Antifibrotic agents, namely nintedanib and pirfenidone, are the only medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of IPF. Although these drugs are not curative, they have been shown to slow the fibrotic changes associated with IPF. In real-life studies, both agents have been shown to be effective in reducing decline of forced vital capacity and diffusing lung capacity at 24 months.
TNF-alpha inhibitors were previously investigated as a method for decreasing the progression of fibrosis in patients with IPF. However, trials examining etanercept failed to show benefit, and it is not recommended for use in patients with IPF.
Anticoagulants and antihypertensives are usually not used in treatment of IPF.
Learn more about antifibrotic agents in the treatment of IPF.
Medscape © 2022 WebMD, LLC
Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Guy W. Soo Hoo, Zab Mosenifar. Fast Five Quiz: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment - Medscape - Dec 13, 2022.
Comments