Introducing a new formulation of pirfenidone to reduce tablet burden for the IPF patient: Is it tolerable? Is it easy to take? What do our patients think?

Background: The introduction of the 801mg tablet formulation of pirfenidone in August 2017 reduced the tablet burden for IPF patients and may offer patients a more equitable choice if deterred by the tablet burden.

Aim: Investigate whether the new formulation is tolerable and acceptable to patients established on full dose Pirfenidone.

Methods: IPF patients stable on full dose Pirfenidone were offered a switch to the new tablet formulation. Patients were contacted via telephone 6-8 weeks after starting the new formulation and assessed for new or increased adverse events (AEs). We qualitatively assessed whether the larger sized tablet was more difficult to swallow, and documented what patients experiences were.

Results: 49 patients have been established on the new formulation from August 2017. Prior treatment duration ranged from 2months to 4 years. 4 (8.1%) patients have reverted back to the original formulation of 9 tablets/day, 1 due to a photosensitive rash, 2 increased bloating,1 nausea, fatigue, sickness. (81.6%) patients experienced no AEs. 5 (10.1%) patients experienced an increase in GI symptoms but required no change in treatment. No difficulties swallowing the tablet. Patients reported a positive experience due to reduced pill number:"much better with less tablets”, “it feels weird as if I am not on any treatment now I only take 3 tablets”, “brilliant”.

Conclusion: The new 801mg Pirfenidone tablet formulation is well tolerated and acceptable to patients with positive comments and offers a promising alternative to patients who may be concerned about tablet burden.