This is general information. Your doctor will decide which medicine is right for you and at what dose. Never stop or change a medicine without talking to your doctor.

Antifibrotic medicines

These slow down scarring in the lungs. They do not reverse existing scarring, so you may not "feel" them working — the aim is to protect the lung you have.

  • Common side effects include stomach upset, loose motions, loss of appetite and weight loss.
  • Some can make the skin sensitive to sunlight — use sunscreen and cover up outdoors.
  • Regular blood tests check your liver.

Medicines that calm the immune system

Used for inflammatory types of ILD, such as ILD linked to autoimmune disease. These include steroids and other immunosuppressants. They need regular blood tests and increase the risk of infection, so report fever early.

Supportive treatment

Treating acid reflux, cough, and other conditions such as heart or sleep problems, plus oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation.