1.1 Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

OFEV is indicated for the treatment of adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

1.2 Chronic Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases with a Progressive Phenotype

OFEV is indicated for the treatment of adults with chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with a progressive phenotype [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

1.3 Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

OFEV is indicated to slow the rate of decline in pulmonary function in adult patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD).

2.1 Testing Prior to OFEV Administration

Conduct liver function tests in all patients and a pregnancy test in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with OFEV [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.4)].

2.2 Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage of OFEV is 150 mg taken orally twice daily administered approximately 12 hours apart.

2.3 Recommended Dosage for Patients with Hepatic Impairment

2.4 Dosage Modification due to Adverse Reactions

In addition to symptomatic treatment, if applicable, the management of adverse reactions of OFEV may require dose reduction or temporary interruption until the specific adverse reaction resolves to levels that allow continuation of therapy. OFEV treatment may be resumed at the full dosage (150 mg twice daily), or at the reduced dosage (100 mg twice daily), which subsequently may be increased to the full dosage. If a patient does not tolerate 100 mg twice daily, discontinue treatment with OFEV [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3, 5.5, 5.7) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

5.1 Hepatic Impairment

Treatment with OFEV is not recommended in patients with moderate (Child Pugh B) or severe (Child Pugh C) hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A) can be treated with a reduced dose of OFEV [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

5.2 Elevated Liver Enzymes and Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) have been observed with OFEV treatment. In the clinical trials and postmarketing period, non-serious and serious cases of DILI were reported. Cases of severe liver injury with fatal outcome have been reported in the postmarketing period. The majority of hepatic events occur within the first three months of treatment. In clinical trials, administration of OFEV was associated with elevations of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALKP, GGT) and bilirubin. Liver enzyme and bilirubin increases were reversible with dose modification or interruption in the majority of cases. In IPF studies (Study 1, Study 2, and Study 3), the majority (94%) of patients with ALT and/or AST elevations had elevations less than 5 times ULN and the majority (95%) of patients with bilirubin elevations had elevations less than 2 times ULN. In the chronic fibrosing ILDs with a progressive phenotype study (Study 5), the majority (95%) of patients with ALT and/or AST elevations had elevations less than 5 times ULN and the majority (94%) of patients with bilirubin elevations had elevations less than 2 times ULN. In the SSc-ILD study (Study 4), a maximum ALT and/or AST greater than or equal to 3 times ULN was observed for 4.9% of patients in the OFEV group and for 0.7% of patients in the placebo group [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Patients with a low body weight (less than 65 kg), Asian, and female patients may have a higher risk of elevations in liver enzymes. Nintedanib exposure increased with patient age, which may also result in a higher risk of increased liver enzymes [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Conduct liver function tests (ALT, AST, and bilirubin) prior to initiation of treatment with OFEV, at regular intervals during the first three months of treatment, and periodically thereafter or as clinically indicated. Measure liver tests promptly in patients who report symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or jaundice. Dosage modifications or interruption may be necessary for liver enzyme elevations [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.4)].

5.3 Gastrointestinal Disorders

5.4 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, OFEV can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Nintedanib caused embryo-fetal deaths and structural abnormalities in rats and rabbits when administered during organogenesis at less than (rats) and approximately 5 times (rabbits) the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) in adults. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving treatment with OFEV and to use highly effective contraception at initiation of, during treatment, and at least 3 months after the last dose of OFEV. Nintedanib does not change the exposure to oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel in patients with SSc-ILD. However, the efficacy of oral hormonal contraceptives may be compromised by vomiting and/or diarrhea or other conditions where the drug absorption may be reduced. Advise women taking oral hormonal contraceptives experiencing these conditions to use alternative highly effective contraception. Verify pregnancy status prior to treatment with OFEV and during treatment as appropriate [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.1, 12.3)].

5.5 Arterial Thromboembolic Events

Arterial thromboembolic events have been reported in patients taking OFEV. In IPF studies (Study 1, Study 2, and Study 3), arterial thromboembolic events were reported in 2.5% of patients treated with OFEV and less than 1% of placebo-treated patients. Myocardial infarction was the most common adverse reaction under arterial thromboembolic events, occurring in 1.5% of OFEV-treated patients compared to less than 1% of placebo-treated patients. In the chronic fibrosing ILDs with a progressive phenotype study (Study 5), arterial thromboembolic events were reported in less than 1% of patients in both treatment arms. Myocardial infarction was observed in less than 1% of patients in both treatment arms. In the SSc-ILD study (Study 4), arterial thromboembolic events were reported in 0.7% of patients in both treatment arms. There were 0 cases of myocardial infarction in OFEV-treated patients compared to 0.7% of placebo-treated patients.

