Table 1.

Comparison of antifibrotic agents approved for the treatment of IPF

	Nintedanib	Pirfenidone
Efficacy	• Slower rate of decline in forced vital capacity over 1 year when compared with placebo • Reduction in acute exacerbations • Lower all-cause mortality at 1 year	• Slower rate of decline in forced vital capacity over 1 year when compared with placebo • Improved progression-free survival • Reduction in respiratory-related hospitalizations • Lower all-cause mortality at 1 year
Potential side effects	• Diarrhea • Weight loss • Elevated liver enzymes	• Nausea • Photosensitivity • Elevated liver enzymes
Dosing	• One capsule taken twice per day	• Three capsules taken three times per day
Contraindications	• No absolute contraindications • Not recommended in Child Pugh Class B or C hepatic impairment • Caution in patients with high cardiovascular risk or high risk for bleeding	• No absolute contraindications
Impact on quality of life	• Slower rate of decline in respiratory-specific quality of life as measured by St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire	• May slow the progression of worsening dyspnea

Abbreviation: IPF, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.