There are two antifibrotic medications approved in Canada for the treatment of IPF –  nintedanib (OFEV) and pirfenidone (Esbriet). Pirfenidone is also available as a generic medication. These medications do not cure IPF, but clinical trials have shown that they may slow how quickly scar tissue forms in your lungs by up to 50 per cent.

In 2020, nintedanib was also approved to treat progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD) which is a group of lung diseases that also cause scarring in the lungs. Both drugs are listed and covered by provincial and territorial governments across Canada, as well as by First Nations and Inuit Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB). As of June 2022, the exception is that nintedanib is not yet listed or covered by the Yukon or Nunavut for the treatment of PF-ILD. Check other medication resources at the bottom of this page for provincial policies for drug coverage.

Detailed product monograph for OFEV (updated 2021)

Detailed product monograph for Esbriet (updated 2021)

Immunosuppressants are not recommended for the treatment of IPF, except when there is an acute exacerbation (a breathing crisis, usually requiring a hospital visit). They are commonly used for other forms of PF. 

Immunosuppressants suppress your immune system when it is too active. Prednisone is the most common immunosuppressant used for PF. Others include mycophenolate mofetil (myfortic), mycophenolic acid (cellcept), imuran, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporin, rapamycin, and tacrolimus.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is strongly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat GERD if needed.

Your doctor may also recommend various over-the-counter medications which can help you deal with various PF drug side effects, such as diarrhea or nausea.