Nintedanib (Australia) – Patient-Friendly Medicine Information

Nintedanib is an oral medicine used to slow the progression of certain serious lung diseases and, in some cases, to treat specific cancer types. This page explains how it works, how it behaves in the body, common uses, practical tips for taking it, and important safety information for people in Australia.

Please note: individual treatment plans vary. Always follow the advice of your treating clinician and the information on the medicine label.

Quick Product Information

How Nintedanib Works (Mechanism of Action)

Nintedanib belongs to a class of medicines called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking signalling pathways inside cells that help drive:

• Fibrosis (scarring) in the lungs — it can reduce processes that lead to thickening and scarring of lung tissue.
• Abnormal blood vessel growth that can support tumour growth (for certain cancers).
• Inflammatory and growth signals associated with disease progression.

In other words, nintedanib targets multiple receptors involved in how fibrotic tissue forms and how tumours may grow and spread.

What Happens in the Body (Pharmacokinetics)

Understanding how nintedanib is absorbed and processed can help you take it safely and consistently.

Absorption

• Nintedanib is absorbed after swallowing the capsule.
• Food can affect exposure; this is important for timing (see “Food interactions”).

Distribution

• It distributes throughout the body and binds to proteins in the bloodstream.

Metabolism and elimination

• Nintedanib is mainly processed in the liver by enzymes (commonly involving CYP3A4).
• It is eliminated primarily through bile and the gut, with some renal (kidney) elimination.

Half-life (overall duration of effect)

• The medicine does not have a single “instant” effect; repeated dosing helps maintain therapeutic levels.
• Your prescriber sets the schedule based on your indication and tolerance.

Typical Uses in Australia

The most commonly recognised lung use is for progressive scarring lung conditions. Nintedanib may also be used for specific cancer indications depending on treatment protocols and eligibility.

Lung (interstitial lung diseases)

• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
• Progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILD) in appropriate patient groups, as determined by current clinical guidance and eligibility criteria

Other indications (cancer)

• Used in certain lung cancers as part of specific treatment approaches (eligibility depends on the exact tumour type and treatment history).

Indications and eligibility can change over time. Your clinician will confirm whether nintedanib is appropriate for your specific diagnosis.

When to Take Nintedanib (Timing and Missed Dose)

Many nintedanib regimens are taken twice daily, roughly 12 hours apart, but follow your individual dosing instructions.

Typical daily timing

• Choose two times that suit your routine (for example, morning and evening).
• Try to keep consistent spacing (often about 12 hours).

If you miss a dose

• Take the missed dose only if it is not too close to your next dose.
• If you are close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule.
• Do not double up to “catch up”.

If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist for guidance based on your schedule.

Food Interactions and Practical Eating Guidance

Food can change how much nintedanib your body absorbs. To help minimise variability, follow consistent instructions regarding meals.

General guidance

• Take nintedanib with food or according to the specific directions on your product information.
• A common approach is: take it with meals (or shortly after) to reduce food-related fluctuations.

Why consistency matters

• Changes in timing relative to meals can affect blood levels.
• More consistent timing may help with symptom control and tolerability.

If you have a reduced appetite, nausea, or difficulty eating, discuss strategies with your healthcare team.

Alcohol and Nintedanib: What to Know

Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects for some medicines, especially those processed by the liver. Nintedanib is largely metabolised in the liver, so caution is advised.

Practical recommendations

• Limit alcohol and avoid binge drinking.
• Tell your clinician if you drink regularly or heavily.
• Seek medical advice promptly if you develop symptoms that could suggest liver problems (for example, unusual tiredness, dark urine, yellowing of the skin/eyes, persistent nausea/vomiting).

Your prescriber may advise a specific limit based on your liver health, other medications, and overall risk.

Interactions with Other Medicines (Including OTC Options)

Nintedanib can interact with other medicines, including those that affect liver enzymes and blood clotting risk. Always check with a pharmacist before starting new medicines, including:

• Prescription medicines
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
• Herbal products and supplements
• Recently started antibiotics or antifungals

Common interaction themes

• Enzyme inhibitors/inducers can change nintedanib levels in your body.
• Medicines affecting bleeding risk may require extra caution.
• Other liver-processed medicines may raise risk of liver-related side effects.

