Encorafenib

What is Encorafenib?

Encorafenib is taken in conjunction with a medication known as binimetinib (Mektovi) for treating melanoma (skin cancer), which is not treatable through surgery or has spread to other areas of the body.Encorafenib is used in conjunction with a medication known as Cetuximab (Erbitux) to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other regions of the body. Encorafenib is only used when you have cancer and is associated with a particular gene indicator (an unusual "BRAF" gene). Your physician will examine your body for this specific gene. Encorafenib cannot be used to treat wild-type BRAF cancers.Encorafenib is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.

Side effects of Encorafenib

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,Certain negative side effects are more likely to happen when taking encorafenib and binimetinib at the same time.Encorafenib is used in conjunction with a medication known as Cetuximab (Erbitux) to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other regions of the body. Encorafenib is only used when you have cancer and is associated with a particular gene indicator (an unusual "BRAF" gene). Your physician will examine your body for this specific gene. Encorafenib cannot be used to treat wild-type BRAF cancers.Encorafenib is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.Certain negative side effects are more likely to happen when taking encorafenib and binimetinib at the same time. Contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from:

• Eye swelling or pain, vision changes, halos around lights, noticing the color "dots" in your vision;
• Extreme skin rash that causes skin pain or swelling with redness and the peeling of your feet or hands;
• Rapid or pounding heartbeats the chest is thumping, there is shortness of breath, and suddenly you feel dizzy (like you're going to faint)
• Indications of bleeding: weakness, dizziness, weakness, headache, nosebleeds, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, bloody or tarry stool, and vomiting up blood that resembles coffee grounds.

Your treatment for cancer could be delayed or completely stopped in the event of certain adverse consequences.

Common negative effects of encorafenib include:

• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
• Tiredness;
• Joint discomfort and swelling.

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Encorafenib can harm an unborn baby. Avoid using it if you are expecting. Use a non-hormonal type or birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking encorafenib at least two weeks following your last dose.While encorafenib can be employed to combat melanoma, taking encorafenib could increase your chances of developing different types of cancer on the skin. Discuss with your physician your risk. Contact your doctor if you observe any new skin signs.

Before you take this drug

There is no reason to take Encorafenib if you are sensitive to it.

Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

• Heart issues;
• The long qt disorder (in either you or a relative);
• Lung disease;
• Kidney or liver disease;
• Eye problems (especially problems that affect your retina) eye problems
• Bleeding problem, or blood clot.

While this medication is commonly used to treat melanoma, taking Encorafenib could increase the risk of developing other forms of cancer that affect the skin. Consult your physician if you detect any new skin issues like the appearance of redness, warts, sores that do not heal, or a mole that has grown or changed color.It is possible that you will need to take a pregnancy test that is negative prior to commencing this treatment.

Do not take the drug encorafenib when you are expecting. It could harm the unborn baby. Make sure you use effective birth control methods to stop pregnancy while taking this medication and for a minimum of 2 weeks after the last dose. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant.Encorafenib could make hormone-based birth controls less efficient, such as contraceptive injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. To avoid pregnancy when using encorafenib, make use of a barrier type of birth control, such as a condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap, and a contraceptive sponge.This medication can affect fertility (the ability to bear kids) in men.Don't breastfeed while taking this medication, and at least two weeks follow the last dose.

How to take Encorafenib?

The doctor will conduct tests on your blood to ensure you are of the right type that can be treated with encorafenib.Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. The doctor might alter the dosage. Make sure you take the medication exactly as prescribed.Encorafenib can be taken one time every day, whether or not food is included.It is possible to take between 4 and 6 capsules in a single dose to get a full dosage. Follow your doctor's dosage instructions with care.If you have a stomach ache within a few minutes of taking encorafenib, do not take a second dose. You must wait until the next dose is scheduled to take the medicine once more.Don't alter your dose or schedule of dosing without the advice of your physician.Your physician will inspect your skin at least every 2 months when you are taking the drug encorafenib for at least 6 months following the last dose.You'll need to take frequent medical examinations.Keep the bottle at room temperature, free of heat and moisture. Close the bottle when not being used.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Melanoma—Metastatic:

500 mg orally, once every day, in conjunction with binimetinib, until progression of the disease or unacceptable toxic effects
NOTE: If binimetinib has not been taken, lower the encorafenib dose to a maximum dosage of 300 mg every day for a period of time until binimetinib resumes.
Comments:
Verify the presence of the BRAF V600E and V600K variants in tumor samples prior to initiating treatment.
Refer to the prescribing guidelines for dose recommendations.
Use: This medication is used in conjunction with binimetinib and can be used to treat patients suffering from metastatic or unresectable melanoma that has a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation identified using an FDA-approved test.

Usual Adult Dose for Colorectal Cancer:

300 mg once orally every day, in conjunction with cetuximab, up to the point of unacceptable toxic effects
Comments:
Confirm that there is a mutation in BRAF V600E in tumor samples prior to beginning treatment.
Check out the prescribing instructions for suggested dosing details.
Use: This medication, when used in combination with cetuximab, is suggested for the treatment of adults suffering from advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) that have the BRAF V600E mutation, which is detected using an FDA-approved test. This is after previous therapy.

What happens if I miss the dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as you can. However, take a break from your missed dosage if the scheduled dose comes due within 12 hours. Don't take two doses in one go.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Grapefruit could be in contact with encorafenib, which could result in adverse reactions. Beware of the use of products made from grapefruit.

Interaction with other drug

There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medicines in conjunction with other medications. Certain medications can alter your blood levels from other medications that you are taking, which could create side effects or render the medication less effective. Other medications could interfere with encorafenib. These include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about all the medications you currently use as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.

• Eye swelling or pain, vision changes, halos around lights, noticing the color "dots" in your vision;
• Extreme skin rash that causes skin pain or swelling with redness and the peeling of your feet or hands;
• Rapid or pounding heartbeats the chest is thumping, there is shortness of breath, and suddenly you feel dizzy (like you're going to faint)
• Indications of bleeding: weakness, dizziness, weakness, headache, nosebleeds, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, bloody or tarry stool, and vomiting up blood that resembles coffee grounds.

Your treatment for cancer could be delayed or completely stopped in the event of certain adverse consequences.

Common negative effects of encorafenib include:

• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
• Tiredness;
• Joint discomfort and swelling.

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.