Ofev

Common use

Ofev (nintedanib) is a medication used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), and systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) in certain patients. Ofev is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works by slowing the decline in lung function and reducing the buildup of scar tissue, known as pulmonary fibrosis, in the lungs.

Dosage and direction

Ofev is usually taken 2 times per day, every 12 hours. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Take with food if you have no liver impairment and apart from food if you have mild hepatic impairment. Take capsules with a full glass of water. Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Precautions

To make sure Ofev is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver disease; heart problems; a blood clot; bleeding problems (in you or a family member); surgery on your stomach or intestines; diverticulitis; if you smoke; or if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Nintedanib can cause birth defects or death in an unborn a baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Contraindications

Ofev has warnings and precautions for: Hepatic impairment; Elevated liver enzymes and drug-induced liver injury; Gastrointestinal disorders; Embryo-Fetal toxicity: Ofev can cause birth defects or death in an unborn baby. Avoid getting pregnant while you are using this medicine and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Use caution when treating patients at higher cardiovascular risk including known coronary artery disease. Use Ofev with caution when treating patients with recent abdominal surgery, previous history of diverticular disease or receiving concomitant corticosteroids or NSAIDs.

Possible side effect

Common Ofev side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; stomach pain; diarrhea, weight loss; increased blood pressure; headache; or abnormal liver function tests.

Drug interaction

Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort. Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID with nintedanib may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Missed dose

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Do not take more than 300 milligrams of nintedanib in one day.

Storage

Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep away from children and pets.