Uses of Nintedanib

Nintedanib is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with a progressive phenotype, slowing the rate of decline in pulmonary function in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). It is used in combination with docetaxel in adult patients for the treatment of locally advanced metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) of adenocarcinoma tumor histology after first line chemotherapy.   

Therapeutic Category

Nintedanib: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

How Nintedanib works

Nintedanib works by blocking the enzymes in cells of the lungs called tyrosine kinases. Blocking these enzymes helps to decrease fibrous tissue formation in the lungs, thereby stops the symptoms of lung disease getting worse. 

Common side effects of Nintedanib

• diarrhoea
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain
• liver problems
• decreased appetite
• headache
• weight loss
• high blood pressure

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience severe liver problems symptoms such as yellowing of your skin or white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or brown (tea colored) urine, pain on the upper right side of your stomach area (abdomen), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, feeling tired, or loss of appetite
• If you experience severe diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting
• If you experience signs of heart attack such as chest pain or pressure, pain in arms, back, neck or jaw, or shortness of breath
• If you experience signs of stroke such as numbness or weakness on one side of your body, trouble talking, headache or dizziness
• If you experience signs of bleeding problem such as unusual bleeding, bruising, or wounds that do not heal
• If you experience signs of tear in stomach or intestinal wall (perforation) such as pain or swelling in stomach area
• If you experience signs of increased protein in urine (proteinuria) such as foamy urine, swelling of the hands, arms, legs, or feet or sudden weight gain

Health Tips for Nintedanib

• If you have a respiratory condition, your doctor or a respiratory therapist may recommend specific breathing exercises to improve lung function and manage symptoms
• Try to avoid any recognised triggers that aggravate your respiratory problems. Dust, pollen, pollution, and some chemicals are common triggers
• To promote your overall health, eat a well-balanced and healthy diet. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, and lean proteins. Based on your personal circumstances, your healthcare physician may also propose certain dietary adjustments
• Smoking and drinking alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of the drug and aggravate respiratory symptoms. While taking nintedanib, it is best to avoid smoking and restrict alcohol consumption
• Take nintedanib exactly as your doctor has instructed. Do not skip or change your dosage without first visiting your healthcare provider