What is this medication for?

It is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (conditions that cause reduced lung function and chronic shortness of breath due to excessive scarring and hardening of lung tissue).

The medication works by reducing fibrosis (thickening and scarring of lung tissue) in the lungs, hence delaying the progression of the disease and improving symptoms of breathlessness.

How should I take/use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.

• This medicine should be taken with or after food.

• Swallow capsules whole with liquid. Do not open, chew, or crush the capsules.

What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, skip that dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.

• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

  • Nintedanib is associated with potential harm, birth defects, or death to an unborn baby. Women who may become pregnant should take a pregnancy test before starting treatment and should use highly effective birth control at the start of treatment, during treatment, and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

• You have liver or heart disease, history of blood clots, bleeding problem or a family history of a bleeding problem, or had recent surgery in your abdominal area.

• You are a smoker, and currently smoking.

• You are planning to donate blood. Do not donate blood for at least 3 months after stopping the medication. This is to prevent passing donated blood to a pregnant woman and causing harm to the baby.

What are some common side-effects of this medication?

• Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, reduced appetite

  • Take the medication after a meal to reduce gastric discomfort and nausea

  • Diarrhoea usually occurs within the first 3 months of treatment. Drink more water when having diarrhoea

• Giddiness, feeling tired, headache

  • Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel giddy or tired

• Upper respiratory tract infection

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue

• Difficulty in breathing

• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Some of other rare but serious side effects include:

• Liver problem: Signs include dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin

• Heart attack: Symptoms include chest pain or pressure, pain in your arms, back, neck, or jaw, or shortness of breath

• Stroke: Symptoms include numbness or weakness on one side of your body, trouble talking, headache, or dizziness

• Bleeding problems such as unusual bleeding, bruising, wounds that do not heal

• Tear in your abdominal wall (perforation): Pain or swelling in abdominal area, may or may not be accompanied with chills, fever, nausea or vomiting.

• Leakage of protein in your urine (proteinuria): Symptoms include frothy urine, leg swelling, weight gain

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?

Consult your healthcare professional if you are currently taking any other medications e.g. for epilepsy (seizures) or antibiotics for Tuberculosis treatment, as some of these medications may reduce the effectiveness of Nintedanib.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How should I throw away this medication safely?

For general waste: Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimers

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on Oct 2022