[Michael G]

I have moderate IPF and recently tried Ofev, 150 mg, twice daily. Unfortunately, for the few weeks I was on the medication, I was very sick. I was nauseous and had to spend much time in the bathroom with diarrhea. I was dizzy and very lethargic. I was also in bed a lot. I could not stay awake. I was not well at all. All these symptoms came to me prior to getting off from Ofev. I began running a fever a few days after stopping Ofev and was admitted to a University of Florida (Go Gators!) emergency facility for evaluation. I was dehydrated and the blood test indicated an unacceptable level of enzymes in my liver. Other than that, the ER doctors were puzzled as to why I was so pale and why I was running a fever. I was sent home with orders to drink more fluids and was prescribed an antibiotic for what may have been a bacterial infection. One of my doctors at UF Shands advised me to stay off Ofev until a determination could be made about my condition. At a recent doctors appointment, I agreed to try the lower dose, 100 mg. I’m still waiting for approvals. Wish me luck. Also, good luck to all who are having crazy symptoms from the meds. I no it slows down the progression of the scarring, but now I wonder at what cost?! I feel pretty good right now not being on the medication. I’m 67 years old my current health situation, I am not a good candidate for transplant.