In February 2014 I was diagnosed with IPF on the basis of an x-ray, an MRI, and a specialist listening to the "Velcro noises" in my chest. I was put on steroids and began taking them in March. In May 2014 I read about Pirfenidone (Esbriet) in the New England Journal of Medicine where it said a large clinical trial had shown that it could greatly slow the disease. I asked to use the drug and began taking 3 pills three times a day of Pirfenidone in May 2014. There were no serious unpleasant side effects. I also take steroids once a day. I have had regular blood tests and there are no signs of malfunctions in blood, liver or other enzyme systems. I also have a Phillips "SimplyGo" oxygenator that let me travel by train and plane from Nice to London for Christmas. I had one chest infection that was cured withe antibiotics (NOT tetracyclines which reduce the effect of Pirfenidone )Try to get a MRI scan or something similar that gives much more detail than an X-ray. And get an appointment with a chest specialist not just a GP. What you need is the best scientific examination, not the opinions of those of us who are on the internet.
on the basis of the scientific evidence from my case I strongly support the use of Pirfenidone .
i have just had my third MRI scan today 4th January 2015 and there is no sign of any change in the status of the disease , so I recommend this treatment on the basis of the scientific evidence,p.