Use caution when treating patients at higher cardiovascular risk including known coronary artery disease. Consider treatment interruption in patients who develop signs or symptoms of acute myocardial ischemia.

5.6 Risk of Bleeding

Based on the mechanism of action (VEGFR inhibition), OFEV may increase the risk of bleeding. In IPF studies (Study 1, Study 2, and Study 3), bleeding events were reported in 10% of patients treated with OFEV and in 7% of patients treated with placebo. In the chronic fibrosing ILDs with a progressive phenotype study (Study 5), bleeding events were reported in 11% of patients treated with OFEV and in 13% of patients treated with placebo. In the SSc-ILD study (Study 4), bleeding events were reported in 11% of patients treated with OFEV and in 8% of patients treated with placebo. In clinical trials, epistaxis was the most frequent bleeding event reported.

In the postmarketing period non-serious and serious bleeding events, some of which were fatal, have been observed.

Use OFEV in patients with known risk of bleeding only if the anticipated benefit outweighs the potential risk.

5.7 Gastrointestinal Perforation

Based on the mechanism of action, OFEV may increase the risk of gastrointestinal perforation. In IPF studies (Study 1, Study 2, and Study 3), gastrointestinal perforation was reported in less than 1% of patients treated with OFEV, compared to 0 cases in the placebo-treated patients. In the chronic fibrosing ILDs with a progressive phenotype study (Study 5), gastrointestinal perforation was not reported in any patients in any treatment arm. In the SSc-ILD study (Study 4), no cases of gastrointestinal perforation were reported in patients treated with OFEV or in placebo-treated patients.

In the postmarketing period, cases of gastrointestinal perforations have been reported, some of which were fatal.

Use caution when treating patients who have had recent abdominal surgery, previous history of diverticular disease or receiving concomitant corticosteroids or NSAIDs. Discontinue therapy with OFEV in patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation. Only use OFEV in patients with known risk of gastrointestinal perforation if the anticipated benefit outweighs the potential risk.

5.8 Nephrotic Range Proteinuria

Cases of proteinuria within the nephrotic range have been reported in the postmarketing period. Histological findings, when available, were consistent with glomerular microangiopathy with or without renal thrombi. Improvement in proteinuria has been observed after OFEV was discontinued; however, in some cases, residual proteinuria persisted. Consider treatment interruption in patients who develop new or worsening proteinuria.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The safety of OFEV was evaluated in over 1000 IPF patients, 332 patients with chronic fibrosing ILDs with a progressive phenotype, and over 280 patients with SSc-ILD. Over 200 IPF patients were exposed to OFEV for more than 2 years in clinical trials.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of OFEV. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of OFEV: drug-induced liver injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)], non-serious and serious bleeding events, some of which were fatal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)], proteinuria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)], pancreatitis, thrombocytopenia, rash, pruritus.

7.1 P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and CYP3A4 Inhibitors and Inducers

Nintedanib is a substrate of P-gp and, to a minor extent, CYP3A4 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Coadministration with oral doses of a P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole, increased exposure to nintedanib by 60%. Concomitant use of P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin) with OFEV may increase exposure to nintedanib [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. In such cases, patients should be monitored closely for tolerability of OFEV. Management of adverse reactions may require interruption, dose reduction, or discontinuation of therapy with OFEV [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].

Coadministration with oral doses of a P-gp and CYP3A4 inducer, rifampicin, decreased exposure to nintedanib by 50%. Concomitant use of P-gp and CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John's wort) with OFEV should be avoided as these drugs may decrease exposure to nintedanib [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.2 Anticoagulants

Nintedanib is a VEGFR inhibitor and may increase the risk of bleeding. Monitor patients on full anticoagulation therapy closely for bleeding and adjust anticoagulation treatment as necessary [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

7.3 Pirfenidone

In a multiple-dose study conducted to assess the pharmacokinetic effects of concomitant treatment with nintedanib and pirfenidone, the coadministration of nintedanib with pirfenidone did not alter the exposure of either agent [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Therefore, no dose adjustment is necessary during concomitant administration of nintedanib with pirfenidone.

