Abstract
The indication for pirfenidone is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Several adverse events have been associated with oral administration of pirfenidone: photosensitivity in 51% of patients, anorexia (23%), stomach discomfort (14%), nausea (12%) and stomatitis (1-5%).
We describe an 80-year-old male who was hospitalized for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. However, he suffered from a tongue ulcer after taking pirfenidone for 6 days, so he was referred to our department for examination and treatment of the ulcer.
After taking pirfenidone, the size of the ulcer increased gradually to 3-5mm in diameter. The border of the ulcer was clear and aphthous, the base of the ulcer was flush, and the color was milk-white. We could not recognize induration around the ulcer.
We considered the ulcer to be an adverse event due to pirfenidone administration. We consulted the attending physician, and asked him to discontinue pirfenidone administration. Two weeks later, the ulcer had disappeared and a new one had not appeared. The patient's oral intake had improved and the course was uneventful.
