Esbriet (Pirfenidone) congestion coughing

Posted by grrranny @grrranny, 3 days ago

Husband 84 years old has been taking 3 Pirfenidone pills per day for his Pulmonary Fibrosis. He cutback when it caused nosebleeds a few months ago, but re-started -- upping the dose again gradually. Has had runny nose for long time, and congestion recently. He woke up coughing-up dark colored mucous this morning. Won't be able to contact his pulmonologist till Monday. Should he stop taking the pills until then, or just cut back to one or two pills?

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annchristiansen2623 | @annchristiansen2623 | 3 days ago

I would go to ER if it were me.

grrranny | @grrranny | 2 days ago

He is okay today, after taking no pills yesterday.

cameron747 | @cameron747 | 2 days ago

I agree with the above comment: go to the ER.

smith234 | @smith234 | 2 days ago

Hi [@grrranny],

I’m really sorry your husband is going through this and that sounds very worrying. Since he’s coughing up dark-colored mucus, it’s important to get medical attention right away, especially given his age and condition. I’d recommend not waiting until Monday — you could call his doctor’s on-call service, urgent care, or go to the ER to be safe.
It’s best not to make changes to prescription medications like Pirfenidone without direct guidance from his healthcare provider. Please reach out to a medical professional as soon as possible.

grrranny | @grrranny | 1 day ago

In reply to @grrranny "He is okay today, after taking no pills yesterday." + (show)

Today's update: Hubby's still okay today
(Monday). His doctor returned his call and told him to hold off taking the pills for a week, then start taking them again.