Pirfenidone and Weight Loss: What Users Say

• don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2021

Pirfenidone for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis "I was on pirfenidone for 6 months. Terrible side effects - sunburn, constipation, loss of taste and smell leading to loss of appetite and weight. Lots of coughing, tiredness, and generally feeling unwell. One night I could hardly breathe because of chest pain, so I stopped treatment. Been off it for several weeks now and feel a lot better, although still coughing a lot in cold weather. Consultation coming up, so let's see what the next option is."

• Anonymous
• September 30, 2020

For Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis "Delayed reaction, severe sunburn rash - I was okay for several weeks, then suddenly 'wow'. The top of my bald head and amazingly, on the back of my hands, which I have never protected!! Fortunately, there wasn't much sun (UK weather), and I wore long sleeves. Lower abdominal pain - dull a lot of the time - severe occasionally. Moderate constipation. Moderate tiredness and weight loss. Can't believe I might have to take this stuff permanently."

• 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."

• 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."