Ofev (Nintedanib)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

What is Ofev?

Ofev is the brand name for a medication called Nintedanib. It is a prescription medication used to treat certain lung diseases, primarily idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD).

Ofev works by inhibiting multiple tyrosine kinases, enzymes that play a role in forming scar tissue in the lungs. By blocking these enzymes, Ofev helps slow the progression of lung fibrosis and may improve lung function and symptoms in individuals with IPF and SSc-ILD.

It's important to note that Ofev is not a cure for these lung diseases, but it can help slow down their progression and improve the quality of life for some individuals. Ofev is typically taken as a capsule by mouth, usually twice daily with food, as directed by a healthcare provider.

Ofev was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating IPF in 2014 and SSc-ILD in 2019.

Uses and Benefits of Ofev:

Here are some of the uses and benefits of Ofev:

• Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

• Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease (SSc-ILD).

• Slowing Disease Progression.

• Improvement in Lung Function.

• Long-Term Management.

Side Effects of Ofev:

Some common side effects of Ofev include:

• Gastrointestinal issues include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

• Liver enzyme elevations

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Decreased blood platelet count

• Elevated blood pressure

• Bleeding

• Decreased wound healing

• Respiratory side effects include cough or shortness of breath.

How to take Ofev?

Here is a general overview of how to use Ofev (Nintedanib) based on typical guidelines:

• Dosage: Take Ofev exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The usual dosage of Ofev for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is one capsule twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.

• Administration: Take Ofev capsules by mouth with food. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules.

• Consistency: Take Ofev at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels of the medication and optimize its effectiveness. This can help minimize side effects and ensure the best possible outcomes. Considering the high Ofev cost, it sometimes gets difficult to maintain consistency.

Drug Interactions:

Here are some potential drug interactions associated with Ofev:

• Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, and ritonavir.

• Strong CYP3A4 Inducers such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin.

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole and esomeprazole.

• Warfarin

• CYP2C9 Substrates such as phenytoin, warfarin, and tolbutamide.

• CYP1A2 Substrates such as theophylline, caffeine, and clozapine.

Safety Information:

Here are some key safety considerations for Ofev:

• Before starting Ofev treatment, your healthcare provider will likely perform blood tests to assess your liver function. Periodic monitoring of liver function is recommended during treatment with Ofev, and dosage adjustments or discontinuation of the medication may be necessary if liver enzyme levels become elevated.

• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are common side effects of Ofev. These symptoms may occur early in treatment and can be managed with dose adjustments, taking Ofev with food, or using over-the-counter medications as directed by your healthcare provider.

• Some individuals may experience decreased appetite and weight loss while taking Ofev. It's essential to monitor your weight regularly and discuss any changes with your healthcare provider.

• Ofev can interact with other medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Ofev.

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Do the side effects of Ofev go away?

The side effects of Ofev (Nintedanib) can vary in duration and intensity from person to person. In many cases, side effects may improve or diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication or if an individual stops the medication.

Why does Ofev cause diarrhea?

Ofev is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which means it interferes with certain enzymes involved in cell signaling. Ofev may directly irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, in addition to that, it can lead to increased gastrointestinal motility leading to diarrhea.

Can you drink alcohol while taking Ofev?

It's generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Ofev (Nintedanib) due to the potential for increased risk of liver damage. Both alcohol and Ofev can have an impact on liver function, and combining them may exacerbate this effect.

Does Ofev cause fatigue?

Yes, fatigue is a known side effect of Ofev. In clinical studies, fatigue has been reported by some individuals who are taking Ofev. Fatigue may manifest as feelings of tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy, and it can vary in severity from person to person.

Does Ofev cause hair loss?

Hair loss is not a commonly reported side effect of Ofev. However, it's important to note that individual responses to medications can vary, and some people may experience hair-related issues while taking Ofev.

References:

• https://www.ofev.com/
• https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/ofev-epar-product-information_en.pdf
• https://pro.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/products/ofev/