Pirfenidone vs. Ofev for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Pirfenidone

(Esbriet)

Ofev

(nintedanib)

Summary for Pirfenidone

Prescription only

Pirfenidone, also known by its brand name, Esbriet, is an antifibrotic medication used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in adults, a condition that causes scarring in the lungs. The dose starts low and is slowly raised, and it's taken by mouth three times per day with food. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and skin rash. Because there have been some cases of liver injury from taking this medication, you'll need regular lab work to check your liver health. It's available in both brand-name and generic versions.

Indications for Pirfenidone

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in adults

Pros and Cons for Pirfenidone

Pros

Helps people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) live longer
Can be used with other therapies to treat IPF
Capsule or tablet taken by mouth

Cons

Need regular blood tests to check liver health
Needs to be taken 3 times a day
Stomach-related side effects (e.g., nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea) are common

Common Side Effects for Pirfenidone

Nausea (36%)
Rash (30%)
Stomach pain or discomfort (24%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (27%)
Diarrhea (26%)
Tiredness (26%)
Headache (22%)
Reduced appetite (21%)
Indigestion (19%)
Dizziness (18%)
Vomiting (13%)

Warnings for Pirfenidone

Liver injury
Sunlight sensitivity
Severe skin reactions
Stomach-related side effects

Summary for Ofev

Prescription only

Ofev (nintedanib) is a brand-name medication used to treat adults with certain types of interstitial lung disease (ILD), like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It belongs to a group of medications called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which work by slowing down the build up of scar tissue in the lungs. You typically take a dose by mouth twice a day with food to lower the chance of side side effects. Some common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.

Indications for Ofev

Ofev (nintedanib) treats certain types of interstitial lung disease (ILD):

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
Progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD)
Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD)

Pros and Cons for Ofev

Pros

One of only a few medications approved to treat certain types of ILD
Available as capsules taken by mouth
Might help you live longer

Cons

Commonly causes stomach side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
Need regular blood tests to check liver health
Raises the risk of bleeding or bruising

Common Side Effects for Ofev

IPF

Diarrhea (62%)
Nausea (24%)
Stomach pain (15%)
Rise in liver enzymes (14%)
Vomiting (12%)
Reduced appetite (11%)
Weight loss (10%)

PF-ILD

Diarrhea (67%)
Nausea (29%)
Vomiting (18%)
Reduced appetite (15%)
Common cold symptoms (13%)
Rise in liver enzymes (up to 13%)
Bronchitis (12%)
Weight loss (12%)
Shortness of breath (11%)
Headache (11%)
Cough (10%)
Stomach pain (10%)
Tiredness (10%)

SSc-ILD

Diarrhea (76%)
Nausea (32%)
Vomiting (25%)
Skin ulcer (18%)
Stomach pain (18%)
Rise in liver enzymes (11%)

Warnings for Ofev

Liver problems
Stomach side effects
Harm to unborn babies
Blood clots, including heart attacks
Risk of bleeding
Tear or hole in the stomach or intestines
High levels of protein in urine

Prices with our coupons for Pirfenidone vs. Ofev

Pirfenidone90 tablets / 801mg of

$196.55$9,176.63

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Nintedanib60 capsules / 150mg

$984.63$15,128.80

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Pirfenidone vs. Ofev

Pirfenidone

Ofev

Summary for Pirfenidone

Indications for Pirfenidone

Pros and Cons for Pirfenidone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Pirfenidone

Warnings for Pirfenidone

Summary for Ofev

Indications for Ofev

Pros and Cons for Ofev

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ofev

Warnings for Ofev

Prices with our coupons for Pirfenidone vs. Ofev

Browse medications by letter

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Pirfenidone

Ofev

Summary for Pirfenidone

Indications for Pirfenidone

Pros and Cons for Pirfenidone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Pirfenidone

Warnings for Pirfenidone

Summary for Ofev

Indications for Ofev

Pros and Cons for Ofev

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ofev

Warnings for Ofev