As a targeted drug for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), nintedanib (Ofev) slows disease progression by inhibiting a variety of tyrosine kinases.
How Effective is Nintedanib (Ofev) in Treatment?
Lung Function Protection
Nintedanib can slow down the rate of decline in lung function (such as forced vital capacity) in IPF patients. For some patients, the stable period of the disease is prolonged, and the risk of disease progression is reduced.
Control of Acute Exacerbation Risk
Nintedanib can reduce the occurrence of acute exacerbations of IPF and lower the need for hospitalization caused by disease deterioration, thereby improving patients' quality of life.
Suitable Population for Nintedanib (Ofev)
Core Indications
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): This is the main target population, and diagnosis must be confirmed by imaging or pathology.
Other fibrotic lung diseases: Some clinical trials provide exploratory support for its use in other interstitial lung diseases, but it must be used strictly in accordance with medical advice.
Contraindications and Precautions for Use
Absolute contraindications: Pregnant women (due to the risk of teratogenicity) and patients allergic to the ingredients of the drug.
Relative precautions for use:
Patients with hepatic insufficiency: Use is not recommended for patients with moderate to severe liver damage.
Populations at high cardiovascular risk: Patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or stroke require careful evaluation.
Patients with bleeding tendencies or post-surgery: May increase the risk of gastrointestinal perforation or bleeding.
Medication Monitoring for Nintedanib (Ofev)
Pre-Treatment Assessment
Liver function tests: Baseline tests for alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and bilirubin are essential.
Cardiovascular and bleeding risk assessment: Special attention should be paid to past medical history and concurrent medications (such as anticoagulants).
Dynamic Monitoring During Treatment
Liver function: Tests should be conducted monthly in the early stage of medication use, and rechecked every 3 months after the condition stabilizes. If abnormalities occur, the dose needs to be adjusted or medication suspended.
Gastrointestinal reactions: Diarrhea and nausea are common. It is recommended to have antidiarrheal drugs (such as loperamide) on hand; dose reduction or drug discontinuation is required in severe cases.
Bleeding and thrombotic events: Monitor for symptoms such as hematochezia, hematemesis, or chest pain, and intervene in a timely manner.
