IPF & Antifibrotic Treatment: Quality of Life Impacts
Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis Treatment Frequently enough Marred by Side Effects
Updated May 28, 2025
While many patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) find their antifibrotic treatment beneficial, a recent study reveals that the vast majority still grapple with side effects that diminish their quality of life. The research, published in BMC Pulmonary Medicine, surveyed and interviewed 106 patients across the U.S.,most of whom were taking antifibrotic medications.
The study highlighted that a significant portion of participants felt their treatment was slowing the progression of their disease. Though, 90% reported experiencing at least one side effect. The antifibrotics studied included pirfenidone (ESBRIET) and nintedanib (OFEV), both approved by the FDA in 2014 for IPF treatment.
Of those surveyed, 66% had used an antifibrotic at some point, with 23% having only taken pirfenidone, 32% only nintedanib, and 10% having used both. Common adverse events included fatigue, weight loss, and stomach issues.
More than half of the patients admitted to adjusting their antifibrotic dosage on their own, whether by lowering the dose, skipping doses, or stopping treatment altogether.Patients stopped taking their antifibrotic a median of two times.
Researchers emphasized that these side effects significantly impacted patients’ quality of life. For instance, among the 87% who reported shortness of breath, 41% found it “very burdensome,” hindering their ability to engage in hobbies and spend time with loved ones. while supplemental oxygen can improve quality of life, it also presents challenges due to the equipment’s weight and difficulty of use.
The study also noted that many patients experienced delays in diagnosis, often initially being evaluated for other conditions like asthma or obesity.
The majority (83%) of patients were taking at least three prescriptions, with 16% taking more than 10. Obesity was a common comorbidity, especially among women (35%) compared to men (15%).
“The participants in this study reported a high level of comorbid conditions (88% with at least one comorbidity) which likely made the diagnosis of IPF more challenging,” the researchers explained.
What’s next
The researchers suggest that careful, coordinated diagnosis and treatment involving the IPF-treating provider and the patient’s broader care team is crucial to improving overall care, given the prevalence of comorbid conditions.