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esbriet

Esbriet (Pirfenidone) is a pyridone used to treat Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Pirfenidone · by Legacy Pharma

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
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Key facts

Active ingredient
Pirfenidone
Drug class
Pyridone
Form
Tablet
Strength
Pirfenidone 267MG · Pirfenidone 534MG **Federal Register Determination That Product was not Discontinued or Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness reasons** · Pirfenidone 801MG
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Legacy Pharma
What the pharmacy pays
~$45.48 for 30 — not your price
FDA application
NDA208780

What is Esbriet?

From the FDA label:ESBRIET belongs to the chemical class of pyridone. ESBRIET is available as a white to off-white hard gelatin capsule containing 267 mg of pirfenidone for oral administration, or, as film-coated tablets containing 267 mg (yellow) and 801 mg (brown) pirfenidone. Pirfenidone has a molecular formula of C 12 H 11 NO and a molecular weight of 185.23. Pirfenidone has the following structural formula, which has been referred to as 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-1(H)-pyridone or 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1H)-pyridone. Pirfenidone is a white to pale yellow, non-hygroscopic powder. It is more soluble in methanol, ethyl alcohol, acetone and chloroform than in water and 1.0 N HCl. The melting point is approximately 109°C. ESBRIET capsule contains pirfenidone and the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, povidone, and magnesium stearate. In addition, the capsule shell contains gelatin and titanium dioxide. The capsule brown printing ink includes shellac, iron oxide black, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, propylene glycol, ammonium hydroxide. ESBRIET tablets contain pirfenidone and the following inactive ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, povidone, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, macrogol (polyethylene glycol), talc, and iron oxide. Chemical Structure

How to use

Take with food. Recommended dosage: 801 mg three times daily (2403 mg/day). ( 2 ) Upon initiation of treatment, titrate to the full dosage of 2403 mg/day over a 14-day period as follows: Treatment days Dosage Days 1 through 7 267 mg three times daily (801 mg/day) Days 8 through 14 534 mg three times daily (1602 mg/day) Days 15 onward 801 mg three times daily (2403 mg/day) Consider temporary dosage reduction, treatment interruption, or discontinuation for management of adverse reactions. ( 2.3 , 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 ) Prior to treatment, conduct liver function tests. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Testing Prior to ESBRIET Administration Conduct liver function tests prior to initiating treatment with ESBRIET [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage The recommended daily maintenance dosage of ESBRIET is 801 mg three times daily for a total of 2403 mg/day. Doses should be taken with food at the same time each day. Upon initiation of treatment, titrate to the full dosage of 2403 mg/day over a 14-day period as follows: Table 1. Dosage Titration for ESBRIET in Patients with IPF Treatment days Dosage Days 1 through 7 267 mg three times daily (801 mg/day) Days 8 through 14 534 mg three times daily (1602 mg/day) Days 15 onward 801 mg three times daily (2403 mg/day) Dosages above 2403 mg/day are not recommended for any patient. Patients should not take 2 doses at the same time to make…

Side effects

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Liver Enzyme Elevations and Drug-Induced Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Photosensitivity Reaction or Rash [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Gastrointestinal Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) are nausea, rash, abdominal pain, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, dizziness, vomiting, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, sinusitis, insomnia, weight decreased, and arthralgia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genentech at 1-888-835-2555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of pirfenidone has been evaluated in more than 1400 subjects with over 170 subjects exposed to pirfenidone for more than 5 years in clinical trials. ESBRIET was studied in 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (Studies 1, 2, and 3) in which a total of 623…

