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Donald Salzberg MD

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@donsalzbergmd

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  • Profile picture of Donald Salzberg MD

    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic Questions about Ofev in the forum Using Our Forums 4 days ago

    Hi Daughter:

    There are also foundations that offer grants to assist in co-pays which do amount to $9-12,000 per year. The Co-Pay Assistance Foundation and Healthwell Foundation are excellent and have provided me with co-pay assistance for the past 3 years as my income is low after I retired. Medicare does cover OFEV but that’s dependent on Part D…[Read more]

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    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic Questions about Ofev in the forum Using Our Forums 1 week, 3 days ago

    Hi Joseph. Why has your visual field worsened? Are you on meds for glaucoma?

  • Profile picture of Donald Salzberg MD

    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic Questions about Ofev in the forum Using Our Forums 1 week, 4 days ago

    Hi Maria. I had an open lung biopsy in 9/2018 and started OFEV soon after pathology came back IPF. I had intermittent diarrhea (still do) and nausea. For the past two years I chase the OFEV 150mg (2x a day) with Zofran 8mg. By accident a week ago I neglected to take the Zofran and two hours later I was quite nauseous so it likely does not fully go…[Read more]

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    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic Side effects of exposure to the sun in the forum Esbriet (Pirfenidone) 1 month, 1 week ago

    Regarding cardiac issues, I went to my Cardiologist PRIOR TO starting OFEV. This was recommended by my Pulmonologist. Important to rule out (and get a baseline for) any pre-existing pulmonary arterial hypertension (echo) and Atrial Fibrillation (need for blood thinners—a potential issue on anti-fibrotics). My family history of AFib (brother) was n…[Read more]

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    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic Side effects of exposure to the sun in the forum Esbriet (Pirfenidone) 1 month, 1 week ago

    Keep in mind the average MEAN  life expectancy for IPF patients on OFEV is 11.6 years versus 3.7 years on a placebo. A recent 3rd medication (sarcatinib) is approved or will  likely be approved for IPF. I am also convinced (as are many others) that untreated OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) is very detrimental to IPF patients. Liver issues are mo…[Read more]

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    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic Side effects of exposure to the sun in the forum Esbriet (Pirfenidone) 1 month, 1 week ago

    OFEV to my knowledge has no photosensitivity side effects. I am a huge sun worshipper and have been on OFEV for 4.5 years and have not had any issues. My Pulmonologist intentionally steered me away from Perfenidone as he knew my love on the sun. Still off course important to use skin protection. GI side effects vary from patient to patient. My…[Read more]

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    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic Cost of Ofev in the forum Ofev (Nintedanib) 1 month, 2 weeks ago

    Mita

    I have the Aetna Silver Script plan. Reach them at 866-235-5660 (24/7). From the time I’ve been on Medicare they have approved OFEV.

  • Profile picture of Donald Salzberg MD

    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic Cost of Ofev in the forum Ofev (Nintedanib) 1 month, 2 weeks ago

    Good afternoon GratefulDeb (awesome name)! I see that you have a great sense of humor—so not lose that. I have had IPF since 2018 and C as soon as my diagnosis was confirmed by open lung biopsy, I immediately started OFEV. As Im a sun 🌞 worshipper I opted to avoid Perfenidone. I’ve been on Medicare since 2019. I was told by many drug reps over the…[Read more]

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    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic Synovitis of the knee in the forum Join the Discussion: Welcome to all PF/IPF Patients 2 months, 1 week ago

    Hi. Adele you make an excellent point. RA (Rheumatoid arthritis) is a biggie s far as arthritic issues associated with ILDs. Scleroderma, Lupus, Sarcoidosis are some others.

    <b>Many pulmonary fibrosis patients also suffer from aching joints and muscles</b>. As the condition progresses, less and less oxygen is able to enter the blood stream. This…[Read more]

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    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic Pain in chest in the forum Diagnosis​ ​Information​ ​and​ ​General​ ​Questions 2 months, 1 week ago

    Hi William. To answer your question I am curious as to what (if anything) worsens and/or lessens this pain? Where is the pain? Is it crushing vs sharp. How advanced is your IPF? So many causes of “chest pain” How old are you. So more info is needed. I have had IPF now for about 5-6 years (now 68) (on OFEV) and recently (2-3 weeks) noticed a che…[Read more]

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    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic just want to share some of my experience in the forum Canadians Living with Pulmonary Fibrosis 2 months, 3 weeks ago

