Abstract
Background: The management of IPF has changed since the introduction of anti-fibrotic agents Pirfenidone (Pirf) and Nintedanib (Nin) however, there are no studies on head to head comparison of these agents.
Aims: To examine the real-world tolerability, efficacy and safety of Pirf and Nin in patients with a diagnosis of IPF
Methods: We conducted a retrospective single centre records review on 71 patients who received Pirf or Nin for IPF between Sep 2013 and Aug 2016. Data was collected on diagnosis, demographics, pulmonary function testing, adverse events and reasons for withdrawal or switching from the medication. We also compared the tolerability and efficacy of these two agents.
Results: 36 patients were started on Pirf and 35 on Nin. The mean age for the Pirf group was 73.6 ± 7.1 (86.1% males) while for Nin this was 73.9 ± 5.8 (85.7% males). In the Pirf group 15 (41.7) were withdrawn from treatment, 9 (25%) switched to Nin and 10 (27.8) died while in the Nin group the figures were 14 (40 %); 2 (5.7) and 7 (20%) respectively. There was no difference in the decline in FVC or TLCO over time between the two medications.
Conclusions: There was no difference in the rate of decline in lung functions (FVC and TLCO) or withdrawal rates between the two drugs, the number of patients who switched from Pirfenidone to Nintedanib was higher compared contrariwise suggesting better tolerability to Nintedanib..
- Copyright ©the authors 2017
