- Chronic Care
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment available today
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, is a rare but curable disease. Request IPF treatment online from our trusted, board-certified online doctors and get relief today. Get a new prescription to treat IPF or refill an existing prescription today.*
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of IPF. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Learn about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lung disease affecting those between 70 and 75 years of age. This lung disease makes it difficult for the lungs to properly transport oxygen into the bloodstream. Others at risk of IPF include smokers and those with a family history of the disease.
IPF patients are also at risk for more serious lung conditions like lung cancer. There is no cure, nor is the damage done to the lungs irreversible. However, there are forms of IPF treatment available to help ease the symptoms. Most patients with IPF live between 3 to 5 years after diagnosis.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis causes
A build-up of lung scar tissue causes idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This scarring makes it difficult for oxygen to pass from the lungs into the bloodstream. The exact cause of this interstitial lung disease is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
The most common symptom of lung fibrosis is shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include:
A persistent cough
Fatigue
Weight loss
Chest pain
Joint pain
Clubbing of the fingers or toes
How to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
There is no cure for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but there are treatments that can help to improve your symptoms and quality of life. Treatment options include:
Pulmonary rehabilitation: This program of exercise and education can help improve your breathing and overall fitness.
Oxygen therapy: This involves using oxygen to help you breathe more easily.
Medications: There are several different medicines that can be used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, including anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and antifibrotic drugs.
Lung transplants: In some cases, a lung transplant may be an option. This is major surgery with a long recovery time, but it can improve your symptoms and quality of life.
Clinical trials: There are often trials for new idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatments. Ask your doctor if there are any clinical practices that you may be eligible for.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis medications
There are a variety of medications that physicians can use to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. These medications can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for IPF patients. Medications used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis include:
Antioxidants
These medications can help protect the lungs from further damage.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
Vitamin E
Corticosteroids
These medications can help to reduce inflammation and improve pulmonary function.
Dexamethasone
Immunosuppressants: These medications can help reduce the immune system's activity.
Azathioprine
Cyclophosphamide
Other medications
A variety of medications can be used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. These include:
Pirfenidone (Esbriet, Pirfenex, Pirespa): This medication is used to slow the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It is taken orally three times daily.
Nintedanib (Ofev): This medication is used to slow the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It is taken orally twice daily. It should be noted that it has a known bleeding risk.
Bosutinib (Bosulif): This medication treats idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It is taken orally once daily.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
These medications can help to reduce inflammation and improve lung function.
Zileuton
Vitamin D
This vitamin can help to improve lung function.
Immunosuppressant drugs
These medications can help reduce the immune system's activity.
Tacrolimus
Mycophenolate mofetil
Blood thinners
These medications can help to prevent blood clots.
Warfarin
Aspirin
How to prevent idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
There is no sure way to prevent idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but there are some things you can do to lower your risk. These include:
Quit smoking.
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
Avoid exposure to air pollution.
Avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals.
When to see a doctor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
If you are experiencing any symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, it is important to see your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best possible outcome.
You must see your doctor regularly for checkups if you have been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms and the progression of the disease. Forced vital capacity (FVC) is a measure to monitor the lung function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment FAQs
What is IPF?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of chronic lung disease. It is characterized by the buildup of scar tissue in the lungs, making it difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream.
The exact cause of IPF is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The American Lung Association, The American Thoracic Society, and Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation are excellent sources of information for overall lung health-related quality content. It is also a great source of patient education material.
What are the first signs of IPF?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis IPF causes respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, a dry cough, shallow breathing, gradual weight loss, tiredness, and aching joints. The most significant symptoms of IPF are typically standard and comparable to other diseases; however, the continuous development of these symptoms distinguishes IPF from the common cold.
What is used to treat IPF?
Once scar tissue has formed, it is irreversible. There is no cure for IPF, but treatments can help slow the disease's progress, such as Kinase inhibitors Nintedanib (Ofev) and Pirfenidone (Esbriet, Pirfenex, Pirespa).
These medications aid in the slowing of lung function deterioration caused by IPF. They may also assist with preventing an unexpected and striking worsening of symptoms over a few days or weeks, allowing patients treated to live longer. The FDA has only approved these two medicines.
How long can you live after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis?
The average survival time following a diagnosis of IPF patients is 3 to 5 years. Keep in mind that this is an average and that some individuals survive much longer than five years with IPF. With early diagnosis and appropriate management, many people live normal lives for years after being diagnosed.
How is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosed?
IPF is typically diagnosed through a combination of tests, including a physical examination, a chest X-ray, pulmonary function tests, and a CT scan. A biopsy may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the stages of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
There are four stages of IPF disease progression, each with its own set of symptoms:
Stage 1: Mild symptoms, such as shortness of breath and a dry cough
Stage 2: Moderate symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty breathing
Stage 3: Severe symptoms, such as respiratory failure and heart failure
Stage 4: End-stage disease, which is fatal
What are the risk factors for IPF?
IPF is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time. The rate of progression can vary from person to person. IPF can lead to lung failure and death.
The exact cause of IPF is unknown; however, certain risk factors may increase your risk of developing the disease, such as:
Age: IPF is most commonly diagnosed in people between 50 and 70.
Gender: IPF is more common in men than women.
Smoking: Smoking is the most significant risk factor for IPF.
Family history: People with a family history of IPF are more likely to develop the disease.
Environmental factors: Exposure to certain airborne toxins, such as those found in certain occupations (e.g., farming, construction) or hobbies (e.g., woodworking), may increase your risk of IPF.
What are the complications of IPF?
Complications of IPF can include:
Respiratory failure: This is the most common complication of IPF. Respiratory failure occurs when the lungs cannot adequately exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Heart problems: IPF can strain the heart and may cause heart failure.
Kidney problems: IPF can cause kidney failure in some people.
Depression: IPF can cause depression and anxiety.
Infections: Patients with IPF are at an increased risk of developing infections, such as pneumonia.
3 simple steps to request treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis today

Step 1
Book an IPF treatment appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your IPF symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3
Pick up a prescription for IPF treatment.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Related conditions to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
There are several conditions that are related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. These include:
Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the lungs' airways are damaged and widened. This can lead to difficulty breathing and an increased risk of infection.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of conditions that cause airflow obstruction in the lungs. COPD can make breathing difficult and lead to coughing, wheezing, and chest pain.
Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure in the lungs increases. This can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and lightheadedness.
Sarcoidosis is a condition in which inflammation occurs in the lungs and other organs. Sarcoidosis can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new prescription or refill on your medication, join our monthly membership and receive discounted treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
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$14.99/month
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Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
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Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
American Lung Association. "Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis." Lung.org, Accessed October 23, 2023. www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis/
Johns Hopkins Medicine. "Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis." HopkinsMedicine.org, Accessed October 23, 2023. www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis/
Mayo Clinic. "Diseases and Conditions." MayoClinic.org, Accessed October 23, 2023. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/