Ofev: Side effects, cost, how it works, and more Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Ofev nintedanib Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D. — By Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS on April 19, 2022 What is Ofev Ofev is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s used to treat certain types of lung disease in adults where there is inflammation and scarring in the lungs. Specifically, Ofev is FDA-approved to treat:idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (scarring in the lungs with no known cause)chronic (long-term) interstitial lung disease with worsening fibrosis (scarring)interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis (a condition that causes thickening and scarring of tissues throughout your body) Drug details Ofev contains the active drug nintedanib. It belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.) Ofev comes as a capsule that you take by mouth. It’s available in two strengths: 100 milligrams (mg) and 150 mg. Effectiveness For information about the effectiveness of Ofev, see the “Ofev uses” section below. Ofev generic Ofev is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. Ofev side effects Ofev can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Ofev. These lists do not include all possible side effects. For more information about the possible side effects of Ofev, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome. Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Ofev, you can do so through MedWatch. Mild side effects Mild side effects* of Ofev can include:nausea and vomitingabdominal painheadachereduced appetiteweight losshigh blood pressureback paindiarrhea†hair loss†fatigue† Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. * This is a partial list of mild side effects from Ofev. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Ofev’s prescribing information. † For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below. Serious side effects Serious side effects from Ofev aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:Liver damage. Symptoms can include:fatigueloss of appetitepain in your upper right abdomendark or brown-colored urinebruising or bleeding easilyjaundiceBlood clot in an artery, which could cause a heart attack or stroke. Symptoms can include:chest pain or pressurepain or pressure in your jaw, neck, back, shoulder, or armshortness of breathdizzinessweakness or numbness on one side of your bodytrouble speakingtrouble walkingIncreased risk of bleeding. Symptoms can include:bruising easilybleeding easily, such as bleeding gums or nosebleedstaking longer than usual to stop bleeding if you injure yourselfwounds that don’t healGastrointestinal perforation. (Hole or tear in the wall of your stomach or intestine.) Symptoms can include:severe pain in your abdomenswelling or hardness in your abdomenfever or chillsnausea and vomitingProteinuria (protein in your urine), which could be a sign of kidney problems. Symptoms can include:foamy urineswelling in your face, arms, hands, legs, or feetsudden weight gainSevere diarrhea.*Allergic reaction.* * For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below. Side effect details Here are some details on certain side effects this drug may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Ofev. Diarrhea You may have diarrhea while taking Ofev. In clinical trials, diarrhea was the most common side effect reported with Ofev. You’re most likely to have diarrhea during the first 3 months of taking Ofev. Diarrhea is usually mild or moderate, but in some cases, it can be severe. Diarrhea makes your body lose more fluid and electrolytes (salts such as sodium and potassium) than usual. If it’s not managed, this can lead to dehydration (low level of fluid in your body). What you can do If you have diarrhea while taking Ofev, see your doctor right away. It’s important to have prompt diarrhea management if you have this side effect. Your doctor will likely recommend taking an antidiarrheal medication such as loperamide (Imodium) to help stop your diarrhea. They may also temporarily reduce your Ofev dosage or ask you to stop taking Ofev until your diarrhea goes away. Also, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids while you have diarrhea to help prevent dehydration. Your doctor may recommend oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte. These solutions help replace lost fluids and electrolytes. If your diarrhea doesn’t get better in a few days or gets worse, see your doctor right away. Hair loss Some people may have hair loss while taking Ofev. However, in clinical trials, hair loss was rare with Ofev. What you can do If you’re concerned about hair loss with Ofev, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to manage this side effect. Fatigue You may have fatigue while taking Ofev. In clinical trials, fatigue was common with Ofev. Note that the lung diseases Ofev is prescribed to treat can also cause fatigue. That’s because these lung conditions stop your body getting enough oxygen. Your body needs oxygen to function normally and produce energy. These lung conditions can also cause a cough and breathing difficulties, which can stop you getting enough sleep. This can also lead to fatigue. What you can do If you have fatigue, talk with your doctor about ways to manage it. Here are some tips that may help:Try splitting activities into smaller tasks and take regular breaks in between.Ask for help and accept help when offered.Rest when you can.Try light exercise to help increase your strength (this can make activities less demanding, so you have more energy to spare).Try to improve your sleep, for example, using extra pillows to raise you may help ease breathlessness.Allergic reaction As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Ofev. