TABLE 4.

Comparison of antifibrotic agents

	Pirfenidone	Nintedanib
Number of tablets [85 ]	3–12#	2
Side effects [86–88]	Nausea, anorexia, weight loss, photosensitivity, rash, elevated liver enzymes	Diarrhoea, weight loss, elevated liver enzymes
Outdoor occupation/hobby [86]		+
Anticoagulation therapy [89]	+
Ischaemic heart disease [87, 89]	+
Cost [90] ¶
Newly planned/major surgery [91]	+
Impact on quality of life [85]	+	+
Prevention of acute exacerbation and/or respiratory-related hospitalisations [92–94]	+	+

A “+” possibly denotes the preferred drug of choice. ^#: pill burden will vary, depending on the strengths available in different countries; ^¶: it is important to understand that the cost of these drugs varies across countries, insurance providers and healthcare providers (public versus private).