7.4 Bosentan

Coadministration of nintedanib with bosentan did not alter the pharmacokinetics of nintedanib [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, OFEV can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman and may reduce fertility in females of reproductive potential [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.1, 12.3), and Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. Counsel patients on pregnancy prevention and planning.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Of the total number of subjects in phase 2 and 3 clinical studies of OFEV in IPF (Study 1, Study 2, and Study 3), 61% were 65 and over, while 16% were 75 and over. In the chronic fibrosing ILDs with a progressive phenotype clinical study (Study 5), 61% were 65 and over, while 19% were 75 and older. In SSc-ILD (Study 4), 21.4% were 65 and over, while 1.9% were 75 and older. In phase 3 studies, no overall differences in effectiveness were observed between subjects who were 65 and over and younger subjects; no overall differences in safety were observed between subjects who were 65 and over or 75 and over and younger subjects, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment

Nintedanib is predominantly eliminated via biliary/fecal excretion (greater than 90%). In a PK study performed in patients with hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A, Child Pugh B), exposure to nintedanib was increased [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. In patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A), the recommended dosage of OFEV is 100 mg twice daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Monitor for adverse reactions and consider treatment interruption, or discontinuation for management of adverse reactions in these patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. Treatment of patients with moderate (Child Pugh B) and severe (Child Pugh C) hepatic impairment with OFEV is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

8.7 Renal Impairment

Based on a single-dose study, less than 1% of the total dose of nintedanib is excreted via the kidney [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Adjustment of the starting dose in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment is not required. The safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of nintedanib have not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment (less than 30 mL/min CrCl) and end-stage renal disease.

8.8 Smokers

Smoking was associated with decreased exposure to OFEV [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], which may alter the efficacy profile of OFEV. Encourage patients to stop smoking prior to treatment with OFEV and to avoid smoking when using OFEV.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Nintedanib is a small molecule that inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and non-receptor tyrosine kinases (nRTKs). Nintedanib inhibits the following RTKs: platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) α and β, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 1-3, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 1-3, colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), and Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT-3). These kinases except for FLT-3 have been implicated in pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Nintedanib binds competitively to the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding pocket of these kinases and blocks the intracellular signaling cascades, which have been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of fibrotic tissue remodeling in ILD. Nintedanib also inhibits the following nRTKs: Lck, Lyn and Src kinases. The contribution of FLT-3 and nRTK inhibition to nintedanib efficacy in ILD is unknown.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

The PK properties of nintedanib were similar in healthy volunteers, patients with IPF, patients with chronic fibrosing ILDs with a progressive phenotype, patients with SSc-ILD, and cancer patients. The PK of nintedanib is linear. Dose proportionality was shown by an increase of nintedanib exposure with increasing doses (dose range 50 to 450 mg once daily and 150 to 300 mg twice daily). Accumulation upon multiple administrations in patients with IPF was 1.76-fold for AUC. Steady-state plasma concentrations were achieved within one week of dosing. Nintedanib trough concentrations remained stable for more than one year. The inter-individual variability in the PK of nintedanib was moderate to high (coefficient of variation of standard PK parameters in the range of 30% to 70%), intra-individual variability low to moderate (coefficients of variation below 40%).

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Two-year oral carcinogenicity studies of nintedanib in rats and mice have not revealed any evidence of carcinogenic potential. Nintedanib was dosed up to 10 and 30 mg/kg/day in rats and mice, respectively. These doses were less than and approximately 4 times the MRHD on a plasma drug AUC basis.

Nintedanib was negative for genotoxicity in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay, the mouse lymphoma cell forward mutation assay, and the in vivo rat micronucleus assay.

In rats, nintedanib reduced female fertility at exposure levels approximately 3 times the MRHD (on an AUC basis at an oral dose of 100 mg/kg/day). Effects included increases in resorption and post-implantation loss, and a decrease in gestation index. Changes in the number and size of corpora lutea in the ovaries were observed in chronic toxicity studies in rats and mice. An increase in the number of females with resorptions only was observed at exposures approximately equal to the MRHD (on an AUC basis at an oral dose of 20 mg/kg/day). Nintedanib had no effects on male fertility in rats at exposure levels approximately 3 times the MRHD (on an AUC basis at an oral dose of 100 mg/kg/day).

