Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Nintedanib 150 mg Soft Capsule

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Nintedanib esilate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Nintedanib esilate

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

and 1 more with the same active substance, strength and form

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for Nintedanib soft capsules contain the active substance nintedanib, a medicine belonging to the class of so-called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and it is used for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), other chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with a progressive phenotype and systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) in adults. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) IPF is a condition in which the tissue in your lungs becomes thickened, stiff and scarred over time. As a result, scarring reduces the ability to transfer oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream and it becomes difficult to breathe deeply. Nintedanib soft capsules help to reduce further scarring and stiffening of the lungs. Other chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with a progressive phenotype Besides IPF, there are other conditions in which the tissue in your lungs becomes thickened, stiff, and scarred over time (lung fibrosis) and keeps worsening (progressive phenotype). Examples of these conditions are hypersensitivity pneumonitis, autoimmune ILDs (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis associated ILD), idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, unclassifiable idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, and other ILDs. Nintedanib soft capsules help to reduce further scarring and stiffening of the lungs. Systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is a rare chronic autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue in many parts of the body. SSc causes fibrosis (scarring and stiffening) of the skin and other internal organs such as the lungs. When the lungs are affected by fibrosis, it is called interstitial lung disease (ILD), and so the condition is called SSc-ILD. Fibrosis in the lungs reduces the ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream, and breathing capacity is reduced. Nintedanib soft capsules help to reduce further scarring and stiffening of the lungs.

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What you need to know before you take it

e Nintedanib soft capsules Do not take Nintedanib soft capsules − if you are pregnant, − if you are allergic to nintedanib, peanut or soya, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Nintedanib soft capsules, − if you have or have had liver problems, − if you have or have had problems with your kidneys, or if an increased amount of protein has been detected in your urine, − if you have or have had bleeding problems, − if you take blood-thinning medicines (such as warfarin, phenprocoumon or heparin) to prevent blood clotting, − if you take pirfenidone as this may increase the risk of having diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and liver problems, − if you have or have had problems with your heart (for example a heart attack), − if you have recently had surgery. Nintedanib may affect the way your wounds heal. Therefore, your treatment with Nintedanib soft capsules will usually be stopped for a while if you are having a surgery. Your doctor will decide when to resume your treatment with this medicine. − if you have high blood pressure, − if you have abnormally high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension), − if you have or have had an aneurysm (enlargement and weakening of a blood vessel wall) or a tear in a blood vessel wall. Based on this information your doctor may do some blood tests, for example to check your liver function. Your doctor will discuss the results of these tests with you and decide whether you may receive Nintedanib soft capsules. Inform your doctor immediately while taking this medicine, − if you get diarrhoea. Treating diarrhoea early is important (see section 4); − if you vomit or feel sick (nausea); − if you have unexplained symptoms such as yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or brown (tea coloured) urine, pain on the upper right side of your stomach area (abdomen), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, or feeling tired. This could be symptoms of serious liver problems; − if you have severe pain in your stomach, fever, chills, sickness, vomiting, or abdominal rigidity or bloating, as these could be symptoms of a hole in the wall of your gut ('gastrointestinal perforation'). Also, tell your doctor if you had peptic ulcers or diverticular disease in the past, or are concomitantly treated with anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (used to treat pain relief and swelling) or steroids (used for inflammation and allergies), as this may increase this risk; − if you have a combination of severe pain or cramping in your stomach, red blood in your stool or diarrhoea as these could be symptoms of a bowel inflammation from inadequate blood supply; − if you have pain, swelling, reddening, warmth of a limb as this could be symptoms of a blood clot in one of your veins (a type of blood vessel); − if you have chest pressure or pain, typically on the left side of the body, pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder or arm, a fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, as this could be symptoms of a heart attack; − if you have any major bleeding; − if you experience bruising, bleeding, fever, fatigue and confusion. This may be a sign of damage to blood vessels known as thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA); − if you experience symptoms such as headache, vision changes, confusion, seizure or other neurologic disturbances such as weakness in an arm or a leg, with or without high blood pressure. This could be symptoms of a brain condition called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome 2

(PRES). Children and adolescents Nintedanib soft capsules should not be taken by children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Other medicines and Nintedanib soft capsules Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including herbal medicines and medicines obtained without a prescription. Nintedanib soft capsules can interact with certain other medicines. The following medicines are examples that may increase the levels of nintedanib in your blood, and hence may increase the risk for side effects (see section 4):

