Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis information
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and other chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases with a progressive phenotype are conditions in which the tissue in the lungs becomes thickened, stiff and permanently scarred. This scarring is called fibrosis. Collectively these conditions will be referred to as progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PF) on this website. In progressive PF this scarring of the lung tissue has shown signs of getting worse. As a result, less oxygen is able to enter the bloodstream and it becomes difficult to breathe deeply. This is why patients may feel out of breath during daily activities. However, the symptoms of progressive PF may be different for each person.
Key medical terms:
- Progressive: getting worse over time
- Pulmonary: anything relating to the lungs
- Fibrosis: the formation of scar tissue
Progressive PF may be managed in a number of ways. These include medical treatment, pulmonary rehabilitation to help manage symptoms, supplemental oxygen to keep oxygen levels at a healthy level or lung transplantation.
What is Ofev®?
Ofev® is part of a group of medicines known as 'anti-fibrotics' and contains the active ingredient nintedanib. It is used in the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis or other chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with a progressive phenotype.
Possible side effects
The most frequent side effects which may be experienced when taking Ofev® (nintedanib) include diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, weight loss and abnormal liver test results.
