Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Medication: What Works and What to Expect

If you or a loved one has idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the first thing to know is this: current medicines don’t cure IPF, but they can slow lung scarring and help you keep lung function longer. Knowing how these drugs work and what to watch for makes a big difference in daily life.

The two main drugs used today are pirfenidone and nintedanib. Both are called antifibrotics because they slow the fibrosis process in the lungs. Typical adult doses are pirfenidone about 2403 mg per day (divided doses) and nintedanib 150 mg twice daily, but your doctor will pick the best dose for you and adjust if side effects appear.

What these drugs do and common side effects

Pirfenidone can reduce the rate of lung function decline and often causes nausea, loss of appetite, or sensitivity to sunlight. Wear sunscreen and report persistent stomach upset or any yellowing of the skin. Nintedanib also slows decline but commonly causes diarrhea and can raise liver enzymes; stay hydrated, use anti-diarrheal medicines if advised, and have liver tests as scheduled. Both drugs require regular blood tests and close follow-up.

There are other medicines used for symptoms: inhalers for wheeze or breathlessness, short antibiotic courses for infections, or low-dose steroids only for specific situations. Oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation address daily symptoms and fitness but don’t change the scarring itself. If your disease progresses despite treatment, a lung transplant evaluation may be an option for some people.

Practical tips patients can use

Before starting treatment, ask your specialist: What is my expected benefit? Which side effects should I expect? How often will I need blood tests? Are there drug interactions with my current medicines? If you take blood thinners or have a bleeding risk, mention it—nintedanib can increase bleeding risk.

Keep simple habits that help treatment work: take medicine at the same times each day, protect skin from the sun on pirfenidone, and treat diarrhea early on nintedanib (loperamide often helps). Don’t stop a drug suddenly without talking to your doctor. If you’re considering buying meds online, use only accredited pharmacies and always get a valid prescription—counterfeit or wrong meds are risky.

Finally, pair medication with practical care: stay current on flu and pneumonia vaccines, join pulmonary rehab if offered, and keep regular follow-ups with your lung specialist. Those steps make the most of what medication can offer and help you feel more in control of day-to-day life.

Explore related articles on Medipond.com for deeper reads on drug safety, buying meds safely online, and treatment alternatives. Bring any article you like to your next clinic visit—good questions lead to better care.