Description
What Is Pirfenidone Teva 267 mg?
Pirfenidone Teva 267 mg is a film-coated tablet containing pirfenidone, an antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in adults. IPF is a chronic condition in which lung tissue becomes progressively scarred and thickened, making it increasingly hard to breathe. The 267 mg strength is the lowest of the tablet strengths and is used both to build up the dose gradually and as a component of the maintenance regimen.
Pirfenidone is a prescription-only medicine that must be started and supervised by a specialist experienced in diagnosing and treating IPF. By reducing scarring and inflammation in the lungs, it helps slow the decline in lung function and can ease breathing difficulties associated with the disease.
Active Ingredient & Mechanism of Action
The active ingredient is pirfenidone, a pyridone compound. Its exact mechanism is not fully established, but it is known to have both antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory actions in laboratory and animal models of pulmonary fibrosis.
Pirfenidone reduces the accumulation of inflammatory cells and lowers the production of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic signals, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β). It also attenuates fibroblast proliferation and the production of fibrosis-associated proteins such as collagen, thereby slowing the scarring process in the lungs.
Approved Indications
Pirfenidone is indicated in adults for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It is used to slow the progressive loss of lung function that characterises this disease. Treatment should be initiated and supervised by specialist physicians experienced in the diagnosis and management of IPF, and it is not indicated for other types of pulmonary fibrosis unless specifically directed by a specialist.
Dosage & Administration
Treatment is titrated upward over 14 days to the recommended maintenance dose: Days 1–7, one 267 mg tablet three times daily (801 mg/day); Days 8–14, two 267 mg tablets three times daily (1602 mg/day); and from Day 15 onward, three 267 mg tablets three times daily, giving the maintenance dose of 801 mg three times daily (2403 mg/day). Doses above 2403 mg/day are not recommended. Tablets should be taken with food to reduce nausea and dizziness, at the same times each day.
Patients who miss 14 consecutive days or more must restart with the initial 2-week titration.
How to Take Pirfenidone Teva
Swallow the tablets whole with water, with food, spacing the three daily doses evenly (for example morning, midday, and evening). Taking pirfenidone with a meal lowers the peak blood level and reduces side effects such as nausea and dizziness. Take it at the same times each day, and do not stop or change the dose without medical advice. If dizziness or fatigue occurs, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with food, unless it is nearly time for the next dose — in that case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one, and do not take more than three doses in a day. If you miss 14 consecutive days or more of treatment, contact your doctor, as therapy must be re-titrated from the start.
Overdose
There is limited experience with overdose. Taking more than the recommended amount increases the risk of side effects. In case of a suspected overdose, seek medical advice; management is supportive, with monitoring of vital signs and observation of clinical status. Do not exceed the maximum recommended dose of 2403 mg/day.
Storage Conditions
Store Pirfenidone Teva according to the package leaflet, in its original packaging to protect it from moisture and light. Keep it out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the pack, and do not use any tablet that appears damaged. Dispose of unused medicine responsibly, following local guidance rather than discarding it in household waste where advised.
Contraindications
Pirfenidone is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to pirfenidone or any excipient, and in those who have had a previous angioedema reaction to pirfenidone. It must not be used together with fluvoxamine (a strong inhibitor of the enzyme that breaks it down). It is also contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment or end-stage liver disease, and in severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis.
Warnings & Precautions
The most important warning concerns the liver: pirfenidone can cause elevated liver enzymes and, rarely, serious drug-induced liver injury that has occasionally been fatal, so liver function must be tested before and regularly during treatment. Photosensitivity reactions and rash are common — avoid direct sunlight and sunlamps and use sun protection. Serious skin reactions have been reported. Smoking reduces drug levels and may lessen effectiveness. Caution is needed in mild-to-moderate liver or kidney impairment.
Common & Serious Side Effects
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion, loss of appetite, and weight loss, as well as photosensitivity reactions, rash, fatigue, headache, and dizziness. Serious effects requiring prompt attention include signs of liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea, upper abdominal pain), severe skin reactions with blistering or peeling, and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat and difficulty breathing.
Drug Interactions
Pirfenidone is contraindicated with fluvoxamine. Levels are increased by other inhibitors of CYP1A2 such as ciprofloxacin (dose reduction may be needed) and reduced by smoking and other CYP1A2 inducers, which may lower effectiveness. Caution is advised with combinations of moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors and other CYP inhibitors. Inform your doctor of all medicines you take, and avoid grapefruit juice, which can affect drug metabolism.
