BACKGROUND

The currently available antifibrotics for pulmonary fibrosis, Nintedanib, and Pirfenidone, are known to reduce the decline of pulmonary function, and mortality implicitly improving survival. The adverse effects of the two antifibrotics available may influence compliance with the therapy.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To analyze real-life adherence to antifibrotic treatment and examine whether there is any correlation between lack of adherence and adverse effects.

METHODS

A self-report questionnaire was used to identify the most common adverse effects and adherence issues.

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients diagnosed with progressive pulmonary fibrosis on antifibrotic therapy were identified out of which 58 IPF patients, respectively 13 non-IPF. Regarding adherence: 12% had completely stopped the treatment; 31% stopped the treatment for 7 days or more; 33% forgot to administrate one of the doses in a day and 13% all doses weekly; 49% tended to administrate the dose with a delay of a maximum of 2 hours. Out of the total number of patients included in the study, 64% were taking other medications for their chronic comorbidities. Regarding the adverse effects for the patients on antifibrotic therapy, 34% had to lower the dose or stop the treatment. Diarrhea associated with Nintedanib was the most common adverse reaction (58%).

CONCLUSION

Despite the multiple adverse effects and the burden of taking several medications a day, stratification of treatment adherence values for both drugs showed that patients achieved more than 85% adhesion.