Pirfenidone and Nausea: What Users Say

• Deb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 27, 2024

For Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis "When began medicine, experienced headache for 3-5 days and nausea for 10-14 days at 800 mg/day dosage. I've been on pirfenidone for 2 years. No sun sensitivity nor elevated ALT/AST levels noted. I can't tell if, or how well pirfenidone is working. I walk every day for 30 minutes with no breathing issues. I do notice some breathing difficulty at 5,000 ft altitude (but not at 2,000 ft). In the last three years (2021-2024), pulmonary function tests are still in the normal range."

• J C...
• November 1, 2024

For Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis "Mostly nausea feeling for a duration of a few months. Itchy skin, prone to sunburns. Some dizzy episodes, loss of some appetite, which results in loss of weight. Feeling listless, loss of energy. Had to reduce dosage to cope with everything. It has helped to delay my condition, and after four years I have yet to use oxygen, but I know someday that will happen."

• Mae...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 14, 2024

For Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis "I'm 72 years of age and female. I've been taking pirfenidone since the beginning of May 2024. I am fully aware pirfenidone does not and will not improve my lung function, only slow the progression. Apart from shortness of breath, after about a month of starting on pirfenidone, I feel well, which has made a big difference. The only side effect I've experienced is nausea. The dose I started on in May was 3 tablets at 267 mg per tablet, 3 times per day, for a total of 2403 mg per day. My latest prescription has changed - I will now be taking 1 only 801 mg tablet, 3 times per day for the same total (2403 mg). The 267 mg tablets were small, so they weren't a problem to take, I have yet to have my new prescription filled. It will be interesting to see the size difference."

• Pir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2024

Pirfenidone for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis "Early days for me on this med. I have been feeling nauseous and also have developed an intolerance to shellfish (causes vomiting). I have also noticed more sinus issues. I have never liked taking pills, and I find 3x3xday too much. I’m always tempted to miss the midday dose, which would limit the effectiveness of the drug significantly. I'm also tempted to stop taking the drug completely but am persevering for at least six months to see if the side effects diminish. I have previously taken OFEV but was intolerant (due to gastric issues)."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2020

Pirfenidone for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis "On Esbriet, my side effects were constant headaches, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, constipation, bloating, nausea. Not worth the money."

• Twe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2024

"Loss of appetite. Weight loss. Nausea, initially and occasionally after a few months. No negative effect on liver yet. Spirometer tests remain constant."