    Hello. I thank you all regarding Serrapeptase. Not tried it yet. It’s fully broken down by stomach acids so get enteric coated. Went to my ENT guru yesterday as I am chronically hoarse and have mucus since my diagnosis 2018. I have read IPF patients have a abnormal mucus-producing gene. My ENT feels this is all c/w reflux which may very well be a…[Read more]

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    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic Sleeping with head elevated in the forum Diagnosis​ ​Information​ ​and​ ​General​ ​Questions 8 months, 4 weeks ago

    Hi. I do think it helps to lie on R side. Patients who suffer from AF (atrial fibrillation), especially if intermittent (paroxysmal) should be careful sleeping on their L side as it puts strain on the atria. Also its critical to be tested for OSA (obstructive sleep apnea)!!!  I have OSA and without my CPAP device Im a different person the next…[Read more]

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    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic How to Decide When to Stop Working with Pulmonary Fibrosis. in the forum Employment & Pulmonary Fibrosis 9 months, 2 weeks ago

    Hello

    First of all I want to recognize Charlene for all you do for all of us. As a physician I spent 35+ years dedicated to helping as many people I could and at some point it became clear that I needed to listen to the tenet       “…Doctor heal thyself….”  Many docs (60%) are burnt out, depressed, over-worked and that stress makes this diseas…[Read more]

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    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic How to Decide When to Stop Working with Pulmonary Fibrosis. in the forum Employment & Pulmonary Fibrosis 9 months, 3 weeks ago

    Hi Heather & Charlene

    I first want to thank Charlene for your never ending insight on this disease. The topic of whether to continue working was so difficult. I had A super busy & successful & stressful solo Ophthalmology practice and for 35 years. I missed 2 days in 35 years from illness (I took a ton of vacations!!). I so loved my profession…[Read more]

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    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic COVID ON TOP OF IPF in the forum Join the Discussion: Welcome to all PF/IPF Patients 10 months, 2 weeks ago

    I was diagnosed with IPF by VATS lung biopsy in September 2018. After 34 years of never being  sick, I knew something was wrong.  I had a very busy solo Ophthalmology practice, and once  I had a definitive diagnosis, I agonized if I should continue practicing, considering having almost daily oppressive fatigue. When Covid restrictions came on th…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Donald Salzberg MD

    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic Serrapeptase and nattokinase and Ofev in the forum Join the Discussion: Welcome to all PF/IPF Patients 10 months, 2 weeks ago

    Hello

    I had looked into Serrapeptase (SP) in the past. I’m on OFEV 150mg 2x/day for 3.5 years and very stable on HDCT/PFTs. SP is totally broken down by the stomach unless it is enteric-coated, otherwise likely useless. Recommended dosage is 10-60 mg/day (20,000-120,000 units).  Very little evidence it’s helpful for ⬇️Pulmonary Fibrosis. Lots…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Donald Salzberg MD

    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic How are long-term (4+ years) OFEV users doing? in the forum Ofev (Nintedanib) 11 months, 2 weeks ago

    Hi Kris:

    thank you for reaching out. I started taking metformin three months ago because my HbA1C crept up to 7.0. I saw a few articles that discussed the fact that Metformin  has some anti-fibrotic properties so it is synergistic with OFEV. I would not have started Metformin solely to help treat my IPF as there is no recommendation for…[Read more]

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    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic When is anti fibrotic prescribed by the physician? in the forum Join the Discussion: Welcome to all PF/IPF Patients 1 year ago

    Kris

    regarding a biopsy it nay be too risky for you but that also depends on your cardiac status. If your CT scan is classic the biopsy may be not. When we’re you diagnosed with IPF?

    DON SALZBERG  MD

  • Profile picture of Donald Salzberg MD

    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic When is anti fibrotic prescribed by the physician? in the forum Join the Discussion: Welcome to all PF/IPF Patients 1 year ago

    Hi Kris/Linda

    I agree with Linda that a clear cut CT appearance may be enough to make a diagnosis of IPF w/o the biopsy. I also can’t stress the importance of seeing a Pulmonologist who treats ILDs!  It seems many types of fibrotic lung disease benefit from OFEV (and Esbriet) so Although you are stable, anti-fibrotic therapy (done early) helps re…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Donald Salzberg MD

    Donald Salzberg MD replied to the topic When is anti fibrotic prescribed by the physician? in the forum Join the Discussion: Welcome to all PF/IPF Patients 1 year ago

    Hi Kris

    The VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery) is done under general anesthesia. The right lung 🫁 is collapsed and a biopsy of the lung base is taken for a definitive diagnosis. A bronchoscopy (through the tracea) there is rarely enough tissue to make the diagnosis of IPF as the tissue from the base of the lung is needed. Requires…[Read more]

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This site is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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