What to do

• Provide a complete list of your medicines to your healthcare team.
• Ask a pharmacist whether a new medicine is likely to interact with nintedanib.
• Do not stop other medicines unless your clinician advises it.

Dosing: How Much to Take

Dosing depends on the condition being treated and your individual tolerance. Typical regimens are outlined below for general information only—your exact dose should come from your clinician’s instructions.

Typical adult dosing patterns (general)

• Treatment is often twice daily, with capsules taken at regular intervals.
• Dose adjustments may be made if side effects occur (for example, persistent diarrhoea).

Swallowing instructions

• Swallow capsules whole with water.
• Do not crush, open, or chew the capsules unless your product instructions specifically allow it.

Managing side effects with dose adjustment

• Your clinician may temporarily reduce the dose or pause treatment to manage side effects.
• Do not adjust the dose on your own—ask your clinician or pharmacist for guidance.

If you need help reading a label or understanding your schedule, your pharmacist can help.

Safety Profile: Side Effects and When to Seek Help

Like all medicines, nintedanib can cause side effects. Many are manageable with supportive care and monitoring, but some require urgent medical attention.

Common side effects

• Diarrhoea (often the most common)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Reduced appetite or weight loss
• Abdominal pain or indigestion
• Fatigue
• Blood pressure changes or feeling unwell

Less common but important risks

• Liver enzyme elevations (may be detected on blood tests)
• Bleeding risk, especially if combined with other medicines affecting clotting
• Serious skin reactions (rare; requires urgent review)
• Cardiovascular effects (your clinician will assess your risk)
• Kidney or dehydration-related problems if diarrhoea is severe

Serious symptoms – get urgent medical help

Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

• Signs of severe diarrhoea leading to dehydration (e.g., dizziness, fainting, very low urine output)
• Signs of liver trouble (yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, severe right upper abdominal pain, persistent vomiting)
• Black/tarry stools, coughing blood, unusual bruising, or uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe rash with blistering or peeling skin, or swelling of face/lips
• Severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or neurological symptoms (for example, weakness on one side)

Monitoring and Follow-Up

To use nintedanib safely, clinicians commonly monitor:

• Blood tests for liver function (your schedule will depend on your situation)
• Symptoms and side effects, especially gastrointestinal symptoms
• Overall tolerability and need for dose adjustment
• In some cases, additional labs to support safe use during therapy

Keep appointments and let your clinician know early if side effects are developing.

Practical Use Tips (Daily Life Advice)

Reduce diarrhoea and stomach upset

• Maintain hydration—sip water regularly, especially during hot weather or if diarrhoea occurs.
• Consider bland foods if you feel nauseated (for example, toast, rice, bananas).
• Discuss anti-diarrhoeal options with your pharmacist early. Starting supportive treatment promptly can prevent worsening.
• Avoid alcohol during episodes of diarrhoea.

Stay consistent with meals

• Use the same meal pattern daily if possible (for example, taking with breakfast and dinner).
• If appetite is low, take small, frequent meals and ask about nutrition support.

Keep an eye on blood pressure and wellbeing

• If you have a home blood pressure monitor, track readings as advised by your clinician.
• Report new severe headaches, dizziness, or chest pain.

Record side effects

• Write down frequency of diarrhoea, vomiting, and any new symptoms.
• This helps your clinician decide whether dose adjustment or supportive care is needed.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations

Nintedanib may be harmful to an unborn baby. If you are planning pregnancy, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss this urgently with your clinician. Effective contraception is typically discussed for people who can become pregnant.

Indications: Where Nintedanib May Be Used

Below is a clear summary of the common indications. Availability for a given patient depends on diagnosis and eligibility under Australian clinical and regulatory frameworks.

• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
• Progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD) (in appropriate patient groups)
• Certain cancers (specific lung cancer treatment contexts)

If you are unsure whether your condition matches an approved or guideline-supported indication, ask your clinician or pharmacist.

Alternative Treatment Options

Depending on your diagnosis, alternatives may include other medicines, supportive care, or combination approaches. For lung fibrosis, other options may include antifibrotic therapies or management strategies targeting symptoms and complications.

