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Starting Esbreit (Pirfenidone)
Hubby started on Pirfenidone today (actually Friday) for his Pulmonary Fibrosis. 1 pill 3 times a day with meals the first week. Any tips, suggestions, precautions, experiences to share?
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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?
I would go to ER if it were me.
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1 ReactionHe is okay today, after taking no pills yesterday.
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1 ReactionI agree with the above comment: go to the ER.
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2 ReactionsHi [@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.
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3 ReactionsToday'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.
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