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:skin rashitchinessflushing A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feetswelling of your tongue, mouth, or throattrouble breathing Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Ofev, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Ofev cost As with all medications, the cost of Ofev can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, location, and the pharmacy you use. Your pharmacist can help determine the price of Ofev. They can also tell you how the costs of Ofev and similar drugs such as Esbriet compare. Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Ofev. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Before approving coverage for Ofev, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered. If you’re not sure if you’ll need prior authorization for Ofev, contact your insurance company. Financial and insurance assistance If you need financial support to pay for Ofev, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. Boehringer Ingelheim, the manufacturer of Ofev, offers a support program called Open Doors. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible, call 866-673-6366 or visit the program website. To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, see this article. Mail-order pharmacies Ofev may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home. If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Ofev, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options. Generic version Ofev is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. How Ofev works Ofev is used to treat certain forms of interstitial lung disease where you have fibrosis (scarring) in your lungs. What happens with interstitial lung disease With interstitial lung disease, you have a buildup of scar tissue in the interstitium in your lungs. The interstitium is a network of tissue that runs throughout your lungs and supports the alveoli (tiny air sacs). The scar tissue causes stiffness in your lungs that makes it harder for your lungs to expand when you breathe in. It also makes the air sacs less efficient at transferring oxygen into your bloodstream. As a result, your organs and other body tissues may not get enough oxygen. Interstitial lung disease makes breathing difficult and causes shortness of breath and fatigue. The scarring in your lungs tends to get worse over time. This causes your lung function to decline and your symptoms to worsen as the condition progresses. What Ofev does Ofev is a type of drug called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It blocks certain signals and pathways that are involved in the formation of scar tissue. This is the drug’s mechanism of action (how it works). Ofev helps to slow down the formation of scar tissue in your lungs. This helps slow down the worsening of your lung function and symptoms. How long does it take for Ofev to start working Ofev starts working soon after you start taking it, but you might not notice it working. The drug helps to stop your condition from progressing as quickly as it might otherwise. Your doctor may do various tests to check this medication is working for you. Common questions about Ofev Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ofev. Are there any foods I should avoid while taking Ofev No, there aren’t any foods that you should specifically avoid while taking Ofev. However, Ofev commonly causes digestive side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. And if you have these side effects, it may help to avoid certain foods. Foods to avoid if you have digestive side effects include:rich, fried, or greasy foodsspicy foodsfoods high in fibermilk and milk productsfoods containing the artificial sweetener xylitolalcohol and caffeine If you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea with Ofev, it’s best to stick to bland foods that are easy on your stomach. And be sure to drink plenty of fluids. To read more about digestive side effects, see the “Ofev side effects” section above. Is Ofev an immunosuppressant drug No, Ofev isn’t an immunosuppressant drug. Instead, it’s an anti-fibrosis (or anti-scarring) drug. Both types of drugs may be used to treat certain lung conditions that involve inflammation and scarring in your lungs. Immunosuppressants are drugs that weaken your immune system. Your doctor might prescribe an immunosuppressant if your lung condition is caused by an autoimmune condition. With autoimmune conditions, your immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s own healthy cells. Immunosuppressants help stop this from happening. Ofev, on the other hand, helps to slow down the formation of scar tissue in your lungs. Does Ofev reverse scarring of the lungs No, Ofev doesn’t reverse existing scarring in your lungs. Instead, it helps reduce new scarring. It can help slow down the worsening of your lung condition, but it can’t cure it. Ofev dosage The Ofev dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:how well your liver functionsif you have certain side effects with Ofevother medical conditions you may have The following information describes dosing that’s commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Drug forms Ofev comes as a capsule that you take by mouth. Drug strengths 100 mg 150 mg Ofev comes in two strengths: 100 milligrams (mg) and 150 mg. Dosage for certain types of lung disease For the types of lung disease Ofev is approved to treat, the usual recommended dosage is 150 mg twice per day. Your doses should be taken about 12 hours apart with food. To read about the types of lung disease Ofev is used for, see the “Ofev uses” section below. What if I miss a dose If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual when scheduled. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. This could increase your risk for side effects from Ofev. To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone. Will I need to use this drug long term Ofev is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Ofev is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term. Ofev use for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Ofev to treat certain conditions. About idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Ofev is FDA-approved to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in adults. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a condition where scar tissue builds up in your lungs. This is called fibrosis. Idiopathic means the condition has no known cause. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a form of interstitial lung disease. With idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, scar tissue builds up in the interstitium in your lungs. The interstitium is a network of tissue that runs throughout your lungs and supports the alveoli (tiny air sacs). The scar tissue causes stiffness in your lungs that makes it harder for your lungs to expand when you breathe in. It also makes the air sacs less efficient at transferring oxygen into your bloodstream. As a result, your organs and other body tissues may not get enough oxygen. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis makes breathing difficult. It can cause symptoms such as:shortness of breath, especially when doing physical activitydry cough that doesn’t go awayfatigueloss of appetiteweight losswidening and rounding of the tips of your fingers or toes, known as clubbing The scarring in your lungs typically gets worse over time, causing your symptoms and lung function to worsen as the condition progresses. Some people may also have acute flare-ups, where symptoms suddenly and unexpectedly get worse. Effectiveness for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Ofev is an effective treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It can help slow down the scarring in your lungs and worsening lung function. It can also help prevent acute flare-ups. Ofev is recommended as a treatment option for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in guidelines from the American Thoracic Society. To read about how Ofev performed in clinical trials, see the drug’s prescribing information. Ofev for other uses In addition to the use listed above, Ofev may be used for other purposes. Below is information on other approved uses for Ofev. Ofev for treating chronic interstitial lung disease with worsening fibrosis Ofev is FDA-approved to treat chronic (long-term) interstitial lung disease with worsening fibrosis (scarring) in adults. About chronic interstitial lung disease with worsening fibrosis Interstitial lung disease is a name used for several conditions that involve inflammation and scarring in the interstitial tissue in the lungs. Interstitial tissue (also called interstitium) is a network of tissue that runs throughout your lungs and supports the alveoli (tiny air sacs). With interstitial lung disease, you have a buildup of scar tissue in the interstitium in your lungs. The scar tissue may be produced because of inflammation (swelling) or damage to the interstitium. Or it may have no known cause. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is one form of interstitial lung disease that has no known cause. The scar tissue causes stiffness in your lungs that makes it harder for your lungs to expand when you breathe in. It also makes the air sacs less efficient at transferring oxygen into your bloodstream. As a result, your organs and other body tissues may not get enough oxygen. Interstitial lung disease makes breathing difficult. It can cause symptoms such as:shortness of breath, especially when doing physical activitydry cough that doesn’t go awayfatiguewidening and rounding of the tips of your fingers or toes, known as clubbing You may also have other symptoms, depending on the specific type of interstitial lung disease you have. With most types of interstitial lung disease, the fibrosis in your lungs gets worse over time. This causes your symptoms and lung function to worsen as the condition progresses. Some people may also have acute flare-ups, where symptoms suddenly and unexpectedly get worse. Effectiveness for treating chronic interstitial lung disease with worsening fibrosis Ofev is an effective treatment for chronic interstitial lung disease with worsening fibrosis. It can help slow down the scarring in your lungs and worsening of your lung function. The American Thoracic Society recommends Ofev as a treatment option for this condition. To read about how Ofev performed in clinical trials, see the drug’s prescribing information. Ofev for slowing lung function decline from systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease Ofev is FDA-approved to slow lung function decline in adults with interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis. About slowing lung function decline from systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease Systemic sclerosis is a condition where your body produces too much of a connective tissue called collagen. The buildup of collagen leads to thickening and fibrosis (scarring and stiffening) of tissues and organs throughout your body. Systemic sclerosis that affects your lungs is a form of interstitial lung disease. With interstitial lung disease, you have a buildup of scar tissue in the interstitium in your lungs. The interstitium is a network of tissue that runs throughout your lungs and supports the alveoli (tiny air sacs). The scar tissue causes stiffness in your lungs that makes it harder for your lungs to expand when you breathe in. It also makes the air sacs less efficient at transferring oxygen into your bloodstream. As a result, your organs and other body tissues may not get enough oxygen. Interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis makes breathing difficult. It can cause symptoms such as:shortness of breath, especially when doing physical activitydry cough that doesn’t go awayfatiguewidening and rounding of the tips of your fingers or toes, known as clubbing You’ll likely