NINTEDANIB

82/100 · Critical

Manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Nintedanib Adverse Events: High Incidence of Serious Pulmonary and Gastrointestinal Reactions

85,660 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About NINTEDANIB

NINTEDANIB is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Based on analysis of 85,660 FDA adverse event reports, NINTEDANIB has a safety score of 82 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for NINTEDANIB include DIARRHOEA, NAUSEA, DYSPNOEA, COUGH, DECREASED APPETITE. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for NINTEDANIB.

AI Safety Analysis

Nintedanib has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 85,660 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc..

The most commonly reported adverse events include Diarrhoea, Nausea, Dyspnoea. Of classified reports, 67.4% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. Nintedanib reports a high incidence of serious pulmonary reactions, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease.

Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and weight decrease are common and often severe. The drug is associated with a significant number of serious adverse events, particularly in older adults.

Patients taking Nintedanib should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Nintedanib is contraindicated in patients with active or uncontrolled pulmonary fibrosis. It may also interact with other drugs affecting liver enzymes, requiring dose adjustments. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 82/100

Nintedanib received a safety concern score of 82/100 (high concern). This is based on a 67.4% serious event ratio across 28,778 classified reports. The score accounts for 85,660 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

DIARRHOEA9,428 reports
NAUSEA4,456 reports
DYSPNOEA3,762 reports
COUGH2,978 reports
DECREASED APPETITE2,922 reports
DEATH2,883 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED2,824 reports
FATIGUE2,777 reports
VOMITING2,617 reports
IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS1,938 reports
CONSTIPATION1,932 reports
HEADACHE1,859 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER1,798 reports
ASTHENIA1,614 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT1,556 reports
DIZZINESS1,426 reports
PNEUMONIA1,358 reports
PRODUCTIVE COUGH1,185 reports
MALAISE1,047 reports
OXYGEN SATURATION DECREASED1,040 reports
DYSPNOEA EXERTIONAL1,023 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN948 reports
FLATULENCE880 reports
OFF LABEL USE794 reports
FALL788 reports
EPISTAXIS723 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER712 reports
COVID 19709 reports
DEHYDRATION692 reports
PAIN670 reports
CHEST PAIN647 reports
ILLNESS639 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL633 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS600 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE591 reports
HYPERTENSION590 reports
HEPATIC ENZYME INCREASED560 reports
ABDOMINAL DISTENSION548 reports
ARTHRALGIA538 reports
INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE536 reports
DYSPEPSIA531 reports
BACK PAIN523 reports
PYREXIA502 reports
DRUG INTOLERANCE478 reports
INSOMNIA467 reports
HAEMATOCHEZIA463 reports
HYPOTENSION459 reports
PULMONARY FIBROSIS457 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED447 reports
GASTROOESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE447 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING447 reports
RESPIRATORY FAILURE443 reports
LUNG DISORDER432 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION432 reports
DEPRESSION401 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS400 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED399 reports
RASH397 reports
CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT388 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY388 reports
GENERAL PHYSICAL HEALTH DETERIORATION363 reports
ANXIETY352 reports
GASTRIC DISORDER335 reports
CHEST DISCOMFORT334 reports
DISEASE PROGRESSION328 reports
PRURITUS328 reports
DRY MOUTH321 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL HAEMORRHAGE312 reports
INFLUENZA312 reports
ANAEMIA309 reports
RHINORRHOEA304 reports
PULMONARY EMBOLISM300 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED298 reports
ALOPECIA297 reports
INFECTION296 reports
TASTE DISORDER295 reports
PULMONARY HYPERTENSION293 reports
RECTAL HAEMORRHAGE293 reports
FAECES SOFT292 reports
OROPHARYNGEAL PAIN291 reports
PNEUMOTHORAX287 reports
CONTUSION285 reports
HYPOXIA283 reports
HAEMOPTYSIS280 reports
DYSPHONIA279 reports
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION279 reports
LIVER FUNCTION TEST INCREASED273 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE272 reports
MALIGNANT NEOPLASM PROGRESSION272 reports
THROAT IRRITATION270 reports
FAECES DISCOLOURED267 reports
SOMNOLENCE266 reports
HEART RATE INCREASED265 reports
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION261 reports
LIVER DISORDER252 reports
CARDIAC DISORDER243 reports
LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS241 reports
OEDEMA PERIPHERAL238 reports
ABNORMAL LOSS OF WEIGHT236 reports
MEMORY IMPAIRMENT236 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease
  • Severe gastrointestinal reactions including diarrhea and nausea
  • High rate of serious adverse events, especially in older patients