14.1 Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

The clinical efficacy of OFEV has been studied in 1231 patients with IPF in one phase 2 (Study 1 [NCT00514683]) and two phase 3 studies (Study 2 [NCT01335464] and Study 3 [NCT01335477]). These were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies comparing treatment with OFEV 150 mg twice daily to placebo for 52 weeks.

Study 2 and Study 3 were identical in design. Study 1 was very similar in design. Patients were randomized in a 3:2 ratio (1:1 for Study 1) to either OFEV 150 mg or placebo twice daily for 52 weeks. Study 1 also included other treatment arms (50 mg daily, 50 mg twice daily, and 100 mg twice daily) that are not further discussed. The primary endpoint was the annual rate of decline in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). Time to first acute IPF exacerbation was a key secondary endpoint in Study 2 and Study 3 and a secondary endpoint in Study 1. Change from baseline in FVC percent predicted and survival were additional secondary endpoints in all studies.

Patients were required to have a diagnosis of IPF (ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT criteria) for less than 5 years. Diagnoses were centrally adjudicated based on radiologic and, if applicable, histopathologic confirmation. Patients were required to be greater than or equal to 40 years of age with an FVC greater than or equal to 50% of predicted and a carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO, corrected for hemoglobin) 30% to 79% of predicted. Patients with relevant airways obstruction (i.e., pre-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC less than 0.7) or, in the opinion of the investigator, likely to receive a lung transplant during the studies were excluded (being listed for lung transplant was acceptable for inclusion). Patients with greater than 1.5 times ULN of ALT, AST, or bilirubin, patients with a known risk or predisposition to bleeding, patients receiving a full dose of anticoagulation treatment, and patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or stroke were excluded from the studies. Patients were also excluded if they received other investigational therapy, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, or cyclosporine A within 8 weeks of entry into this trial, or n-acetyl cysteine and prednisone (greater than 15 mg/day or equivalent) within 2 weeks. The majority of patients were Caucasian (60%) or Asian (30%) and male (79%). Patients had a mean age of 67 years and a mean FVC percent predicted of 80%.

14.2 Chronic Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases with a Progressive Phenotype

The clinical efficacy of OFEV has been studied in patients with chronic fibrosing ILDs with a progressive phenotype in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial (Study 5 [NCT02999178]). A total of 663 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either OFEV 150 mg twice daily or matching placebo for at least 52 weeks. Randomization was stratified based on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) fibrotic pattern as assessed by central readers: 412 patients with UIP-like HRCT pattern and 251 patients with other HRCT fibrotic patterns were randomized. There were 2 co-primary populations defined for the analyses in this trial: all patients (the overall population) and patients with HRCT with UIP-like HRCT fibrotic pattern.

The primary endpoint was the annual rate of decline in FVC (in mL) over 52 weeks. Other endpoints included time to first acute ILD exacerbation and time to death.

Patients with a clinical diagnosis of a chronic fibrosing ILD were selected if they had relevant fibrosis (greater than 10% fibrotic features) on HRCT and presented with clinical signs of progression (defined as FVC decline ≥10%, FVC decline ≥ 5% and <10% with worsening symptoms or imaging, or worsening symptoms and worsening imaging all in the 24 months prior to screening). Patients were required to have an FVC greater than or equal to 45% of predicted and a DLCO 30% to less than 80% of predicted. Patients were required to have progressed despite management deemed appropriate in clinical practice by investigators for the patient's relevant ILD.

Patients with IPF, relevant airways obstruction (i.e., pre-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC less than 0.7), or significant pulmonary hypertension were excluded from the trial. Patients with greater than 1.5 times ULN of ALT, AST, or bilirubin, patients with a known risk or predisposition to bleeding, patients receiving a full dose of anticoagulation treatment, and patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or stroke were excluded. Patients were also excluded if they received other investigational therapy, azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, oral corticosteroids greater than 20 mg/day, or the combination of oral corticosteroids + azathioprine + n-acetylcysteine within 4 weeks of randomization, cyclophosphamide within 8 weeks prior to randomization, rituximab within 6 months, or previous treatment with nintedanib or pirfenidone.

The majority of patients were Caucasian (74%) or Asian (25%). Patients were mostly male (54%) and had a mean age of 66 years and a mean FVC percent predicted of 69%, and 49% were never-smokers. The underlying clinical ILD diagnoses in groups represented in the trial were hypersensitivity pneumonitis (26%), autoimmune ILDs (26%), idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (19%), unclassifiable idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (17%), and other ILDs (12%).