  • a medicine used to treat fungal infections (ketoconazole)
  • a medicine used to treat bacterial infections (erythromycin)
  • a medicine that affects your immune system (cyclosporine) The following medicines are examples that may lower the levels of nintedanib in your blood and thus may reduce the effectiveness of Nintedanib soft capsules:
  • an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis (rifampicin)
  • medicines to treat seizures (carbamazepine, phenytoin)
  • a herbal medicine to treat depression (St. John's Wort) Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Pregnancy Do not take this medicine during pregnancy, as it can harm your unborn baby and cause birth defects. You must have a pregnancy test done to ensure you are not pregnant before starting treatment with Nintedanib soft capsules. Please talk to your doctor. Contraception
  • Women who can become pregnant must use a highly effective method of birth control to prevent pregnancy when they start taking Nintedanib soft capsules, while they are taking Nintedanib soft capsules and for at least 3 months after stopping treatment.
  • You should discuss the most appropriate methods of contraception for you with your doctor.
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal conditions can affect the absorption of oral hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, and may reduce their effectiveness. Therefore, if experiencing these, talk to your doctor to discuss an alternative more appropriate method of contraception.
  • Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with Nintedanib soft capsules. Breast-feeding Do not breast-feed during the treatment with Nintedanib soft capsules since there may be a risk of harm to the breast-fed child. Driving and using machines Nintedanib soft capsules may have minor influence on your ability to drive and use machines. You should not drive or use machines if you feel sick. Nintedanib soft capsules contain soya lecithin If you are allergic to soya or peanut, do not take this medicine (see section 2).

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How to take it

Nintedanib soft capsules Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Take the capsules twice daily approximately 12 hours apart at about the same time every day, for example one capsule in the morning and one capsule in the evening. This ensures that a steady amount of nintedanib is maintained in your blood stream. Swallow the whole capsules with water and do not chew the capsules. It is recommended that you take the capsules with food, i.e. during or immediately before or after a meal. Do not open or crush the capsule (see section 5). Adults For Nintedanib 100 mg soft capsules The recommended dose is one capsule of 100 mg twice daily (a total of 200 mg per day). Do not take more than the recommended dose of two Nintedanib 100 mg soft capsules per day. If you do not tolerate the recommended dose of two Nintedanib 100 mg soft capsules per day (see possible side effects in section 4) your doctor may advise you to stop taking this medicine. Do not reduce the dose or stop the treatment by yourself without consulting your doctor first. For Nintedanib 150 mg soft capsules The recommended dose is one capsule of 150 mg twice daily (a total of 300 mg per day). Do not take more than the recommended dose of two Nintedanib 150 mg soft capsules per day. If you do not tolerate the recommended dose of two Nintedanib 150 mg soft capsules per day (see possible side effects in section 4) your doctor may reduce the daily dose of Nintedanib soft capsules. Do not reduce the dose or stop the treatment by yourself without consulting your doctor first. Your doctor may reduce your recommended dose to two times 100 mg per day (a total of 200 mg per day). In this case your doctor will prescribe Nintedanib 100 mg soft capsules for your treatment. Do not take more than the recommended dose of two Nintedanib 100 mg soft capsules per day if your daily dose was reduced to 200 mg per day. If you take more Nintedanib soft capsules than you should Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If you forget to take Nintedanib soft capsules Do not take two capsules together if you have forgotten to take your earlier dose. You should take your next dose of Nintedanib soft capsules as planned at the next scheduled time recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. If you stop taking Nintedanib soft capsules Do not stop taking Nintedanib soft capsules without consulting your doctor first. It is important to take this medicine every day, as long as your doctor prescribes it for you. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. You need to pay special attention if you get the following side effects during treatment with Nintedanib soft capsules:

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Diarrhoea (very common, may affect more than 1 in 10 people): Diarrhoea may lead to dehydration: a loss of fluid and important salts (electrolytes, such as sodium or potassium) from your body. At the first signs of diarrhoea drink plenty of fluids and contact your doctor immediately. Start appropriate anti-diarrhoeal treatment, e.g. with loperamide, as soon as possible. The following other side effects were observed during treatment with this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you get any side effects. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

  • Feeling sick (nausea)
  • Pain in the lower body (abdomen)
  • Abnormal liver test results. Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Bleeding
  • Rash
  • Headache Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
  • Pancreatitis
  • Inflammation of the large bowel
  • Serious liver problems
  • Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Jaundice, that is a yellow colour to the skin and whites of the eyes due to high levels of bilirubin
  • Itching
  • Heart attack
  • Hair loss (alopecia)
  • Increased amount of protein in your urine (proteinuria) Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
  • Renal failure
  • An enlargement and weakening of a blood vessel wall or a tear in a blood vessel wall (aneurysms and artery dissections)
  • A brain condition with symptoms such as headache, vision changes, confusion, seizure or other neurologic disturbances such as weakness in an arm or a leg, with or without high blood pressure (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome) Other chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with a progressive phenotype Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
  • Feeling sick (nausea)
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain in the lower body (abdomen)
  • Abnormal liver test results Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
  • Weight loss
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Bleeding 5

