Navigating the Alphabet Soup of Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD): The Role of Pharmacists
Recommended Citation
Martirosov AL, Abdalla M, Fleischman ME, Foster B, Gonzales J, Lipari M, Malesker M, Smith Z, Wilken L, and Williams D. Navigating the Alphabet Soup of Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD): The Role of Pharmacists. J Am Coll Clin Pharm 2025.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-12-2025
Publication Title
J Am Coll Clin Pharm
Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of heterogeneous disorders that carries a poor prognosis and is characterized by lung parenchyma inflammation and/or fibrosis. It is further categorized into specific subtypes of ILD, which drive treatment approaches. Diagnosis is elusive with non-specific respiratory symptoms, and dyspnea is the most common symptom experienced by patients. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to collaboratively diagnose ILD and direct treatment. Historically, treatment of most ILDs has focused on the use of immunosuppressive agents and targeted pharmacotherapies for select ILD subtypes, increasing over the past decade. In select subtypes of ILD, antifibrotics have slowed the progression of loss of lung function, especially forced vital capacity. Adverse events can be significant and lead to the discontinuation of disease-modifying therapies. These agents can be used as monotherapy or combined in select scenarios, highlighting the importance of evaluating the risk–benefit profile. Pharmacist involvement in the care of this population has been shown to improve access to medications and prevent the discontinuation of evidence-based therapeutics due to adverse event mitigation approaches. This review summarizes the current understanding and management of ILDs and highlights the pharmacist role in disease state optimization.
Medical Subject Headings
clinical pharmacists; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; interstitial lung disease; pharmacist; pulmonary fibrosis; role; treatment
PubMed ID
Not assigned.
ePublication
ePub ahead of print
