Enzyme Elevations and Drug-Induced Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Photosensitivity Reaction or Rash [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Gastrointestinal Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] 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. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact ScieGen Pharmaceuticals Inc at 1-855-724-3436 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of pirfenidone has been evaluated in more than 1400 subjects with over 170 subjects exposed to pirfenidone for more than 5 years in clinical trials. Pirfenidone was studied in 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (Studies 1, 2, and 3) in which a total of 623 patients received 2403 mg/day of pirfenidone and 624 patients received placebo. Subjects ages ranged from 40 to 80 years (mean age of 67 years). Most patients were male (74%) and Caucasian (95%). The mean duration of exposure to pirfenidone was 62 weeks (range: 2 to 118 weeks) in these 3 trials. At the recommended dosage of 2403 mg/day, 14.6% of patients on pirfenidone compared to 9.6% on placebo permanently discontinued treatment because of an adverse event. The most common (>1%) adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were rash and nausea. The most common (>3%) adverse reactions leading to dosage reduction or interruption were rash, nausea, diarrhea, and photosensitivity reaction. The most common adverse reactions with an incidence of ≥10% and more frequent in the pirfenidone than placebo treatment group are listed in Table 2. Table 2. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥10% of pirfenidone -Treated Patients and More Commonly Than Placebo in Studies 1, 2, and 3 Adverse Reaction % of Patients (0 to 118 Weeks) Pirfenidone 2403 mg/day (N = 623) Placebo (N = 624) Nausea 36% 16% Rash 30% 10% Abdominal Pain 1 24% 15% Upper Respiratory Tract Infection 27% 25% Diarrhea 26% 20% Fatigue 26% 19% Headache 22% 19% Decreased Appetite 21% 8% Dyspepsia 19% 7% Dizziness 18% 11% Vomiting 13% 6% Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease 11% 7% Sinusitis 11% 10% Insomnia 10% 7% Weight Decreased 10% 5% Arthralgia 10% 7% 1 Includes abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and stomach discomfort. Adverse reactions occurring in ≥5 to <10% of pirfenidone-treated patients and more commonly than placebo are photosensitivity reaction (9% vs. 1%), pruritus (8% vs. 5%), asthenia (6% vs. 4%), dysgeusia (6% vs. 2%), and non-cardiac chest pain (5% vs. 4%). 6.2 Postmarketing Experience In addition to adverse reactions identified from clinical trials the following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of pirfenidone. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency. Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Agranulocytosis Hepatobiliary Disorders: Drug-induced liver injury Immune System Disorders: Angioedema Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCAR)

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Moderate (e.g., ciprofloxacin) and strong inhibitors of CYP1A2 (e.g., fluvoxamine) increase systemic exposure of pirfenidone and may alter the adverse reaction profile of pirfenidone. Discontinue fluvoxamine prior to administration of pirfenidone or reduce to 267 mg three times a day. Consider dosage reduction with use of ciprofloxacin. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 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 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 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 [ see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Moderate CYP1A2 Inhibitors Concomitant administration of pirfenidone and ciprofloxacin (a moderate inhibitor of CYP1A2) moderately increases exposure to pirfenidone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . If ciprofloxacin at the dosage of 750 mg twice daily cannot be avoided, dosage reductions are recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ]. 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. 7.2 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 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The data with pirfenidone use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform on drug associated risks for major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, pirfenidone was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits at oral doses up to 3 and 2 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily dose (MRDD) in adults [see Data] . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Animal reproductive studies were conducted in rats and rabbits. In a combined fertility and embryofetal development study, female rats received pirfenidone at oral doses of 0, 50, 150, 450, and 1000 mg/kg/day from 2 weeks prior to mating, during the mating phase, and throughout the periods of early embryonic development from gestation days (GD) 0 to 5 and organogenesis from GD 6 to 17. In an embryofetal development study, pregnant rabbits received pirfenidone at oral doses of 0, 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg/day throughout the period of organogenesis from GD 6 to 18. In these studies, pirfenidone at doses up to 3 and 2 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily dose (MRDD) in adults (on mg/m 2 basis at maternal oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day in rats and 300 mg/kg/day in rabbits, respectively) revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to pirfenidone. In the presence of maternal toxicity, acyclic/irregular cycles (e.g., prolonged estrous cycle) were seen in rats at doses approximately equal to and higher than the MRDD in adults (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal doses of 450 mg/kg/day and higher). In a pre- and post-natal development study, female rats received pirfenidone at oral doses of 0, 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg/day from GD 7 to lactation day 20. Prolongation of the gestation period, decreased numbers of live newborn, and reduced pup viability and body weights were seen in rats at an oral...

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE There is limited clinical experience with overdosage. Multiple dosages of pirfenidone up to a maximum tolerated dose of 4005 mg per day were administered as five 267 mg capsules three times daily to healthy adult volunteers over a 12-day dose escalation. In the event of a suspected overdosage, appropriate supportive medical care should be provided, including monitoring of vital signs and observation of the clinical status of the patient.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Pirfenidone capsules are white opaque hard gelatin capsules contain 267 mg pirfenidone. The cap of the capsule imprinted “SG” and “441” on body with brown ink. They are supplied as follows: Bottle of 30 Tablets: NDC 50228-441-30 Bottle of 500 Tablets: NDC 50228-441-05 Pirfenidone Tablets, 267 mg are yellow, oval shape, film coated tablets debossed with “442" on one side and plain on other side. They are supplied as follows: Bottle of 30 Tablets: NDC 50228-442-30 Bottle of 1000 Tablets: NDC 50228-442-10 Pirfenidone Tablets, 801 mg are brown, oval shape, film coated tablets debossed with “443" on one side and plain on other side. They are supplied as follows: Bottle of 30 Tablets: NDC 50228-443-30 Bottle of 500 Tablets: NDC 50228-443-05 Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) (see USP Controlled Room Temperature). Keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not use if the seal over the bottle opening is broken or missing. Safely throw away any pirfenidone that is out of date or no longer needed.

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.