Nintena 150mg

NINTENA 150MG by SUN PHARMACEUTICAL IND.LTD. contains the active ingredient Nintedanib, a medication primarily used to treat certain progressive lung diseases and some cancers.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Nintena 150mg:

What is Nintena 150mg used for?

Nintena 150mg is used to treat adults with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), which is a chronic lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue. It is also prescribed for other chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with a progressive phenotype and to slow the rate of decline in lung function in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). Additionally, it is used in some cases for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer of adenocarcinoma histology.

How does Nintena 150mg work?

Nintena (Nintedanib) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It works by blocking multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and non-receptor tyrosine kinases (nRTKs), including those for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). By inhibiting these pathways, Nintedanib helps reduce the proliferation, migration, and transformation of fibroblasts, thereby slowing down the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the lungs and inhibiting tumor growth in certain cancers.

What is the usual dosage of Nintena 150mg?

The typical recommended dosage for adults is one 150 mg capsule taken orally twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart. It is crucial to take Nintena 150mg with food to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. The capsules should be swallowed whole with liquid; do not chew, crush, or open them, as this can cause a bitter taste. Your doctor may adjust the dose or temporarily interrupt treatment based on your tolerance and any side effects.

What are the possible side effects of Nintena 150mg?

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache, and weight loss. Nintena 150mg can also cause elevated liver enzymes, and in rare cases, serious liver problems. Other potential serious side effects include an increased risk of bleeding, arterial thromboembolic events (like heart attack or stroke), and gastrointestinal perforation (a tear in the stomach or intestinal wall). You should contact your doctor if you experience persistent or severe side effects.

Is Nintena 150mg safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Nintena 150mg (Nintedanib) is not recommended during pregnancy as it can cause harm to an unborn baby based on animal studies. Females of reproductive potential must have a pregnancy test before starting treatment and should use highly effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. Breastfeeding is also not recommended during treatment with Nintena 150mg, as the effects on a nursing infant are unknown, and there is a potential for serious adverse reactions.

Can Nintena 150mg be taken with other medications?

Nintedanib can interact with other medications. Caution should be exercised when taken with medications that are substrates, inducers, or inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and CYP3A4 enzymes, as this can alter Nintedanib's effectiveness or increase side effects. Due to its mechanism of action, Nintena 150mg may also increase the risk of bleeding, so patients taking anticoagulants ("blood thinners") should be monitored closely. It's essential to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking Nintena 150mg?

Your doctor will conduct regular liver function tests (ALT, AST, and bilirubin) before starting treatment, monthly for the first three months, and periodically thereafter, or as clinically indicated, due to the risk of liver problems. You should immediately report symptoms of liver injury (e.g., yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, upper right abdominal pain, unusual bleeding/bruising). Exercise caution if you have a history of bleeding problems, heart disease, recent abdominal surgery, or gastrointestinal perforation. Smoking can reduce the effectiveness of Nintedanib, so it is advisable to stop smoking. Also, moderate to severe hepatic impairment is a contraindication, and the drug is not studied in pediatric populations.

What happens if a dose of Nintena 150mg is missed?

If you miss a dose of Nintena 150mg, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, and do not exceed the recommended maximum daily dosage of 300 mg.

How should Nintena 150mg be stored?

Nintena 150mg capsules should be stored at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep the medicine in its original container, tightly closed, away from moisture, excessive heat, and direct light. Ensure it is kept out of the reach of children.