Drug Reference

Nintedanib

Other protein kinase inhibitors

← All medicines · Other protein kinase inhibitors

Rx only

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Other protein kinase inhibitors
Action class
Kinase Inhibitor
Mechanism
Protein Kinase Inhibitors
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

Ofev

Available as

100 MG · Oral Capsule150 MG · Oral Capsule

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Nintedanib capsules are a kinase inhibitor indicated in adults for: Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). ( 1.1 ) Treatment of chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with a progressive phenotype ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Nintedanib capsules are indicated for the treatment of adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). 1.2 Chronic Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases with a Progressive Phenotype Nintedanib capsules are indicated for the treatment of adults with chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with a progressive phenotype [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ].
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Nintedanib is a small molecule that inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and non-receptor tyrosine kinases (nRTKs). Nintedanib inhibits the following RTKs: platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) α and β, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 1-3, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 1-3, colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), and Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT-3). These kinases except for FLT-3 have been implicated in pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Nintedanib binds competitively to the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding pocket of these kinases and blocks the intracellular signaling cascades, which have been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of fibrotic tissue remodeling in ILD. Nintedanib also inhibits the following nRTKs: Lck, Lyn and Src kinases. The contribution of FLT-3 and nRTK inhibition to nintedanib efficacy in ILD is unknown.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended dosage: 150 mg taken orally twice daily approximately 12 hours apart taken with food. ( 2.2 ) Recommended dosage in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A): 100 mg taken orally twice daily approximately 12 hours apart taken with food. ( 2.3 , 8.6 ) Consider temporary dose reduction to 100 mg, treatment interruption, or discontinuation for management of adverse reactions. ( 2.4 , 5.2 , 5.3 , 6 ) Prior to treatment initiation, conduct liver function tests in all patients and a pregnancy test in females of reproductive potential. ( 2.1 , 5.2 , 5.4 ) 2.1 Testing Prior to Nintedanib Administration Conduct liver function tests in all patients and a pregnancy test in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with nintedanib capsules [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.4) ]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of nintedanib capsules is 150 mg taken orally twice daily administered approximately 12 hours apart. Administration Information Nintedanib capsules should be taken with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] and swallowed whole with liquid. Nintedanib capsules should not be chewed because of a bitter taste. Nintedanib capsules should not be opened or crushed. If contact with the content of the capsule occurs, wash hands immediately and thoroughly. The effect of chewing or crushing of the capsule on the pharmacokinetics of nintedanib is not known. Information for Missed Dose If a dose of nintedanib capsules is missed, the next dose should be taken at the next scheduled time. Advise the patient to not make up for a missed dose. Do not exceed the recommended maximum daily dosage of 300 mg. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Patients with Hepatic Impairment Mild Hepatic Impairment In patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A), the recommended dosage of nintedanib capsules is 100 mg orally twice daily approximately 12 hours apart taken with food [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]. Moderate or Severe Hepatic Impairment Treatment with nintedanib capsules is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]. 2.4 Dosage Modification due to Adverse Reactions In addition to symptomatic treatment, if applicable, the management of adverse reactions of nintedanib capsules may require dose reduction or temporary interruption until the specific adverse reaction resolves to levels that allow continuation of therapy. Nintedanib capsules treatment may be resumed at the full dosage (150 mg twice daily), or at the reduced dosage (100 mg twice daily), which subsequently may be increased to the full dosage. If a patient does not tolerate 100 mg twice daily, discontinue treatment with nintedanib capsules [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.3 , 5.5 , 5.7) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Elevated Liver Enzymes Dose modifications or interruptions may be necessary for liver enzyme elevations. Conduct liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and bilirubin) prior to initiation of treatment with nintedanib capsules, at regular intervals during the first three months of treatment, and periodically thereafter or as clinically indicated. Measure liver tests promptly in patients who report symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or jaundice. Discontinue nintedanib capsules in patients with AST or ALT greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) with signs or symptoms of liver injury and for AST or ALT elevations greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal. For AST or ALT greater than 3 times to less than 5 times the ULN without signs of liver damage, interrupt treatment or reduce nintedanib capsules to 100 mg twice daily. Once liver enzymes have returned to baseline values, treatment with nintedanib capsules may be reintroduced at a reduced dosage (100 mg twice daily), which subsequently may be
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (≥5%) are: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, liver enzyme elevation, decreased appetite, headache, weight decreased, and hypertension. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Epic Pharma, LLC at 1-888-374-2791 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Elevated Liver Enzymes and Drug-Induced Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Gastrointestinal Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Arterial Thromboembolic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Risk of Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Gastrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Nephrotic Range Proteinuria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of nintedanib was evaluated in over 1000 IPF patients, and 332 patients with chronic fibrosing ILDs with a progressive phenotype. Over 200 IPF patients were exposed to nintedanib for more than 2 years in clinical trials. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Nintedanib was studied in three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 52-week trials. In the phase 2 (Study 1) and phase 3 (Study 2 and Study 3) trials, 723 patients with IPF received nintedanib 150 mg twice daily and 508 patients received placebo. The median duration of exposure was 10 months for patients treated with nintedanib and 11 months for patients treated with placebo. Subjects ranged in age from 42 to 89 years (median age of 67 years). Most patients were male (79%) and Caucasian (60%). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in patients treated with nintedanib, more than placebo, were bronchitis (1.2% vs. 0.8%) and myocardial infarction (1.5% vs. 0.4%). The most common adverse events leading to death in patients treated with nintedanib, more than placebo, were pneumonia (0.7% vs. 0.6%), lung neoplasm malignant (0.3% vs. 0%), and myocardial infarction (0.3% vs. 0.2%). In the predefined category of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including MI, fatal events were reported in 0.6% of nintedanib- treated patients and 1.8% of placebo-treated patients. Adverse reactions leading to permanent dose reductions were reported in 16% of nintedanib-treated patients and 1% of placebo-treated patients. The most frequent adverse reaction that led to permanent dose reduction in the patients treated with nintedanib was diarrhea (11%). Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were reported in 21% of nintedanib-treated patients and 15% of placebo-treated patients. The most frequent adverse reactions that led to discontinuation in nintedanib-treated patients were diarrhea (5%), nausea (2%), and decreased appetite (2%). The most common adverse reactions with an incidence of greater than or equal to 5% and more frequent in the nintedanib than placebo treatment group are listed in Table 1. Table 1 Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥5% of Nintedanib-treated Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and More Commonly Than Placebo in Study 1, Study 2, and Study 3 Adverse Reaction Nintedanib, 150 mg n=723 Placebo n=508 Gastrointestinal disorders Diarrhea 62% 18% Nausea 24% 7% Abdominal pain a 15% 6% Vomiting 12% 3% Hepatobiliary disorders Liver enzyme elevation b 14% 3% Metabolism and nutrition disorders Decreased appetite 11% 5% Nervous system disorders Headache 8% 5% Investigations Weight decreased 10% 3% Vascular disorders Hypertension c 5% 4% a Includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, abdominal pain lower, gastrointestinal pain and abdominal ten

