What are the specific side effects and hazards of Nintedanib/Vigat?

Nintedanib (Nintedanib), as an effective treatment for pulmonary fibrosis, can significantly slow down the progression of diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, like many drugs, nintedanib may also cause some side effects. Patients need to be aware of these potential adverse reactions when using it and make appropriate management and adjustments according to the recommendations of their doctor.

Among them, gastrointestinal reactions are one of the most common side effects of nintedanib. Most patients may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. These reactions usually occur early in treatment and resolve as the patient's body adjusts to the medication. Diarrhea is the most common symptom, and some patients may need antidiarrheal medications to relieve symptoms and avoid excessive diarrhea that can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. To reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, patients are advised to take the medication with food and avoid taking it on an empty stomach.

Abnormal liver function is also a potential side effect of nintedanib. Some patients may experience an increase in liver enzymes during treatment, manifested by an increase in indicators such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Impaired liver function may cause patients to experience symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, and liver discomfort. For patients with abnormal liver function, doctors usually conduct regular examinations and adjust doses or suspend treatment as needed.

Cardiovascular problems are also one of the possible adverse effects of nintedanib, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease risks. Nintedanib may increase blood pressure and even cause serious symptoms such as heart failure. Therefore, during the medication period, patients need to monitor their blood pressure regularly and pay attention to whether symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness occur. For patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, special care should be taken during treatment to avoid increasing the cardiovascular burden.

Reference materials:https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/193f52e8-0e32-45a1-8634-a5620080a313.pdf