Nintedanib is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (scarring disorder of the lungs).
It may also be used together with other medicines to treat a cancer of the lung known as non-small cell lung cancer.
Take Nintedanib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with food or immediately after a meal. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew or crush the capsule. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on your condition.
Nintedanib must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- heart disease
- stomach disorder
- bleeding problems
- previous or recent surgery
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant and breastfeeding.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Nintedanib. You must use proven birth control methods during and for at least 3 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your lungs, blood vessels and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to kick your smoking habit.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- You may need to have routine blood tests (e.g. liver function, complete blood count, blood clotting time test). Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
- Pregnancy test may be done prior to initiation of treatment.
Nintedanib may cause any of the following side effects: stomach pain, headache, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe, persistent stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- signs of bleeding e.g. black, tarry stools, vomiting blood or vomit coffee-ground-like vomitus, coughing up blood
- signs of liver problems e.g. yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, light coloured stool, lack of appetite
- signs of heart attack e.g. chest pain or pressure, pain in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, shortness of breath, dizziness, passing out
This medicine will cause the level of your white blood cells and platelets to drop.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicine to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole
- antibiotic e.g. erythromycin
- medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin
- medicine to treat TB (infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
- medicine for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine
- St. John’s wort (herbal supplement)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Nintedanib.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from heat and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired capsules to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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