Warnings

Important safety information

Elevated liver enzymes and drug-induced liver injury: ALT, AST, and bilirubin elevations have occurred with ESBRIET including cases of drug-induced liver injury. In the postmarketing setting, non-serious and serious cases of drug-induced liver injury, including severe liver injury with fatal outcomes, have been reported. Monitor ALT, AST, and bilirubin before and during treatment. Temporary dosage reductions or discontinuations may be required. ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) Photosensitivity and rash: Photosensitivity and rash have been noted with ESBRIET. Avoid exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing daily. Temporary dosage reductions or discontinuations may be required. ( 5.2 ) Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCAR): Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported in association with the use of ESBRIET in the postmarketing setting. Interrupt ESBRIET in case of signs or symptoms of SCAR. Permanently discontinue ESBRIET if a SCAR is confirmed. ( 5.3 ) Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and abdominal pain have occurred with ESBRIET. Temporary dosage reductions or discontinuations may be required. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Elevated Liver Enzymes and Drug-Induced Liver Injury Cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) have been observed with ESBRIET. In the postmarketing period, non-serious and serious cases of DILI, including severe liver injury with fatal outcome, have been reported. Patients treated with Esbriet 2403 mg/day in three Phase 3 trials had a higher incidence of elevations in ALT or AST ≥3× ULN than placebo patients (3.7% vs 0.8%, respectively). Elevations ≥10×ULN in ALT or AST occurred in 0.3% of patients in the Esbriet 2403 mg/day group and in 0.2% of patients in the placebo group. Increases in ALT and AST ≥3× ULN were reversible with dose modification or treatment discontinuation. Conduct liver function tests (ALT, AST, and bilirubin) prior to the initiation of therapy with ESBRIET, monthly for the first 6 months, every 3 months thereafter, and as clinically indicated. Measure liver function tests promptly in patients who report symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice. Dosage modification or interruption may be necessary for liver enzyme elevations [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.3) ] . 5.2 Photosensitivity Reaction or Rash Patients treated with ESBRIET 2403 mg/day in the three Phase 3 studies had a higher incidence of photosensitivity reactions (9%) compared with patients treated with placebo (1%). The majority of the photosensitivity reactions occurred during the initial 6 months. Instruct patients to avoid or minimize exposure to sunlight (including sunlamps), to use a sunblock (SPF 50 or higher), and to wear clothing that protects against sun exposure. Additionally, instruct patients to avoid concomitant medications known to cause photosensitivity. Dosage reduction or discontinuation may be necessary in some cases of photosensitivity reaction or rash [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.3 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), have been reported in association with the use of ESBRIET in the postmarketing setting. If signs or symptoms of SCAR occur, interrupt ESBRIET treatment until the etiology of the reaction has been determined. Consultation with a dermatologist is recommended. If a SCAR is confirmed, permanently discontinue ESBRIET. 5.4 Gastrointestinal Disorders In the clinical studies, gastrointestinal events of nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, vomiting, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and abdominal pain were more frequently reported by patients in the ESBRIET treatment groups than in those taking placebo. Dosage reduction or interruption for gastrointestinal events was required in 18.5% of patients in the 2403 mg/day group, as compared to 5.8% of patients in the placebo group; 2.2% of patients in the ESBRIET 2403 mg/day group discontinued treatment due to a gastrointestinal event, as compared to 1.0% in the placebo group. The most common (>2%) gastrointestinal events that led to dosage reduction or interruption were nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and dyspepsia. The incidence of gastrointestinal events was highest early in the course of treatment (with highest incidence occurring during the initial 3 months) and decreased over time. Dosage modifications may be necessary in some cases of gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] .

Who should not take Esbriet

None. None

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

There is limited clinical experience with overdosage. Multiple dosages of ESBRIET up to a maximum tolerated dose of 4005 mg per day were administered as five 267 mg capsules three times daily to healthy adult volunteers over a 12-day dose escalation. In the event of a suspected overdosage, appropriate supportive medical care should be provided, including monitoring of vital signs and observation of the clinical status of the patient.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

Moderate (e.g., ciprofloxacin) and strong inhibitors of CYP1A2 (e.g., fluvoxamine) increase systemic exposure of ESBRIET and may alter the adverse reaction profile of ESBRIET. Discontinue fluvoxamine prior to administration of ESBRIET or reduce to 267 mg three times a day . Consider dosage reduction with use of ciprofloxacin. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 CYP1A2 Inhibitors Pirfenidone is metabolized primarily (70 to 80%) via CYP1A2 with minor contributions from other CYP isoenzymes including CYP2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 2E1. Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors The concomitant administration of ESBRIET and fluvoxamine or other strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., enoxacin) is not recommended because it significantly increases exposure to ESBRIET [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Use of fluvoxamine or other strong CYP1A2 inhibitors should be discontinued prior to administration of ESBRIET and avoided during ESBRIET treatment. In the event that fluvoxamine or other strong CYP1A2 inhibitors are the only drug of choice, dosage reductions are recommended. Monitor for adverse reactions and consider discontinuation of ESBRIET as needed [ see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Moderate CYP1A2 Inhibitors Concomitant administration of ESBRIET and ciprofloxacin (a moderate inhibitor of CYP1A2) moderately increases exposure to ESBRIET [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . If ciprofloxacin at the dosage of 750 mg twice daily cannot be avoided, dosage reductions are recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ]. Monitor patients closely when ciprofloxacin is used at a dosage of 250 mg or 500 mg once daily. Concomitant CYP1A2 and other CYP Inhibitors Agents or combinations of agents that are moderate or strong inhibitors of both CYP1A2 and one or more other CYP isoenzymes involved in the metabolism of ESBRIET (i.e., CYP2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 2E1) should be discontinued prior to and avoided during ESBRIET treatment. 7.2 CYP1A2 Inducers The concomitant use of ESBRIET and a CYP1A2 inducer may decrease the exposure of ESBRIET and this may lead to loss of efficacy. Therefore, discontinue use of strong CYP1A2 inducers prior to ESBRIET treatment and avoid the concomitant use of ESBRIET and a strong CYP1A2 inducer [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Drug class

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Tablet

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Esbriet treat?
Esbriet (Pirfenidone) may be used to treat pulmonary fibrosis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
How much does Esbriet cost?
Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $45.48 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Abiraterone Acetate — about $25.50 on the same basis.
Is there a coupon or discount for Esbriet?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Esbriet. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Esbriet?
Esbriet is marketed by Legacy Pharma. You can see Legacy Pharma's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Esbriet a brand-name or generic drug?
Esbriet is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Pirfenidone.
Is Esbriet available over the counter?
No. Esbriet is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Esbriet come in?
Esbriet is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Esbriet?
Esbriet is classified as pyridone, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Esbriet FDA-registered?
Esbriet is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA208780. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Esbriet safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Esbriet. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Esbriet?
Esbriet's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Liver Enzyme Elevations and Drug-Induced Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Photosensitivity Reaction or Rash [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [s… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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