14.3 Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

The clinical efficacy of nintedanib has been studied in patients with SSc-ILD in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial (Study 4 [NCT02597933]). A total of 580 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either OFEV 150 mg twice daily or matching placebo for at least 52 weeks, of which 576 patients were treated. Randomization was stratified by anti-topoisomerase antibody (ATA) status. Individual patients remained on blinded trial treatment for up to 100 weeks. The primary endpoint was the annual rate of decline in FVC over 52 weeks. The absolute change from baseline in the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) at Week 52 was a key secondary endpoint. Mortality over the whole trial was an additional secondary endpoint.

Patients were diagnosed with SSc-ILD based upon the 2013 American College of Rheumatology / European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria for SSc with onset of disease (first non-Raynaud symptom) of less than 7 years and greater than or equal to 10% fibrosis on a chest high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan conducted within the previous 12 months. Patients were required to have an FVC greater than or equal to 40% of predicted and a DLCO 30-89% of predicted. Patients with relevant airways obstruction (i.e., pre-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC less than 0.7) or previous or planned hematopoietic stem cell transplant were excluded from the trial. Patients with greater than 1.5 times ULN of ALT, AST, or bilirubin, patients with a known risk or predisposition to bleeding, patients receiving a full dose of anticoagulation treatment, and patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or stroke were excluded from the study. Patients were excluded if they had significant pulmonary hypertension, more than three digital fingertip ulcers, a history of severe digital necrosis requiring hospitalization, or a history of scleroderma renal crisis. Patients were also excluded if they received other investigational therapy, azathioprine within 8 weeks prior to randomization, cyclophosphamide or cyclosporine A within 6 months prior to randomization, or previous treatment with nintedanib or pirfenidone.

The majority of patients were female (75%). Patients were mostly Caucasian (67%), Asian (25%), or Black (6%). The mean age was 54 years. Overall, 52% of patients had diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 48% had limited cutaneous SSc. The mean time since first onset of a non-Raynaud symptom was 3.49 years. At baseline, 49% of patients were on stable therapy with mycophenolate.

Storage

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from exposure to high humidity and avoid excessive heat. If repackaged, use USP tight container.

Elevated Liver Enzymes and Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Advise patients that they will need to undergo liver function testing periodically. Advise patients to immediately report any symptoms of a liver problem (e.g., skin or the whites of eyes turn yellow, urine turns dark or brown (tea colored), pain on the right side of stomach, bleed or bruise more easily than normal, lethargy, loss of appetite) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Inform patients that gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting were the most commonly reported gastrointestinal events occurring in patients who received OFEV. Advise patients that their healthcare provider may recommend hydration, antidiarrheal medications (e.g., loperamide), or anti-emetic medications to treat these side effects. Temporary dosage reductions or discontinuations may be required. Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider at the first signs of diarrhea or for any severe or persistent diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Counsel patients on pregnancy prevention and planning. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving treatment with OFEV. Advise females of reproductive potential to use highly effective contraception at initiation of, during treatment, and for at least 3 months after taking the last dose of OFEV. Advise women taking oral hormonal contraceptives who experience vomiting and/or diarrhea or other conditions where the drug absorption may be reduced to contact their doctor to discuss alternative highly effective contraception. Advise female patients to notify their doctor if they become pregnant or suspect they are pregnant during therapy with OFEV [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

Arterial Thromboembolic Events

Advise patients about the signs and symptoms of acute myocardial ischemia and other arterial thromboembolic events and the urgency to seek immediate medical care for these conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Risk of Bleeding

Bleeding events have been reported. Advise patients to report unusual bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Gastrointestinal Perforation

Serious gastrointestinal perforation events have been reported. Advise patients to report signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Nephrotic Range Proteinuria

Nephrotic range proteinuria has been reported. Advise patients to report signs and symptoms of proteinuria (e.g., fluid retention, foamy urine) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Lactation

Advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended while taking OFEV [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

Smokers

Encourage patients to stop smoking prior to treatment with OFEV and to avoid smoking when using OFEV [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Administration

Instruct patients to take OFEV with food, to swallow OFEV capsules whole with liquid, and not to chew the capsules due to the bitter taste. Advise patients or caregivers not to open or crush OFEV capsules and to wash hands immediately and thoroughly if contact with the content of the capsule occurs. Advise patients to not make up for a missed dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].