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Serious liver problems Rash Headache

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

  • Pancreatitis
  • Inflammation of the large bowel
  • Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
  • Jaundice, that is a yellow colour to the skin and whites of the eyes due to high levels of bilirubin
  • Itching
  • Heart attack
  • Hair loss (alopecia)
  • Increased amount of protein in your urine (proteinuria) Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
  • Renal failure
  • An enlargement and weakening of a blood vessel wall or a tear in a blood vessel wall (aneurysms and artery dissections)
  • A brain condition with symptoms such as headache, vision changes, confusion, seizure or other neurologic disturbances such as weakness in an arm or a leg, with or without high blood pressure (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome) Systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
  • Feeling sick (nausea)
  • Vomiting
  • Pain in the lower body (abdomen)
  • Abnormal liver test results Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
  • Bleeding
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Headache Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
  • Inflammation of the large bowel
  • Serious liver problems
  • Renal failure
  • Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
  • Rash
  • Itching Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
  • Heart attack
  • Pancreatitis
  • Jaundice, that is a yellow colour to the skin and whites of the eyes due to high levels of bilirubin
  • An enlargement and weakening of a blood vessel wall or a tear in a blood vessel wall (aneurysms and artery dissections)
  • Hair loss (alopecia)
  • Increased amount of protein in your urine (proteinuria)
  • A brain condition with symptoms such as headache, vision changes, confusion, seizure or other neurologic disturbances such as weakness in an arm or a leg, with or without high blood pressure (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome)

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Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard, or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

Nintedanib soft capsules Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. Do not use this medicine if you notice that the blister containing the capsules is opened or a capsule is broken. If you are in contact with the content of the capsule, wash off your hands immediately with plenty of water (see section 3). Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Nintedanib soft capsules contains

  • The active substance is nintedanib. Each 100 mg capsule contains 100 mg nintedanib (as esylate). Each 150 mg capsule contains 150 mg nintedanib (as esylate). –

The other ingredients are: Capsule fill: Triglycerides, medium chain, hard fat, lauroyl polyoxy-6 glycerides, and soya lecithin (E322) (see section 2). Capsule shell: Gelatin, glycerin, titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide yellow (E172) and iron oxide red (E172). Imprinting ink: Iron oxide black (E172), hypromellose (E464), isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol (E1520) and purified water.

What Nintedanib soft capsules looks like and contents of the pack Nintedanib 100 mg soft capsules are peach-coloured, opaque, oblong soft-gelatin capsules (Approximately 16 mm × 6 mm) containing yellow coloured oily dispersion, imprint 'N100' with black ink. Nintedanib 150 mg soft capsules are brown-coloured, opaque, oblong soft-gelatin capsules (Approximately 18 mm× 7 mm) containing yellow coloured oily dispersion, imprint 'N150' with black ink. Nintedanib soft capsules are available as 60 × 1 soft capsules in aluminium/aluminium perforated unit dose blisters. Marketing Authorisation Holder Celix Pharma Ltd. 12 Constance Street, London, E16 2DQ, United Kingdom

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Manufacturer Celix Pharma Ltd 1st Floor, Building 2, Croxley Business Park, Watford, WD18 8YA United Kingdom or Misom Labs Ltd. Malta Life Sciences Park LS2.01.06 Industrial Estate San Gwann, SGN 3000 Malta

If you are blind or partially sighted and require this leaflet in a different format, call 0800 669 6825 or contact [email protected] This leaflet was last revised in 11/2025.

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Frequently asked questions about Nintedanib 150 mg Soft Capsule

How do I take Nintedanib 150 mg Soft Capsule?

Nintedanib 150 mg Soft Capsule comes as capsule containing 150mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Nintedanib 150 mg Soft Capsule?

The active substance in Nintedanib 150 mg Soft Capsule is nintedanib esilate.

Are there equivalent medicines to Nintedanib 150 mg Soft Capsule?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Ofev 150 mg soft capsules, Vargatef 150 mg soft capsules, Nintedanib 150mg soft capsules. In total there are 6 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Nintedanib 150 mg Soft Capsule, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Nintedanib 150 mg Soft Capsule without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Nintedanib esilate (15 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Nintedanib soft capsules are indicated in adults for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Nintedanib soft capsules are also indicated in adults for the treatment of other chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with a progressive phenotype (see section 5.1).

