Drug Guide

Generic Name

Nintedanib Esylate

Brand Names Ofev

Classification

Therapeutic: Antifibrotic agent

Pharmacological: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor

FDA Approved Indications

  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
  • Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Disease (PF-ILD)

Mechanism of Action

Nintedanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets multiple pathways involved in fibrosis, including inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs), fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), and platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs), thereby reducing fibroblast proliferation and fibrotic progression.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 150 mg twice daily with food. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on tolerability.

Pediatric: Not approved for pediatric use.

Geriatric: Use with caution; no specific dosage adjustment, but monitor for adverse effects.

Renal Impairment: No initial dose adjustment recommended; use caution.

Hepatic Impairment: Avoid use in severe hepatic impairment; dose adjustment recommended in mild to moderate impairment.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well-absorbed with food, bioavailability approximately 4%.

Distribution: Widely distributed; protein binding approximately 97%.

Metabolism: Primarily metabolized by ester hydrolysis and CYP3A4-mediated oxidation.

Excretion: Excreted mainly via feces (~93%) and urine (~7%).

Half Life: Approximately 10-15 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to nintedanib or any component.
  • Severe hepatic impairment.

Precautions

  • Use cautiously in patients with bleeding risk, gastrointestinal disorders, or during surgery.
  • Monitor liver function during therapy.
  • Patients should be advised about bleeding risks and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Diarrhea (Common)
  • Nausea (Common)
  • Elevated liver enzymes (Common)
  • Abdominal pain (Less common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Bleeding complications (Less common)
  • Liver toxicity (Less common)
  • Acute lung injury or pneumonitis (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) may increase nintedanib levels.
  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin) may decrease effectiveness.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of bleeding, liver function tests, gastrointestinal symptoms.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for bleeding related to anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy.
  • Impaired skin integrity related to gastrointestinal side effects.

Implementation: Administer with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Educate patients on bleeding precautions.

Evaluation: Assess lung function, monitor adverse effects, and adjust dose as needed.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed with food.
  • Report any unusual bleeding, severe diarrhea, or signs of liver problems.
  • Avoid alcohol and medications that can increase bleeding risk without consulting healthcare provider.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Increased risk of bleeding.
  • Gastrointestinal perforation.

Genetic Factors: No specific genetic considerations identified.

Lab Test Interference: Potential elevation of liver enzymes, bilirubin, and coagulation parameters.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, bleeding, elevated liver enzymes.

Treatment: Discontinue medication, supportive care, symptomatic treatment, and monitor closely.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions until expiration date.

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not intended for clinical use.