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Taking
OFEV
The strength is within you for the journey ahead. Learn more about how to get started taking OFEV® (nintedanib) capsules, including how it should be taken and what to expect.
OFEV is the only twice-daily pill approved to:
- treat adults with a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
- treat adults with a long lasting (chronic) interstitial lung disease in which lung fibrosis continues to worsen (progress).
- slow the rate of decline in lung function in adults with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) (also known as scleroderma-associated ILD).
It is not known if OFEV is safe and effective in children.
Most Important Information To Know
When Prescribed OFEV
OFEV can cause harm, birth defects, or death to an unborn baby. Women should not become pregnant while taking OFEV. Women who are able to become pregnant should have 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 your last dose. Talk with your doctor about what birth control method is right for you during this time.
Birth control pills may not work as well in women having vomiting, diarrhea, or other problems reducing the drug absorption. If you have any of these problems, talk with your doctor about what highly effective birth control method is right for you.
If you become pregnant or think you are pregnant while taking OFEV, tell your doctor right away.
Before You Start OFEV
Prior to taking OFEV, your doctor will schedule a series of tests including a liver function test and a pregnancy test for females. Before you take OFEV, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- Have liver problems.
- Have heart problems.
- Have a history of blood clots.
- Have a bleeding problem or a family history of a bleeding problem.
- Have had recent surgery in your stomach (abdominal) area.
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. OFEV can harm your unborn baby. OFEV can cause birth defects or death to an unborn baby.
- Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OFEV passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed while taking OFEV.
- Are a smoker. You should stop smoking prior to taking OFEV and avoid smoking during treatment.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over‑the‑counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements such as St. John’s wort. Keep a list of the medicines you take and show it to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
HOW TO TAKE
OFEV
OFEV is taken twice a day, about 12 hours apart, with food. For instance, you can take one capsule of OFEV in the morning and one in the evening.
- Take OFEV exactly as your doctor tells you to take it
- Your doctor will tell you how much OFEV to take and when to take it
Take OFEV with food, approximately 12 hours apart. Swallow the OFEV capsules whole with a liquid
Do not chew, crush, or open OFEV capsules. If you or your caregiver accidentally comes in contact with the content of the capsule, wash hands well right away
If you miss a dose of OFEV, take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take the missed dose
Do not take more than 300 mg of OFEV in 1 day
If you take too much OFEV, call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away
Quick Tip: Setting alarms on your phone 12 hours apart is a good way to remember to take your OFEV.
What to Expect
With OFEV
Remember that OFEV works to slow the decline in lung function only for as long as you take it.
That’s why it’s important to stay on OFEV for as long as your doctor recommends it is appropriate for you. Don’t stop taking it because you think it isn’t working—your doctor is in the best position to tell you if OFEV is working for you.
Keep track of your disease by documenting your lung function test results, including your FVC scores, along with any questions you may have. This will help you and your doctor follow your disease progression and determine if any changes should be made to your treatment plan.
Use this journal to keep track of your experience on OFEV.
Download the Patient Journal