Nintedanib soft capsules are indicated in adults for the treatment of systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD).

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Treatment should be initiated by physicians experienced in the management of diseases for which Nintedanib soft capsules are approved.

Posology

Adults

The recommended dose is 150 mg nintedanib twice daily administered approximately 12 hours apart.

The 100 mg twice daily dose is only recommended to be used in patients who do not tolerate the 150 mg twice daily dose.

If a dose is missed, administration should resume at the next scheduled time at the recommended dose. If a dose is missed the patient should not take an additional dose. The recommended maximum daily dose of 300 mg should not be exceeded.

Dose adjustments

In addition to symptomatic treatment if applicable, the management of adverse reactions to nintedanib (see sections 4.4 and 4.8) could include dose reduction and temporary interruption until the specific adverse reaction has resolved to levels that allow continuation of therapy. Nintedanib treatment may be resumed at the full dose (150 mg twice daily in adult patients) or a reduced dose (100 mg twice daily in adult patients). If an adult patient does not tolerate 100 mg twice daily, treatment with nintedanib should be discontinued.

If diarrhoea, nausea and/or vomiting persist despite appropriate supportive care (including anti-emetic therapy), dose reduction or treatment interruption may be required. The treatment may be resumed at a reduced dose (100 mg twice daily in adult patients) or at the full dose (150 mg twice daily in adult patients). In case of persisting severe diarrhoea, nausea and/or vomiting despite symptomatic treatment, therapy with nintedanib should be discontinued (see section 4.4).

In case of interruptions due to aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations > 3× upper limit of normal (ULN), once transaminases have returned to baseline values, treatment with nintedanib may be reintroduced at a reduced dose (100 mg twice daily in adult patients) which subsequently may be increased to the full dose (150 mg twice daily in adult patients) (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).

Special populations

Elderly patients (≥ 65 years)

No overall differences in safety and efficacy were observed for elderly patients. No a-priori dose adjustment is required in elderly patients. Patients ≥ 75 years may be more likely to require dose reduction to manage adverse effects (see section 5.2).

Renal impairment

Adjustment of the starting dose in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment is not required. The safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of nintedanib have not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment (< 30 mL/min creatinine clearance).

Hepatic impairment

In adult patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A), the recommended dose of nintedanib is 100 mg twice daily approximately 12 hours apart. In patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A), treatment interruption or discontinuation for management of adverse reactions should be considered. The safety and efficacy of nintedanib have not been investigated in patients with hepatic impairment classified as Child Pugh B and C. Treatment of patients with moderate (Child Pugh B) and severe (Child Pugh C) hepatic impairment with nintedanib is not recommended (see section 5.2).

Paediatric population

Nintedanib should not be used in children (see section 4.8 and 5.1).

Method of administration

Nintedanib soft capsules are for oral use. The capsules should be taken with food, swallowed whole with water, and should not be chewed. The capsule should not be opened or crushed (see section 6.6).

4.3. Contraindications

• Pregnancy (see section 4.6)

• Hypersensitivity to nintedanib, to peanut or soya, or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Gastrointestinal disorders

Diarrhoea

In the clinical trials (see section 5.1), diarrhoea was the most frequent gastro-intestinal adverse reaction reported (see section 4.8). In most patients, the adverse reaction was of mild to moderate intensity and occurred within the first 3 months of treatment.

Serious cases of diarrhoea leading to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances have been reported in the post-marketing. Patients should be treated at first signs with adequate hydration and anti-diarrhoeal medicinal products, e.g. loperamide, and may require dose reduction or treatment interruption. Nintedanib treatment may be resumed at a reduced dose or at the full dose (see section 4.2 Dose adjustments). In case of persisting severe diarrhoea despite symptomatic treatment, therapy with nintedanib should be discontinued.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting were frequently reported gastrointestinal adverse reactions (see section 4.8). In most patients with nausea and vomiting, the event was of mild to moderate intensity. In clinical trials, nausea led to discontinuation of nintedanib in up to 2.1% of patients and vomiting led to discontinuation of nintedanib in up to 1.4% of patients.

If symptoms persist despite appropriate supportive care (including anti-emetic therapy), dose reduction or treatment interruption may be required. The treatment may be resumed at a reduced dose or at the full dose (see section 4.2 Dose adjustments). In case of persisting severe symptoms therapy with nintedanib should be discontinued.

