Nintedanib

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
	Ofev

Nintedanib - What is it for

It is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (conditions that cause reduced lung function and chronic shortness of breath due to excessive scarring and hardening of lung tissue).

The medication works by reducing fibrosis (thickening and scarring of lung tissue) in the lungs, hence delaying the progression of the disease and improving symptoms of breathlessness.

Nintedanib - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Nintedanib cause?

Common side effects include:

Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, reduced appetite

Take the medication after a meal to reduce gastric discomfort and nausea
Diarrhoea usually occurs within the first 3 months of treatment. Drink more water when having diarrhoea

Giddiness, feeling tired, headache

Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel giddy or tired

Upper respiratory tract infection

Rare but serious side effects include:

Liver problem: Signs include dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin
Heart attack: Symptoms include chest pain or pressure, pain in your arms, back, neck, or jaw, or shortness of breath
Stroke: Symptoms include numbness or weakness on one side of your body, trouble talking, headache, or dizziness
Bleeding problems such as unusual bleeding, bruising, wounds that do not heal
Tear in your abdominal wall (perforation): Pain or swelling in abdominal area, may or may not be accompanied with chills, fever, nausea or vomiting.
Leakage of protein in your urine (proteinuria): Symptoms include frothy urine, leg swelling, weight gain

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Nintedanib , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Nintedanib is associated with potential harm, birth defects, or death to an unborn baby. Women who may become pregnant should take a pregnancy test before starting treatment and should use highly effective birth control at the start of treatment, during treatment, and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
You have liver or heart disease, history of blood clots, bleeding problem or a family history of a bleeding problem, or had recent surgery in your abdominal area.
You are a smoker, and currently smoking.
You are planning to donate blood. Do not donate blood for at least 3 months after stopping the medication. This is to prevent passing donated blood to a pregnant woman and causing harm to the baby.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Nintedanib ?

Consult your healthcare professional if you are currently taking any other medications e.g. for epilepsy (seizures) or antibiotics for Tuberculosis treatment, as some of these medications may reduce the effectiveness of Nintedanib.

Nintedanib - Dosage and How to Use

How should Nintedanib be used?

Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
This medicine should be taken with or after food.
Swallow capsules whole with liquid. Do not open, chew, or crush the capsules.