Ofev can cause birth defects or death in an unborn baby. Avoid getting pregnant while you are using this medicine and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Use effective birth control, with an extra barrier method (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, contraceptive sponge).
Before taking this medicine
To make sure Ofev is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver disease;
heart problems;
a blood clot;
bleeding problems (in you or a family member);
surgery on your stomach or intestines;
diverticulitis;
if you smoke; or
if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Nintedanib can cause birth defects or death in an unborn a baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
If you use hormonal birth control (birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, or vaginal rings), also use a barrier form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking Ofev. Barrier forms include a condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge).
Ofev may affect fertility (your ability to have children) in women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because this medicine can harm an unborn baby.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Ofev is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Ofev?
Ofev is usually taken 2 times per day, every 12 hours. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using Ofev.
Take with food and a full glass of water.
Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
Take your doses at regular intervals, usually every 12 hours.
Ofev can cause severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening if it leads to dehydration. You may need to take medication to prevent or quickly treat diarrhea.
Your doctor may recommend you have an anti-diarrhea medicine such as loperamide (Imodium) available at all times while you are taking Ofev. Take the anti-diarrhea medicine as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Drink plenty of liquids and call your doctor at once if you have diarrhea while taking Ofev.
You will need frequent medical tests to be sure nintedanib is not causing harmful effects on your liver. Your next few doses may be delayed based on the results.
Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