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] , nintedanib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no data on the use of nintedanib during pregnancy. In animal studies of pregnant rats and rabbits treated during organogenesis, nintedanib caused embryo-fetal deaths and structural abnormalities at less than (rats) and approximately 5 times (rabbits) the maximum recommended human dose [see Data]. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects is 2% to 4% and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 15% to 20%. Data Animal Data In animal reproduction toxicity studies, nintedanib caused embryo-fetal deaths and structural abnormalities in rats and rabbits at less than and approximately 5 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) in adults (on a plasma AUC basis at maternal oral doses of 2.5 and 15 mg/kg/day in rats and rabbits, respectively). Malformations included abnormalities in the vasculature, urogenital, and skeletal systems. Vasculature anomalies included missing or additional major blood vessels. Skeletal anomalies included abnormalities in the thoracic, lumbar, and caudal vertebrae (e.g., hemivertebra, missing, or asymmetrically ossified), ribs (bifid or fused), and sternebrae (fused, split, or unilaterally ossified). In some fetuses, organs in the urogenital system were missing. In rabbits, a significant change in sex ratio was observed in fetuses (female:male ratio of approximately 71%:29%) at approximately 15 times the MRHD in adults (on an AUC basis at a maternal oral dose of 60 mg/kg/day). Nintedanib decreased post-natal viability of rat pups during the first 4 post-natal days when dams were exposed to less than the MRHD (on an AUC basis at a maternal oral dose of 10 mg/kg/day).
BreastfeedingCaution
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyConsult your doctor
…( 8.2 ) Renal impairment: The safety and efficacy of nintedanib have not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease.…
LiverConsult your doctor
…( 2.2 ) Recommended dosage in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A): 100 mg taken orally twice daily approximately 12 hours apart taken with food.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hepatic impairment: nintedanib is not recommended for use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. In patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A), the recommended dosage is 100 mg twice daily approximately 12 hours apart taken with food. Consider treatment interruption, or discontinuation for management of adverse reactions in these patients. ( 2.3 , 2.4 , 5.1 , 8.6 , 12.3 ) Elevated liver enzymes and drug-induced liver injury: ALT, AST, and bilirubin elevations have occurred with nintedanib, including cases of drug- induced liver injury. In the postmarketing period, non-serious and serious cases of drug-induced liver injury, including severe liver injury with fatal outcome, have been reported. The majority of hepatic events occur within the first three months of treatment. Liver enzyme and bilirubin increases were reversible with dose modification or interruption in the majority of cases. Monitor ALT, AST, and bilirubin prior to initiation of treatment, at regular intervals during the first three months of treatment, and periodically thereafter or as clinically indicated. Temporary dosage reductions or discontinuations may be required. ( 2.1 , 2.4 , 5.2 ) Gastrointestinal disorders: Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting have occurred with nintedanib. Treat patients at first signs with adequate hydration and antidiarrheal medicine (e.g., loperamide) or anti-emetics. Discontinue nintedanib if severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting persists despite symptomatic treatment. ( 5.3 ) Embryo-Fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use highly effective contraception. Advise women taking oral hormonal contraceptives experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or other conditions where the drug absorption may be reduced to use alternative highly effective contraception. ( 5.4 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) Arterial thromboembolic events have been reported. Use caution when treating patients at higher cardiovascular risk including known coronary artery disease. ( 5.5 ) Bleeding events have been reported. Use nintedanib in patients with known bleeding risk only if anticipated benefit outweighs the potential risk. ( 5.6 ) Gastrointestinal perforation has been reported. Use nintedanib with caution when treating patients with recent abdominal surgery, previous history of diverticular disease or receiving concomitant corticosteroids or NSAIDs. Discontinue nintedanib in patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation. Only use nintedanib in patients with known risk of gastrointestinal perforation if the anticipated benefit outweighs the potential risk. ( 5.7 ) Nephrotic range proteinuria has been reported. Consider treatment interruption in patients who develop new or worsening proteinuria. ( 5.8 ) 5.1 Hepatic Impairment Treatment with nintedanib is not recommended in patients with moderate (Child Pugh B) or severe (Child Pugh C) hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A) can be treated with a reduced dose of nintedanib [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. 5.2 Elevated Liver Enzymes and Drug-Induced Liver Injury Cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) have been observed with nintedanib treatment. In the clinical trials and postmarketing period, non-serious and serious cases of DILI were reported. Cases of severe liver injury with fatal outcome have been reported in the postmarketing period. The majority of hepatic events occur within the first three months of treatment. In clinical trials, administration of nintedanib was associated with elevations of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALKP, GGT) and bilirubin. Liver enzyme and bilirubin increases were reversible with dose modification or interruption in the majority of cases. In IPF studies (Study 1, Study 2, and Study 3), the majority (94%) of patients with ALT and/or AST elevations had elevations less
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None None ( 4 )