Hepatic function

The safety and efficacy of nintedanib has not been studied in patients with moderate (Child Pugh B) or severe (Child Pugh C) hepatic impairment. Therefore, treatment with nintedanib is not recommended in such patients (see section 4.2). Based on increased exposure, the risk for adverse reactions may be increased in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A).

Adult patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A) should be treated with a reduced dose of nintedanib (see sections 4.2 and 5.2).

Cases of drug-induced liver injury have been observed with nintedanib treatment, including severe liver injury with fatal outcome. The majority of hepatic events occur within the first three months of treatment. Therefore, hepatic transaminase and bilirubin levels should be investigated before treatment initiation and during the first month of treatment with nintedanib. Patients should then be monitored at regular intervals during the subsequent two months of treatment and periodically thereafter, e.g. at each patient visit or as clinically indicated.

Elevations of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, blood alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), see section 4.8) and bilirubin were reversible upon dose reduction or interruption in the majority of cases. If transaminase (AST or ALT) elevations > 3× ULN are measured, dose reduction or interruption of the therapy with nintedanib is recommended and the patient should be monitored closely. Once transaminases have returned to baseline values, treatment with nintedanib may be resumed at the full dose or reintroduced at a reduced dose which subsequently may be increased to the full dose (see section 4.2 Dose adjustments). If any liver test elevations are associated with clinical signs or symptoms of liver injury, e.g. jaundice, treatment with nintedanib should be permanently discontinued. Alternative causes of the liver enzyme elevations should be investigated.

Adult patients with low body weight (< 65 kg), Asian and female patients have a higher risk of elevations of liver enzymes. Nintedanib exposure increased linearly with patient age, which may also result in a higher risk of developing liver enzyme elevations (see section 5.2). Close monitoring is recommended in patients with these risk factors.

Renal function

Cases of renal impairment/failure, in some cases with fatal outcome, have been reported with nintedanib use (see section 4.8).

Patients should be monitored during nintedanib therapy, with particular attention to those patients exhibiting risk factors for renal impairment/failure. In case of renal impairment/failure, therapy adjustment should be considered (see section 4.2 Dose adjustments).

Haemorrhage

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibition might be associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

Patients at known risk for bleeding including patients with inherited predisposition to bleeding or patients receiving a full dose of anticoagulative treatment were not included in the clinical trials. Non-serious and serious bleeding events, some of which were fatal, have been reported in the post-marketing period (including patients with or without anticoagulant therapy or other medicinal products that could cause bleeding). Therefore, these patients should only be treated with nintedanib if the anticipated benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Arterial thromboembolic events

Patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or stroke were excluded from the clinical trials. In the clinical trials in adult patients, arterial thromboembolic events were infrequently reported (nintedanib 2.5% versus placebo 0.7% for INPULSIS; nintedanib 0.9% versus placebo 0.9% for INBUILD; nintedanib 0.7% versus placebo 0.7% for SENSCIS). In the INPULSIS trials, a higher percentage of patients experienced myocardial infarctions in the nintedanib group (1.6%) compared to the placebo group (0.5%), while adverse events reflecting ischaemic heart disease were balanced between the nintedanib and placebo groups. In the INBUILD trial, myocardial infarction was observed with low frequency: Nintedanib 0.9% versus placebo 0.9%. In the SENSCIS trial, myocardial infarction was observed with low frequency in the placebo group (0.7%) and not observed in the nintedanib group. Caution should be used when treating patients at higher cardiovascular risk including known coronary artery disease. Treatment interruption should be considered in patients who develop signs or symptoms of acute myocardial ischemia.

Aneurysms and artery dissections

The use of VEGF pathway inhibitors in patients with or without hypertension may promote the formation of aneurysms and/or artery dissections. Before initiating nintedanib, this risk should be carefully considered in patients with risk factors such as hypertension or history of aneurysm.

Venous thromboembolism

In the clinical trials, no increased risk of venous thromboembolism was observed in nintedanib treated patients. Due to the mechanism of action of nintedanib patients might have an increased risk of thromboembolic events.

Gastrointestinal perforations and ischaemic colitis

In the clinical trials in adult patients, the frequency of patients with perforation was up to 0.3% in both treatment groups. Due to the mechanism of action of nintedanib, patients might have an increased risk of gastrointestinal perforations. Cases of gastrointestinal perforations and cases of ischaemic colitis, some of which were fatal, have been reported in the post-marketing period. Particular caution should be exercised when treating patients with previous abdominal surgery, previous history of peptic ulceration, diverticular disease or receiving concomitant corticosteroids or NSAIDs. Nintedanib should only be initiated at least 4 weeks after abdominal surgery. Therapy with nintedanib should be permanently discontinued in patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation or ischaemic colitis. Exceptionally, nintedanib can be reintroduced after complete resolution of ischaemic colitis and careful assessment of patient's condition and other risk factors.