Required Tests & Monitoring
Liver function tests (ALT, AST, and bilirubin) must be performed before starting, then monthly for the first 6 months and every 3 months thereafter, because of the risk of liver injury. Dose reduction, interruption, or discontinuation may be needed depending on the results. Kidney function and general tolerance should also be monitored, and any new symptoms of liver problems or serious skin reactions should be reported and investigated promptly.
Diet & Lifestyle Support
Always take pirfenidone with food to reduce nausea and dizziness. Because of photosensitivity, avoid strong sunlight and sunlamps, wear protective clothing, and apply a high-SPF sunscreen. Stopping smoking is important, as smoking lowers drug levels and effectiveness. Eating smaller, frequent meals can help if appetite or weight is affected. Keep all appointments for the blood tests that monitor your liver.
Expected Timeline for Improvement
Pirfenidone does not reverse existing lung scarring; its benefit is to slow the decline in lung function over time. Because the effect is measured over months, patients may not feel an immediate improvement, and the value of treatment is judged by a slower rate of disease progression. Continuing therapy consistently, once titrated to the full maintenance dose, gives the best chance of preserving lung function. Your specialist will assess response over the long term.
Effect on Other Medications & Conditions
Because pirfenidone is processed mainly by the liver enzyme CYP1A2, it interacts with drugs and habits that affect this enzyme — strong inhibitors raise its levels and smoking lowers them. Its potential for liver injury means pre-existing liver disease influences suitability, and severe impairment is a contraindication. Any coexisting condition and all concurrent medicines, including over-the-counter products, should be reviewed by the prescriber.
When to See a Doctor
Contact your doctor promptly if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in the upper right abdomen — possible signs of liver problems. Report severe sunburn-like or blistering skin reactions. Seek emergency care for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
Use in Special Populations
Pirfenidone is for adults; its safety and efficacy in children have not been established. It should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless clearly necessary, as safety data are limited. It is not recommended in severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment/dialysis, and should be used with caution in mild-to-moderate impairment. In elderly patients no specific dose change is required, but monitoring is advised. Smokers may have reduced drug levels.
Who Should Avoid Pirfenidone Teva?
Pirfenidone should be avoided by anyone with hypersensitivity or previous angioedema to pirfenidone, those taking fluvoxamine, and patients with severe liver disease or end-stage kidney disease on dialysis. It requires particular caution in people with existing liver or kidney impairment, a history of serious skin reactions, or high sun exposure. It is not a treatment for other lung diseases outside its approved IPF indication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pirfenidone Teva used for? Pirfenidone Teva treats idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in adults, slowing the progressive scarring and loss of lung function.
Why is the dose built up gradually? The dose is titrated over 14 days to the full 2403 mg/day to improve tolerance and reduce side effects such as nausea.
Why are liver blood tests needed? Pirfenidone can raise liver enzymes and rarely cause serious liver injury, so liver function is checked before and regularly during treatment.
Why must I avoid the sun? Pirfenidone can cause photosensitivity, so sun and sunlamp exposure should be avoided and high-SPF sun protection used.
Should it be taken with food? Yes. Taking pirfenidone with food reduces nausea and dizziness and is recommended at each of the three daily doses.
Medical Review & Author Note
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Abdallah Fouad, Clinical Nutrition Specialist with over 25 years of experience. The content is provided for educational purposes to help patients and caregivers understand how Pirfenidone Teva 267 mg is used, its benefits, and its risks. It does not replace the personalized advice of your treating physician or pharmacist.
Medical Disclaimer
Pirfenidone Teva is a prescription-only medicine that must be prescribed and monitored by a qualified specialist. This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.
Pirfenidone Teva 267 mg product images
Review the Pirfenidone Teva 267 mg pack from the front and back, followed by Arabic and English medical information cards.
Pirfenidone Teva prescribing and safety reference
Pirfenidone Teva 267 mg is a prescription antifibrotic medicine indicated for adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It should be taken with food and used only under specialist supervision. Liver-function monitoring and sun protection are important during treatment. Read the official Pirfenidone Teva 267 mg SmPC and browse our prescription medicines collection.
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