have other symptoms with systemic sclerosis as well. The symptoms you have will depend on what parts of your body are affected. With interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis, the fibrosis in your lungs tends to get worse over time. This causes your lung function to decline and your symptoms to worsen as the condition progresses. Effectiveness for slowing lung function decline from systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease Ofev is an effective treatment for slowing lung function decline in people with interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis. The American Thoracic Society recommends Ofev as a treatment option for this condition. To read about how Ofev performed in clinical trials, see the drug’s prescribing information. Ofev and alcohol Ofev isn’t known to interact with alcohol. However, if you have certain side effects with Ofev, drinking alcohol could make them worse. Examples of these side effects include:diarrheanauseavomitingheadache Also, Ofev can sometimes cause liver problems. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can also cause liver problems. So you may have a higher risk for liver problems with Ofev if you consume alcohol while taking it. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much (if any) is safe to drink while taking Ofev. Ofev interactions Ofev can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Ofev and other medications Below is a list of medications that can interact with Ofev. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Ofev. Before taking Ofev, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Examples of drugs that may interact with Ofev include:Blood thinners. Blood thinners are used to prevent and treat blood clots. Taking Ofev with blood thinners can raise your risk for bleeding. Examples of these drugs include:apixaban (Eliquis)dabigatran (Pradaxa)edoxaban (Savaysa)rivaroxaban (Xarelto)heparindalteparin (Fragmin)enoxaparin (Lovenox)warfarin (Jantoven)Corticosteroids. These drugs reduce inflammation (swelling). Taking Ofev with corticosteroids can raise your risk for gastrointestinal perforation (hole or tear in the wall of your stomach or intestine). Examples of these drugs include:prednisone (Rayos)methylprednisolone (Medrol)Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs are used to reduce pain and inflammation. Taking Ofev with NSAIDs can raise your risk for gastrointestinal perforation (hole or tear in the wall of your stomach or intestine). Examples of these drugs include:aspirinibuprofen (Advil)naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve)diclofenac (Zipsor, Cataflam, Zorvolex)Ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is an antifungal drug used to treat fungal infections. Taking Ofev with ketoconazole can raise your risk for Ofev side effects.Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab, Eryped). Erythromycin is an antibiotic drug used to treat bacterial infections. Taking Ofev with erythromycin can raise your risk for Ofev side effects.Rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin). Rifampin is an antibacterial drug mainly used to treat tuberculosis. Taking rifampin with Ofev can make Ofev less effective.Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol). Carbamazepine is a seizure medication that’s also used for bipolar disorder. Taking carbamazepine with Ofev can make Ofev less effective.Phenytoin (Dilantin). Phenytoin is a seizure medication. Taking phenytoin with Ofev can make Ofev less effective. Ofev and herbs and supplements Taking Ofev with St. John’s wort may cause Ofev to be less effective. There aren’t any other herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Ofev. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Ofev. Ofev and foods There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Ofev. However, if you have digestive side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting with Ofev, it may help to avoid certain foods. To read more about this, see the “Common questions about Ofev” section above. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Ofev, talk with your doctor. Alternatives to Ofev Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Ofev, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you. Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is used for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. Alternatives for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis An example of another drug that may treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is pirfenidone (Esbriet). Alternatives for treating chronic interstitial lung disease with worsening fibrosis Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat interstitial lung disease with worsening fibrosis include:prednisone (Rayos)methylprednisolone (Medrol)azathioprine (Azasan)cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)tacrolimus (Prograf)tocilizumab (Actemra)rituximab (Rituxan)pirfenidone (Esbriet) Alternatives for slowing lung function decline from systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease Examples of other drugs that may be used to slow the decline of lung function from systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease include:prednisone (Rayos)methylprednisolone (Medrol)azathioprine (Azasan)cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)tacrolimus (Prograf)tocilizumab (Actemra)rituximab (Rituxan)pirfenidone (Esbriet) How to take Ofev You should take Ofev according to the instructions your doctor gives you. When to take You should take Ofev twice per day. Take your doses about 12 hours apart, for example, 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone. Accessible labels and containers If your prescription label is hard to read, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does. If you have trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist if they can put Ofev in an