DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Nintedanib oral capsules

March 15, 2020

Nintedanib oral capsules

What is this medicine?

NINTEDANIB (nin TED a nib) is a drug used to treat lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases, and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. It works by preventing and slowing lung tissue scarring.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Swallow the capsules whole. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • diarrhea

  • signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose

  • signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as breathing problems; changes in vision; chest pain; severe, sudden headache; pain, swelling, warmth in the leg; trouble speaking; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg

  • signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; breathing problems

  • signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

  • signs and symptoms of a stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination

  • stomach pain or swelling

  • vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea

  • weight loss

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

  • aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

  • carbamazepine

  • certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, dalteparin, apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban

  • erythromycin

  • ketoconazole

  • phenytoin

  • rifampin

  • St. John's Wort

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bleeding disorders or family history of bleeding disorders

  • cigarette smoker

  • heart disease

  • history of blood clots

  • liver disease

  • recent surgery

  • stomach or intestinal problems

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to nintedanib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine. Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

If you smoke, tell your doctor if you notice this medicine is not working well for you. Talk to your doctor if you are a smoker or if you decide to stop smoking.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 3 months after stopping it. Pregnancy testing must be done before starting treatment with this medicine. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about your birth control options while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

Updated:  

March 15, 2020