What is Vemurafenib?
Vemurafenib treats melanoma or skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the skin or that cannot be removed with surgery.Vemurafenib can also be used to treat Erdheim-Chester disease, a rare cancer of the blood.
Vemurafenib can only be used if you have cancer with a specific genetic marker. (an abnormal "BRAF gene"). This gene will be tested by your doctor.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Vemurafenib.
Side effects of Vemurafenib
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to your skin (such as a fever, sore throat, burning eyes, or skin pain), or if your skin has rashes that are red or purple and cause blisters or peeling, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience a severe drug reaction, seek medical attention. Symptoms include skin rash, fevers, swollen lymph glands, muscle pains, weakness, and unusual bruises.
Vemurafenib can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Skin changes: a new lesion or wart, a red bump or skin sore that does not heal or bleeds, or any change to the color or size of a mole.
- A thickening under the skin of the palms or soles of the feet.
- Fingers or fingers that feel restricted or are bent inward?
- You may experience rapid or pounding pulses, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
- Eye problems: vision changes, eye swelling or pain, severe redness, or small white or yellow spots on your eye surface;
- Liver problems: stomach pain (upper right), nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, and clay-coloured stools. Jaundice.
Some of the most common side effects associated with vemurafenib include:
- Joint pain
- Feeling tired
- Nausea;
- Hair loss;
- Mild rash or itching
- Skin growths;
- Sunburn is an increased sensitivity to the sun.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Keytruda, pembrolizumab, nivolumab, Opdivo, Yervoy, dabrafenib, and Zelboraf
Warnings
Vemurafenib treats melanoma. Vemurafenib may increase your risk of developing other forms of skin cancer. You should immediately notify your doctor if you notice any new skin lesions or if they are getting worse.
Vemurafenib can interact with many drugs. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to vemurafenib, it is best not to use it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Heart problems
- Long-QT syndrome
- An electrolyte imbalance is a low level of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood.
Tell your doctor all the radiation treatments that you have had or are due to receive.Using vemurafenib can increase your risk of developing other forms of skin cancer. Any new lesions or those that are getting worse should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Vemurafenib can harm an unborn child. Prevent pregnancy by using effective contraception while taking this medication and for two weeks after the last dose. Inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant.Do not breastfeed for 2 weeks after taking this medication.
How to take Vemurafenib?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all instructions on the label. Follow the directions on the label.Take the medication every 12 hours, with or without eating.Do not chew or crush the tablet.Do not take a second dose if you vomit soon after taking vemurafenib. Do not take another dose until you have taken your next scheduled dose.Medical tests will be required frequently.
Your skin condition must be regularly checked to ensure that vemurafenib does not cause harmful effects. Electrocardiograms (ECG or ekg) may be required to test your heart function on a regular schedule. Eye exams may be required. The results of the tests may delay your cancer treatment.
Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.After you stop taking vemurafenib, your doctor may check the skin. Visit your doctor regularly.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for melanoma that has metastatic spread:
Orally, take 960 mg every 12 hours or until the disease progresses or unacceptable toxicities occur.
Comments:
Confirmation of BRAF V600E in tumor samples prior to initiating therapy
Use: BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma
Adult dose for histiocytosis:
Orally, take 960 mg every 12 hours or until the disease progresses or unacceptable toxicities occur.
Comments:
Confirmation of BRAF V600E in tumor samples prior to initiating therapy
Use: for Erdheim-Chester Disease with the BRAF V600 mutation
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a dose, take it immediately. Skip the missed dose when your next dose is in less than four hours. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid this
Sunburn may be more likely with Vemurafenib. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective.
Vemurafenib can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
