Nintedanib
Generic name: nintedanib
Brand name: Ofev
Dosage form: capsule
Drug class:Multikinase inhibitors
What is nintedanib?
Nintedanib is a drug that has been approved by the FDA for some types of Interstitial lung disease (ILD) which have symptoms of shortness of breath, a dry cough, feeling tired and chest discomfort. It is used for types of ILD that cause scarring in the lungs such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), certain chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and nintedanib helps lung function in people with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease.
Nintedanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), which blocks enzymes in cells in the lungs called tyrosine kinases. Blocking these enzymes helps decrease fibrous tissue forming in the lungs and so stops the symptoms of lung disease getting worse. This medicine is a capsule that is usually taken twice a day with food.
What is nintedanib used for?
Nintedanib is a prescription medicine used:
- to treat adults with a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
- to treat adults with a long-lasting (chronic) interstitial lung disease in which lung fibrosis continues to worsen (progress).
- to slow the rate of decline in lung function in adults with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) (also known as scleroderma-associated ILD).
It is not known if this medicine is safe and effective in children.
Important information
- Nintedanib can cause birth defects or death to an unborn baby. Women should not become pregnant while taking nintedanib. Women who are able to become pregnant should have a pregnancy test before starting treatment with nintedanib.
- See below for more information about nintedanib and pregnancy.
What should I tell my doctor before taking nintedanib?
Before you take this medicine, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- have liver problems.
- have heart problems.
- have a history of blood clots.
- have a bleeding problem or a family history of a bleeding problem.
- have had recent surgery in your stomach (abdominal) area.
- are a smoker.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Nintedanib can harm your unborn baby. Nintedanib can cause birth defects or death to an unborn baby. See "Pregnancy and breastfeeding” section on the page below
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if nintedanib passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed while taking nintedanib.
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements such as St. John's wort. Keep a list of the medicines you take and show it to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take nintedanib?
- Take nintedanib exactly as your doctor tells you to take it.
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and when to take it.
- Take nintedanib with food...