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Male: 14,919, Female: 10,692, Unknown: 9. The most frequently reported age groups are age 76 (827 reports), age 74 (825 reports), age 73 (823 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 28,778 classified reports for NINTEDANIB:

  • Serious: 19,406 reports (67.4%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 9,372 reports (32.6%)
Serious 67.4%Non-Serious 32.6%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Male14,919 (58.2%)
Female10,692 (41.7%)
Unknown9 (0.0%)

Reports by Age

Age 76827 reports
Age 74825 reports
Age 73823 reports
Age 75798 reports
Age 77789 reports
Age 70761 reports
Age 72753 reports
Age 78742 reports
Age 79718 reports
Age 71702 reports
Age 69695 reports
Age 80679 reports
Age 68597 reports
Age 81562 reports
Age 67537 reports
Age 65502 reports
Age 82479 reports
Age 66476 reports
Age 64412 reports
Age 83402 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Nintedanib is contraindicated in patients with active or uncontrolled pulmonary fibrosis. It may also interact with other drugs affecting liver enzymes, requiring dose adjustments.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Nintedanib, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, dyspnoea, cough, decreased appetite. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Monitor for signs of pulmonary issues such as shortness of breath and coughing, especially in older adults. Report any gastrointestinal symptoms like severe diarrhea or nausea to your healthcare provider immediately. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA closely monitors nintedanib's safety profile, particularly for pulmonary and gastrointestinal side effects. Regular medical check-ups are recommended for patients taking this medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Nintedanib?

The FDA has received approximately 85,660 adverse event reports associated with Nintedanib. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Nintedanib?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Nintedanib include Diarrhoea, Nausea, Dyspnoea, Cough, Decreased Appetite. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Diarrhoea (9,428 reports), Nausea (4,456 reports), Dyspnoea (3,762 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Nintedanib.

What percentage of Nintedanib adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 28,778 classified reports, 19,406 (67.4%) were classified as serious and 9,372 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Nintedanib (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Nintedanib break down by patient sex as follows: Male: 14,919, Female: 10,692, Unknown: 9. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Nintedanib?

The most frequently reported age groups for Nintedanib adverse events are: age 76: 827 reports, age 74: 825 reports, age 73: 823 reports, age 75: 798 reports, age 77: 789 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Nintedanib?

The primary manufacturer associated with Nintedanib adverse event reports is Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Nintedanib?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Nintedanib include: Death, Weight Decreased, Fatigue, Vomiting, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Nintedanib?

You can report adverse events from Nintedanib to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Nintedanib's safety score and what does it mean?

Nintedanib has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. Nintedanib reports a high incidence of serious pulmonary reactions, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease.

What are the key safety signals for Nintedanib?

Key safety signals identified in Nintedanib's adverse event data include: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease. Severe gastrointestinal reactions including diarrhea and nausea. High rate of serious adverse events, especially in older patients. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Nintedanib interact with other drugs?

Nintedanib is contraindicated in patients with active or uncontrolled pulmonary fibrosis. It may also interact with other drugs affecting liver enzymes, requiring dose adjustments. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Nintedanib.

What should patients know before taking Nintedanib?

Monitor for signs of pulmonary issues such as shortness of breath and coughing, especially in older adults. Report any gastrointestinal symptoms like severe diarrhea or nausea to your healthcare provider immediately.

Are Nintedanib side effects well-documented?

Nintedanib has 85,660 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and weight decrease are common and often severe. The volume of reports for Nintedanib reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Nintedanib?

The FDA closely monitors nintedanib's safety profile, particularly for pulmonary and gastrointestinal side effects. Regular medical check-ups are recommended for patients taking this medication. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to NINTEDANIB based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Other drugs affecting liver enzymes
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.