Common alternatives (general categories)

• Other antifibrotic medicines used for lung fibrosis (depending on diagnosis and availability)
• Supportive treatments such as pulmonary rehabilitation and symptom management
• For specific cancers: other targeted therapies, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy, depending on tumour type and staging

Your healthcare team can explain why nintedanib was chosen and what other options might be considered if side effects become difficult to manage.

Market, Regulatory, and Legal Context in Australia

In Australia, nintedanib is regulated under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) framework. Medicines are used according to approved indications and patient eligibility through relevant healthcare pathways.

Access to nintedanib may involve:

• Prescriber involvement and clinical assessment
• Eligibility review based on the diagnosis and severity
• Supply through licensed channels and reputable suppliers

Availability can change based on TGA approvals, hospital formularies, and national or state-based medicine access programs.

Recent Guidance and Clinical Practice Notes (How Care May Be Updated)

Treatment for fibrosing lung diseases and cancers evolves with new evidence. In Australia, clinicians commonly update practice in line with:

• Latest guideline recommendations for diagnosis and staging
• Evidence from clinical trials
• Medicine safety updates and monitoring recommendations
• Local availability and funding criteria

If you’re already taking nintedanib, continue your routine monitoring and ask your clinician whether any recent changes in guidance affect your treatment plan.

Delivery and Availability (Online Pharmacy Information)

Availability of nintedanib may vary depending on stock levels, strength, and pack size. When ordering online, we recommend:

• Confirming the exact strength and brand form shown on the product page.
• Ensuring your delivery address details are correct to avoid delays.
• Checking estimated delivery times displayed at checkout.
• Keeping your medicine in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, unless the label instructs otherwise.

If your order is delayed, contact our support team so we can help locate the most reliable supply option.

FAQ About Nintedanib

1) What is nintedanib used for?

Nintedanib is used to treat certain fibrosing lung diseases (such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease in appropriate patients) and may also be used for certain cancer indications depending on the specific tumour type and treatment plan.

2) How do I take nintedanib?

It is taken orally as capsules. Many regimens involve twice-daily dosing. Take the capsules exactly as your clinician recommends, and follow the food-related instructions provided with your product.

3) Should I take it with food?

Food can affect how nintedanib is absorbed. Most patients are advised to take it with meals (or in line with the specific product instructions). Consistency with your meal timing can help.

4) What are the most common side effects?

The most common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, abdominal discomfort, and fatigue.

5) What should I do if I get diarrhoea?

Contact your clinician or pharmacist promptly if diarrhoea occurs. In many cases, early supportive treatment (including hydration and appropriate anti-diarrhoeal medicines) and dose adjustments are used to prevent severe dehydration.

6) How often will I need blood tests?

Liver function tests are commonly monitored. The frequency varies based on your condition, baseline health, and how you respond to therapy. Follow your clinician’s schedule.

7) Can I drink alcohol while taking nintedanib?

It’s generally advisable to limit alcohol, as nintedanib is processed in the liver and alcohol can increase stress on liver function and worsen side effects in some people. Ask your clinician for a personalised recommendation.

8) What medicines can interact with nintedanib?

Medicines that affect liver enzymes, medicines that alter bleeding risk, and other medicines processed by the liver may interact. Tell your pharmacist about everything you take, including OTC products and herbal supplements.

9) What if I forget a dose?

Do not double up. If you notice soon after missing a dose and it is still far from your next dose, you may be able to take it—otherwise skip it and continue your normal schedule. Ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure.

10) When should I stop nintedanib and seek urgent help?

Seek urgent medical care for severe diarrhoea with dehydration, signs of liver problems (such as yellowing of the skin/eyes), bleeding symptoms, severe rash, or other serious symptoms such as chest pain or significant breathing difficulties.

Summary

Nintedanib is a multi-target medicine used to slow progression of fibrosing lung disease and, in specific contexts, to treat certain cancers. It works by blocking signalling pathways involved in fibrosis and abnormal growth processes. Because food timing, gastrointestinal side effects (especially diarrhoea), and liver monitoring are important, taking nintedanib consistently and attending scheduled blood tests can help maximise benefit and support safe use.

If you have questions about dosing timing, food instructions, interactions, or side effect management, your pharmacist is ready to help you plan how to take nintedanib comfortably and safely in everyday life.