[Rune Harboe]

I have been on Esbriet since being diagnosed with IPF 6 years ago. Taking 3 capsules 3 times a day – 267MG. Had side effects (stomach problems) at first, but then I read somewhere to take protein before taking the medication and that has helped. I am 80 years old and one side effect I have is dizziness when first getting out of a chair or standing up (people may think I have had one too many  :-)). I am lucky compared to others on this medication.  I also sleep a lot, but that is probably caused by old age, not the medication.

My doctor prescribed Esbriet after I was diagnosed with IPF but did not mention severeness of my illness nor any other medication. The doctor mention that the progression of the illness is like a step function going downwards, but did not mentioned how long I had to live. I had a biopsy, but it was inconclusive. Thinking back, I now believe my mother had IPF because she became out of breath just walking a few steps at the end of her life. Starting to believe the illness may be inherited based upon what I have read on this forum.

Wish you all the best with a merry X-mas and a Happy new year.

Regards – Rune

[Rune Harboe]

I was diagnosed with IPF 6 years ago and have been taking Esbriet since. Before I take my 3 pills 3 times a day, I eat some protein, a slice of cheese, or slice of sandwich meat, and egg or ……. This seems to help me not getting an upset stomach or heartburn. Hope this may help.

Regards – Rune

[Rune Harboe]

Was diagnosed with IPF in June of 2026. My doctor suggested a biopsy which I did to verify I had IPF. The doctor then prescribed Esbriet. If I was going to do this again I would not go through with a biopsy, and instead ask the doctor if his treatment would be different if IPF was not verified. I may still ask him that question when I see him in December.

Started taking Esbriet about a couple of months after diagnosed. I am now 79 years old.

Dr did not say if I had a mild, moderate or severe case of the desease.

Was not informed as to why the dr prescribed Espriet. I had no knowledge of the desease at that time nor medications used.

Side effect – heartburn. Taking 40 MG of Pantoprazole in the morning – takes care of my heartburn.

No suspected reason for the disease. Thinking back, I believe my mother had PF/IPF since she could only walk a few steps before she go out of breath. She passed at 87 years, and probably got the disease in her late 70’s

I am still doing well even though my lung function is getting a little worse, but no complaints and consider myself lucky as compared to others with this awful disease.

Best to you all – Rune

[Rune Harboe]

I have been taking Esbriet for 2 years and had problems in the beginning with heartburns. I am taking 9 tablets a day and found that if I eat some protein before taking my tablets and some protein afterwards, I am doing fine. I eat a piece of cheese with a cracker before and after and for me that works. This may not work for everybody, but may be worth a try.

 

Regards – Rune

[Rune Harboe]

Hi Charlene,

Thank you for the additional threads regarding stem cell research. I had not seen this information before – thank you!

I am seriously thinking of going through the process and will post the results, if and when. Would be interested in getting in contact with Pat since she has gone through  the procedure. Also, I would also be interested in hearing from pulminary Drs as to what their opinions are regarding this subject.

Again, thank you for your response. Great Website!

Regards – Rune