If you have been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, one of the first questions you will ask is: what treatments are available, and can anything actually help? The answer is yes — and the options have improved significantly in recent years. As a specialist in IPF treatment in Liverpool, here is a clear overview of what is currently available in the UK.
Anti-Fibrotic Medications: The Foundation of IPF Treatment
Two anti-fibrotic medications are approved for IPF and available on the NHS and privately in the UK. Both have been shown in clinical trials to slow the rate of lung function decline by approximately 50% — a significant and meaningful benefit. They do not reverse existing scarring, but they substantially slow the progression of new scarring. Choosing between them depends on your other medical conditions, current medications, side effect profile, and personal preference.
Pirfenidone (Esbriet)
Pirfenidone works by reducing inflammation and slowing scar tissue formation in the lungs. It is taken three times daily with food. Clinical trials demonstrate it slows lung function decline by around 50%. The most common side effects are nausea, which usually improves over time, skin sensitivity to sunlight requiring high-SPF sunscreen, rash, and tiredness. Starting at a lower dose and gradually increasing over the first few weeks significantly reduces the likelihood and severity of side effects.
Nintedanib (Ofev)
Nintedanib works by blocking multiple cellular pathways involved in lung scarring. It is taken twice daily with food and has similar effectiveness to pirfenidone in slowing disease progression. The most common side effect is diarrhoea, which affects the majority of patients to some degree. Nausea, abdominal discomfort, and reduced appetite are also reported. Taking the medication with food and maintaining good hydration helps manage these effects for most patients.
Symptom Management Beyond Anti-Fibrotics
Anti-fibrotic medications address disease progression, but symptom management is equally important. Supplemental oxygen therapy is prescribed when oxygen levels drop, enabling patients to remain active and reducing the sensation of breathlessness. Pulmonary rehabilitation — combining supervised exercise, breathing techniques, and education — significantly improves exercise capacity and quality of life. Various medications can help manage the persistent dry cough that many IPF patients find particularly distressing.
Treating Contributing Conditions
Although IPF is idiopathic, several associated conditions can worsen its impact and should be actively identified and treated. Acid reflux (GERD) is present in over 75% of IPF patients and may contribute to lung damage through micro-aspiration. Sleep apnoea, heart problems, and other coexisting lung conditions all affect how IPF patients feel and function. Treating these conditions forms an important part of comprehensive IPF care.
An Important Note on Steroids
Unlike most other inflammatory lung conditions, steroids do not help IPF and may cause harm. This is one of the most important reasons specialist diagnosis matters — the treatment approach for IPF is entirely different from conditions such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis or other interstitial lung diseases that can appear similar on imaging. Receiving the correct diagnosis ensures you receive the correct treatment.
Essential Vaccinations and Lifestyle Measures
Respiratory infections can cause rapid and serious deterioration in IPF patients. Annual flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and RSV vaccine (if eligible) are all strongly recommended. If you still smoke, stopping is the single most important lifestyle change you can make. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying as active as possible within your limits, and avoiding lung irritants such as dust and fumes all contribute to slowing progression and maintaining quality of life.
Advanced Options: Lung Transplantation
For selected younger patients who are otherwise in good health and have advanced IPF, lung transplantation can be considered. This is not appropriate for the majority of IPF patients, but where it is indicated, referral to specialist transplant centres is available. I can discuss whether this is a relevant option in your individual case.
Key Points to Know
- Pirfenidone and nintedanib both slow IPF progression by approximately 50%
- Neither medication reverses existing scarring — starting early maximises benefit
- Steroids do not help IPF and may cause harm — specialist diagnosis is essential
- Treat acid reflux aggressively — present in over 75% of IPF patients
- Annual flu and pneumococcal vaccines are strongly recommended for all IPF patients
IPF Services at Our Liverpool Clinic
If you have been diagnosed with IPF or are awaiting assessment, specialist respiratory care is available with rapid private appointments at our Liverpool and Manchester clinics.
- IPF Treatment and Anti-Fibrotic Prescribing
- Lung Function Monitoring
- Oxygen Therapy Assessment
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Referral
- IPF and Associated Conditions Management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for IPF in the UK?
The two approved anti-fibrotic medications — pirfenidone and nintedanib — are the cornerstone of IPF treatment in the UK. Both slow disease progression by approximately 50%. The best choice for an individual patient depends on their specific medical history, other medications, and side effect tolerance.
Are IPF medications available on the NHS?
Yes. Both pirfenidone and nintedanib are available on the NHS for patients who meet the eligibility criteria. They are also available via private prescription. Most major private health insurers also cover anti-fibrotic treatment for IPF.
Can IPF be cured?
There is currently no cure for IPF. Anti-fibrotic medications slow the rate of lung scarring significantly but do not reverse existing damage. Research into new treatments is ongoing, and the outlook for IPF patients has improved considerably with the introduction of anti-fibrotic therapy.
Do steroids help IPF?
No. Unlike most other inflammatory lung conditions, steroids do not benefit patients with IPF and may cause harm. This is one of the key reasons a precise specialist diagnosis matters — to ensure the correct treatment is prescribed.
How soon should IPF treatment be started after diagnosis?
Anti-fibrotic treatment should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis is confirmed. The medications are most effective at slowing progression when lung function is still relatively preserved. Delaying treatment allows avoidable further scarring to occur.
Discuss IPF Treatment Options in Liverpool
If you have been diagnosed with IPF and want to understand your treatment options, or if you are currently on anti-fibrotic medication and want a specialist review, I am here to help. Private appointments are available quickly at our Liverpool and Manchester clinics.
Book a Consultation — Call 0161 832 2111
About Dr Suman Paul
Dr Suman Paul is a Consultant Respiratory Physician specialising in interstitial lung disease including Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He provides expert IPF diagnosis, anti-fibrotic treatment, and ongoing monitoring for patients across Liverpool and Manchester.
Private IPF consultations are available at Pall Mall Medical Liverpool, Pall Mall Medical, 61–67 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6EQ.