easy-open container. They also may be able to recommend tools that can make it simpler to open lids. Taking Ofev with food Ofev should be taken with food. Can Ofev be crushed split or chewed No, Ofev capsules should not be crushed, split, opened, or chewed. The capsules should be swallowed whole with a drink. If you have trouble swallowing Ofev, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Ofev and pregnancy Ofev is not safe to take during pregnancy. The drug hasn’t been studied during pregnancy. However, based on the way it works and results from animal studies, this drug is likely to harm a fetus if used during pregnancy. If you’re able to become pregnant, your doctor will want you to have a pregnancy test before you start taking Ofev. If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about alternative treatment options for your lung condition. Ofev and birth control Ofev is not safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while taking Ofev. For more information about taking Ofev during pregnancy, see the “Ofev and pregnancy” section above. For females using Ofev Ofev’s manufacturer recommends that females* who can become pregnant should use birth control while taking Ofev and for at least 3 months after your last dose of Ofev. Talk with your doctor about the method of birth control that’s right for you. Note that Ofev commonly causes vomiting or diarrhea, which can make birth control pills less effective. Talk with your doctor about using a form of birth control that isn’t affected by vomiting or diarrhea, such as an injection or implant. For males using Ofev Ofev’s manufacturer doesn’t give birth control recommendations for males* taking Ofev. If you have a sexual partner who’s able to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while taking Ofev. * Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth. Ofev and breastfeeding You should not breastfeed while taking Ofev. It’s not known if Ofev passes into breast milk. However, if it does, it could cause serious side effects in a breastfed child. If you’re breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about other healthy ways to feed your child while you’re taking Ofev. Ofev precautions Before taking Ofev, talk with your doctor about your health history. Ofev may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:Liver problems. If you have liver problems, Ofev can build up in your body. This can increase the risk of its side effects. Ofev can also cause liver damage and could worsen existing liver problems. Ofev isn’t recommended for people with moderate or severe liver problems. If you have mild liver problems, your doctor may prescribe Ofev, but at a lower dosage than usual. Your doctor will order blood tests to check your liver function before you start Ofev and frequently during treatment.Smoking. Smoking can make Ofev less effective. It also raises the risk for heart attack or stroke, which are possible side effects of Ofev. And smoking can worsen the lung condition that Ofev treats. You shouldn’t smoke while taking this medication. If you smoke, talk with your doctor before taking Ofev.Heart disease. Ofev may cause blood clots that lead to a heart attack or stroke. If you have heart disease or you’ve had a heart attack or stroke in the past, you may have a raised risk for these side effects with Ofev. Talk with your doctor about whether Ofev is safe for you.Blood clotting problems. Ofev can increase your risk for bleeding. If you already have blood clotting problems, you may have an increased risk of bleeding with Ofev. If you take blood thinners, you may also have a raised risk of bleeding with Ofev. Talk with your doctor about whether Ofev is right for you. (See the “Ofev interactions” section above for examples of blood thinners.)Recent abdominal surgery. Ofev can sometimes cause gastrointestinal perforation (a hole or tear in the wall of your stomach or intestine). If you’ve recently had surgery around your abdomen, you may have an increased risk for this side effect. Talk with your doctor about whether Ofev is right for you.Diverticular disease. With diverticular disease, you have pouches that bulge out from the wall of your large intestine. If you have or have recently had this problem, you may have a raised risk for gastrointestinal perforation with Ofev. Talk with your doctor about whether Ofev is right for you.Kidney problems. Ofev hasn’t been studied in people with severe kidney problems such as end-stage kidney failure. If you have kidney problems, talk with your doctor about whether Ofev is right for you.Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Ofev or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Ofev. Ask your doctor about other medications that might be better options for you.Pregnancy. Ofev is not safe to take during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Ofev and pregnancy” section above.Breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while taking Ofev. For more information, see the “Ofev and breastfeeding” section above. Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Ofev, see the “Ofev side effects” section above. Ofev overdose Do not take more Ofev than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose. What to do in case you take too much Ofev If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Ofev expiration storage and disposal When you get Ofev from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication. The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it. Storage How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication. Ofev capsules should be stored at room temperature in a tightly sealed container. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms. Disposal If you no longer need to take Ofev and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment. This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. 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