Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Ofev (Nintedanib).
Birth control: Effective birth control must be used during treatment and for at least 3 months after stopping therapy. If you are using birth control pills or another form of hormonal birth control, you should also use a barrier method, such as condoms. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Ofev (Nintedanib).
Bleeding problems: Ofev (Nintedanib) may increase your risk of bleeding. This risk may be greater if you are taking medications such as Warfarin or if you have bleeding problems. If you develop unexplained bruising, nosebleeds, dark or tarry stools, or start coughing up blood, contact your doctor immediately or seek immediate medical attention.
Blood pressure: Ofev (Nintedanib) may cause increased blood pressure. If you have a history of blood pressure problems, discuss with your doctor how Ofev (Nintedanib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ofev (Nintedanib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diarrhea: Many people who take Ofev (Nintedanib) experience mild-to-moderate diarrhea. Diarrhea causes fluid loss from the body and can contribute to other side effects of Ofev (Nintedanib). If you experience diarrhea while taking Ofev (Nintedanib), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Gastrointestinal perforation: Ofev (Nintedanib) has also been linked to serious digestive system problems, including gastrointestinal perforation (a tear or hole in the wall of the digestive tract). People who are taking corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, have had recent abdominal surgery, or have had digestive system problems may be at increased risk of experiencing gastrointestinal perforation.
If you experience symptoms of a gastrointestinal perforation, such as severe stomach pain, fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.
Heart problems: Ofev (Nintedanib) may affect your heart function and cause heart problems such as heart attack, decreased oxygen supply to the heart, heart failure, and a slow heart rate. Get immediate medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, sudden chest pain, or an extremely slow heart rate. If you have a history of heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Ofev (Nintedanib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ofev (Nintedanib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver problems: Decreased liver function or liver disease may cause Ofev (Nintedanib) to build up in the body, causing side effects. Ofev (Nintedanib) has not been studied for people who have moderate-to-severe liver problems and may itself cause liver problems. If you have decreased liver function, discuss with your doctor how Ofev (Nintedanib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ofev (Nintedanib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Wound healing: Ofev (Nintedanib) may affect the way wounds heal. If you are having surgery, a dental procedure, or have recently had surgery, let your doctor know. You may need to temporarily stop taking Ofev (Nintedanib). Your doctor will tell you when you can restart the medication.
Pregnancy: Ofev (Nintedanib) should not be used during pregnancy, as it may cause harm to the developing baby if it is taken by the mother while pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Ofev (Nintedanib), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Ofev (Nintedanib) passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking Ofev (Nintedanib), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Ofev (Nintedanib) have not been established for children.