Nephrotic range proteinuria and thrombotic microangiopathy

Very few cases of nephrotic range proteinuria with or without renal function impairment have been reported post-marketing. Histological findings in individual cases were consistent with glomerular microangiopathy with or without renal thrombi. Reversal of the symptoms has been observed after nintedanib was discontinued, with residual proteinuria in some cases. Treatment interruption should be considered in patients who develop signs or symptoms of nephrotic syndrome.

VEGF pathway inhibitors have been associated with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), including very few case reports for nintedanib. If laboratory or clinical findings associated with TMA occur in a patient receiving nintedanib, treatment with nintedanib should be discontinued and thorough evaluation for TMA should be completed.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)

Some cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) have been reported post-marketing.

PRES is a neurological disorder (confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging) which can present with headache, hypertension, visual disturbances, seizure, lethargy, confusion and other visual and neurologic disturbances, and can be fatal. PRES has been reported with other VEGF inhibitors.

If PRES is suspected, nintedanib treatment must be discontinued. Reinitiating nintedanib therapy in patients previously experiencing PRES is not known and should be left to the physician's recommendation.

Hypertension

Administration of nintedanib may increase blood pressure. Systemic blood pressure should be measured periodically and as clinically indicated.

Pulmonary hypertension

Data on the use of nintedanib in patients with pulmonary hypertension is limited.

Patients with significant pulmonary hypertension (cardiac index ≤ 2 L/min/m², or parenteral epoprostenol/treprostinil, or significant right heart failure) were excluded from the INBUILD and SENSCIS trials.

Nintedanib should not be used in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. Close monitoring is recommended in patients with mild to moderate pulmonary hypertension.

Wound healing complication

No increased frequency of impaired wound healing was observed in the clinical trials. Based on the mechanism of action nintedanib may impair wound healing. No dedicated studies investigating the effect of nintedanib on wound healing were performed. Treatment with nintedanib should therefore only be initiated or – in case of perioperative interruption – resumed based on clinical judgement of adequate wound healing.

Co-administration with pirfenidone

In a dedicated pharmacokinetic study, concomitant treatment of nintedanib with pirfenidone was investigated in patients with IPF. Based on these results, there is no evidence of a relevant pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction between nintedanib and pirfenidone when administered in combination (see section 5.2). Given the similarity in safety profiles for both medicinal products, additive adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal and hepatic adverse events, may be expected. The benefit-risk balance of concomitant treatment with pirfenidone has not been established.

Effect on QT interval

No evidence of QT prolongation was observed for nintedanib in the clinical trial programme (Section 5.1). As some other tyrosine kinase inhibitors are known to exert an effect on QT, caution should be exercised when nintedanib is administered in patients who may develop QTc prolongation.

Allergic reaction

Dietary soya products are known to cause allergic reactions including severe anaphylaxis in persons with soya allergy. Patients with known allergy to peanut protein carry an enhanced risk for severe reactions to soya preparations.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

P-glycoprotein (P-gp)

Nintedanib is a substrate of P-gp (see section 5.2). Co-administration with the potent P-gp inhibitor ketoconazole increased exposure to nintedanib 1.61-fold based on AUC and 1.83-fold based on Cmax in a dedicated drug-drug interaction study. In a drug-drug interaction study with the potent P-gp inducer rifampicin, exposure to nintedanib decreased to 50.3% based on AUC and to 60.3% based on Cmax upon co-administration with rifampicin compared to administration of nintedanib alone. If co-administered with nintedanib, potent P-gp inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, erythromycin or cyclosporine) may increase exposure to nintedanib. In such cases, patients should be monitored closely for tolerability of nintedanib. Management of adverse reactions may require interruption, dose reduction, or discontinuation of therapy with nintedanib (see section 4.2).

Potent P-gp inducers (e.g. rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John's Wort) may decrease exposure to nintedanib. Selection of an alternate concomitant medicinal product with no or minimal P-gp induction potential should be considered.

Cytochrome (CYP)-enzymes

Only a minor extent of the biotransformation of nintedanib consisted of CYP pathways. Nintedanib and its metabolites, the free acid moiety BIBF 1202 and its glucuronide BIBF 1202 glucuronide, did not inhibit or induce CYP enzymes in preclinical studies (see section 5.2). The likelihood of drug-drug interactions with nintedanib based on CYP metabolism is therefore considered to be low.