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of nintedanib have not been established in pediatric patients for the treatment of fibrosing interstitial lung diseases. Effectiveness was not demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in 26 nintedanib -treated pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years with fibrosing interstitial lung diseases, who were treated with nintedanib based on weight. Animal Toxicity Data In repeat-dose toxicology studies, young animals (mice, rats, and monkeys) dosed with nintedanib showed changes in the bone and fast-growing teeth. Bone changes include thickening of the growth plate in all species. These changes were fully or at least partially reversible in rats and monkeys; reversibility in mice has not been studied. Tooth changes include broken incisors and discoloration in rodents. These changes were irreversible after discontinuation of nintedanib treatment.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Coadministration of P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase nintedanib exposure. Monitor patients closely for tolerability of nintedanib. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and CYP3A4 Inhibitors and Inducers Nintedanib is a substrate of P-gp and, to a minor extent, CYP3A4 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Coadministration with oral doses of a P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole, increased exposure to nintedanib by 60%. Concomitant use of P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin) with nintedanib capsules may increase exposure to nintedanib [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . In such cases, patients should be monitored closely for tolerability of nintedanib capsules. Management of adverse reactions may require interruption, dose reduction, or discontinuation of therapy with nintedanib capsules [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Coadministration with oral doses of a P-gp and CYP3A4 inducer, rifampicin, decreased exposure to nintedanib by 50%. Concomitant use of P-gp and CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John’s wort) with nintedanib should be avoided as these drugs may decrease exposure to nintedanib [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 Anticoagulants Nintedanib is a VEGFR inhibitor and may increase the risk of bleeding. Monitor patients on full anticoagulation therapy closely for bleeding and adjust anticoagulation treatment as necessary [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] . 7.3 Pirfenidone In a multiple-dose study conducted to assess the pharmacokinetic effects of concomitant treatment with nintedanib and pirfenidone, the coadministration of nintedanib with pirfenidone did not alter the exposure of either agent [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Therefore, no dose adjustment is necessary during concomitant administration of nintedanib with pirfenidone. 7.4 Bosentan Coadministration of nintedanib with bosentan did not alter the pharmacokinetics of nintedanib [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE In IPF trials, one patient was inadvertently exposed to a dose of 600 mg daily for a total of 21 days. A non- serious adverse event (nasopharyngitis) occurred and resolved during the period of incorrect dosing, with no onset of other reported events. Overdosage was also reported in two patients in oncology studies who were exposed to a maximum of 600 mg twice daily for up to 8 days. Adverse events reported were consistent with the existing safety profile of nintedanib. Both patients recovered. In case of overdosage, interrupt treatment and initiate general supportive measures as appropriate.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

4 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.