Can I still use hormones while taking pirfenidone?

Pirfenidone is a specific drug used to treat pulmonary fibrosis (especially idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). Generally, patients need to take the drug continuously. So, can hormones be used during the period of taking pirfenidone? Do I need to stop taking hormones?

Hormonal drugs

General hormone drugs refer to glucocorticoids. Common drugs include prednisone, methylprednisone, betamethasone, beclomethasone propionate, prednisolone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, etc. There are many cases of hormone abuse nowadays, so it is best not to use hormones when there is no need for them.

Can hormones be used?

As one of the most widely used drugs in clinical practice, hormones can fight inflammation and prevent the occurrence of immune responses, and are suitable for pulmonary fibrosis. However, there is currently no evidence that the use of hormones during the period of taking pirfenidone can improve the efficacy, and if hormones are used for a long time, adverse reactions such as metabolic disorders and weakened resistance cannot be ignored. Therefore, if the purpose is to treat pulmonary fibrosis, although hormones can be used, only pirfenidone needs to be taken, and there is no need to use hormones at the same time.

When are hormones used?

Hormone drugs are only considered for treatment in cases of acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis, as they can quickly suppress the inflammatory response. Hormones are not recommended for routine treatment.

References:

[1] Ye Qiao. IPF does not require glucocorticoid treatment[C]// Chinese Medical Association Respiratory Physicians Branch. Chinese Medical Association Respiratory Physicians Branch, 2010.

[2] Zhao Chengjie, Xu Jia. Clinical study of acetylcysteine, pirfenidone combined with hormones in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis[J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2019(18):4.