Co-administration with other medicinal products

Co-administration of nintedanib with oral hormonal contraceptives did not alter the pharmacokinetics of oral hormonal contraceptives to a relevant extent (see section 5.2).

Co-administration of nintedanib with bosentan did not alter the pharmacokinetics of nintedanib (see section 5.2).

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Women of childbearing potential / Contraception

Nintedanib may cause foetal harm in humans (see section 5.3). Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving treatment with nintedanib and to use highly effective contraceptive methods at initiation of, during and at least 3 months after the last dose of nintedanib. Nintedanib does not relevantly affect the plasma exposure of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel (see section 5.2). The efficacy of oral hormonal contraceptives may be compromised by vomiting and/or diarrhoea or other conditions where the absorption may be affected. Women taking oral hormonal contraceptives experiencing these conditions should be advised to use an alternative highly effective contraceptive measure.

Pregnancy

There is no information on the use of nintedanib in pregnant women, but pre-clinical studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity of this active substance (see section 5.3). As nintedanib may cause foetal harm also in humans, it must not be used during pregnancy (see section 4.3) and pregnancy testing must be conducted prior to treatment with nintedanib and during treatment as appropriate.

Female patients should be advised to notify their doctor or pharmacist if they become pregnant during therapy with nintedanib.

If the patient becomes pregnant while receiving nintedanib, treatment must be discontinued and she should be apprised of the potential hazard to the foetus.

Breast-feeding

There is no information on the excretion of nintedanib and its metabolites in human milk.

Pre-clinical studies showed that small amounts of nintedanib and its metabolites (≤ 0.5% of the administered dose) were secreted into milk of lactating rats. A risk to the newborns/infants cannot be excluded. Breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with nintedanib.

Fertility

Based on preclinical investigations there is no evidence for impairment of male fertility (see section 5.3). From subchronic and chronic toxicity studies, there is no evidence that female fertility in rats is impaired at a systemic exposure level comparable with that at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 150 mg twice daily (see section 5.3).

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Nintedanib has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Patients should be advised to be cautious when driving or using machines during treatment with nintedanib.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

In clinical trials and during the post-marketing experience, the most frequently reported adverse reactions associated with the use of nintedanib included diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, weight decreased and hepatic enzyme increased.

For the management of selected adverse reactions see section 4.4.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Table 1 provides a summary of the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by MedDRA System Organ Class (SOC) and frequency category using the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1 000 to < 1/100), rare (≥ 1/10 000 to < 1/1 000), very rare (< 1/10 000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Table 1: Summary of ADRs per frequency category

Frequency

System Organ Class

preferred term

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Other chronic fibrosing ILDs with a progressive phenotype

Systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Thrombocytopenia

Uncommon

Uncommon

Uncommon

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Weight decreased

Common

Common

Common

Decreased appetite

Common

Very Common

Common

Dehydration

Uncommon

Uncommon

Not known

Cardiac disorders

Myocardial infarction

Uncommon

Uncommon

Not known

Vascular disorders

Bleeding (see section 4.4)

Common

Common

Common

Hypertension

Uncommon

Common

Common

Aneurysms and artery dissections

Not known

Not known

Not known

Gastrointestinal disorder

Diarrhoea

Very common

Very common

Very common

Nausea

Very common

Very common

Very common

Abdominal pain

Very common

Very common

Very common

Vomiting

Common

Very common

Very common

Pancreatitis

Uncommon

Uncommon

Not known

Colitis

Uncommon

Uncommon

Uncommon

Hepatobiliary disorders

Drug induced liver injury

Uncommon

Common

Uncommon

Hepatic enzyme increased

Very common

Very common

Very common

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased

Common

Very common

Common

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased

Common

Common

Common

Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) increased

Common

Common

Common

Hyperbilirubinaemia

Uncommon

Uncommon

Not known

Blood alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) increased

Uncommon

Common

Common

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Rash

Common

Common

Uncommon

Pruritus

Uncommon

Uncommon

Uncommon

Alopecia

Uncommon

Uncommon

Not known

Renal and urinary disorders

Renal failure (see section 4.4)

Not known

Not known

Uncommon

Proteinuria

Uncommon

Uncommon

Not known

Nervous system disorders

Headache

Common

Common

Common

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

Not known

Not known

Not known

Description of selected adverse reactions

Diarrhoea

In clinical trials (see section 5.1), diarrhoea was the most frequent gastro-intestinal event reported. In most patients, the event was of mild to moderate intensity. More than two thirds of patients experiencing diarrhoea reported its first onset already during the first three months of treatment. In most patients, the events were managed by anti-diarrhoeal therapy, dose reduction or treatment interruption (see section 4.4). An overview of the reported diarrhoea events in the clinical trials is listed in Table 2:

Table 2: Diarrhoea in clinical trials over 52 weeks

INPULSIS

INBUILD

SENSCIS

Placebo

Nintedanib

Placebo

Nintedanib

Placebo

Nintedanib

Diarrhoea

18.4%

62.4%

23.9%

66.9%

31.6%

75.7%

Severe diarrhoea

0.5%

3.3%

0.9%

2.4%

1.0%

4.2%

Diarrhoea leading to nintedanib dose reduction

0%

10.7%

0.9%

16.0%

1.0%

22.2%

Diarrhoea leading to nintedanib discontinuation

0.2%

4.4%

0.3%

5.7%

0.3%

6.9%

Hepatic enzyme increased

In the INPULSIS trials, liver enzyme elevations (see section 4.4) were reported in 13.6% versus 2.6% of patients treated with nintedanib and placebo, respectively. In the INBUILD trial, liver enzyme elevations were reported in 22.6% versus 5.7% of patients treated with nintedanib and placebo, respectively. In the SENSCIS trial, liver enzyme elevations were reported in 13.2% versus 3.1% of patients treated with nintedanib and placebo, respectively. Elevations of liver enzymes were reversible and not associated with clinically manifest liver disease. For further information about special populations, recommended measures and dosing adjustments in case of diarrhoea and hepatic enzyme increased, refer additionally to sections 4.4 and 4.2, respectively.

Bleeding

In clinical trials, the frequency of patients who experienced bleeding was slightly higher in patients treated with nintedanib or comparable between the treatment arms (nintedanib 10.3% versus placebo 7.8% for INPULSIS; nintedanib 11.1% versus placebo 12.7% for INBUILD; nintedanib 11.1% versus placebo 8.3% for SENSCIS). Non-serious epistaxis was the most frequent bleeding event reported. Serious bleeding events occurred with low frequencies in the 2 treatment groups (nintedanib 1.3% versus placebo 1.4% for INPULSIS; nintedanib 0.9% versus placebo 1.5% for INBUILD; nintedanib 1.4% versus placebo 0.7% for SENSCIS).

Post-marketing bleeding events include but are not limited to gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous organ systems, with the most frequent being gastrointestinal (see section 4.4).

Proteinuria

In clinical trials, the frequency of patients who experienced proteinuria was low and comparable between the treatment arms (nintedanib 0.8% versus placebo 0.5% for INPULSIS; nintedanib 1.5% versus placebo 1.8% for INBUILD; nintedanib 1.0% versus placebo 0.0% for SENSCIS). Nephrotic syndrome has not been reported in clinical trials. Very few cases of nephrotic range proteinuria with or without renal function impairment have been reported post-marketing. Histological findings in individual cases were consistent with glomerular microangiopathy with or without renal thrombi. Reversal of the symptoms has been observed after nintedanib was discontinued, with residual proteinuria in some cases. Treatment interruption should be considered in patients who develop signs or symptoms of nephrotic syndrome (see section 4.4).

Paediatric population

There are limited safety data for nintedanib in paediatric patients.

A total of 39 patients aged 6 to 17 years were treated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 24 weeks duration, followed by open label treatment with nintedanib of variable duration (see section 5.1). Consistent with the safety profile seen in adult patients with IPF, other chronic fibrosing ILDs with progressive phenotype and SSc-ILD, the most frequently reported adverse reactions with nintedanib during placebo-controlled period were diarrhoea (38.5%), vomiting (26.9%), nausea (19.2%), abdominal pain (19.2%), and headache (11.5%).

Hepatobiliary disorders reported with nintedanib during placebo-controlled period were liver injury (3.8%) and increased liver function test (3.8%). Due to limited data, it is uncertain if the risk for drug-induced liver injury is similar in children as compared to adults (see section 4.4).

Based on preclinical findings, bone, growth and teeth development were monitored as potential risks in the paediatric clinical trial (see section 5.3). The potential impact on growth and tooth development is unknown (see section 5.1).

Long term safety data in paediatric patients are not available. There are uncertainties on the potential impact on growth, tooth development, puberty, and the risk of liver injury.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme; website www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

There is no specific antidote or treatment for nintedanib overdose. Two patients in the oncology programme had an overdose of maximum 600 mg twice daily up to eight days. Observed adverse reactions were consistent with the known safety profile of nintedanib, i.e. increased liver enzymes and gastrointestinal symptoms. Both patients recovered from these adverse reactions. In the INPULSIS 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. In case of overdose, treatment should be interrupted and general supportive measures initiated as appropriate.

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