Zelboraf

What is Zelboraf?

Zelboraf is a cancer treatment that blocks the spread and growth of cancerous cells in the body.Zelboraf is a treatment for melanoma (skin cancer) that has spread to other areas of the body or can't be treated surgically.

Zelboraf can also be used to treat Erdheim-Chester disease (an uncommon blood cancer).Zelboraf is only used when your cancer has particular genetic markers (an unusual "BRAF" gene). Your doctor will determine if you have this gene.

Warnings

Zelboraf can be used to treat melanoma; however, this medication can increase the chance of developing other kinds of skin cancer. If you notice any new or worsening skin cancers, immediately contact your physician.

A variety of drugs may interfere with vemurafenib. Discuss with your doctor all the medications you are currently taking and any new medications you begin or stop taking.

Before you take this drug

You shouldn't take Zelboraf if you have an allergy to vemurafenib.

To ensure that Zelboraf is safe for you, ask your physician if you've previously had:

• Kidney disease or liver failure;
• Heart-related problems;
• Lengthy qt syndrome (in the case of you as well as a member of your family);
• An unbalanced electrolyte (such as being deficient in potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the blood).

Discuss with your physician all radiation treatments that you are scheduled to undergo or have had in the past.

The use of Zelboraf could increase your chance of developing different types of skin cancer. If you notice any new or more severe skin lesions, contact your physician immediately.

Vemurafenib could cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Make sure you use effective birth control to stay clear of pregnancy while taking this drug. It is recommended to use it up to 2 weeks after the last dose. Inform your doctor in the event that you fall pregnant.

It is unclear if vemurafenib is absorbed into breast milk or whether it is harmful to the baby who is nursing. Do not breastfeed when you are taking Zelboraf or for a minimum of 2 weeks after the last dose.

How to take Zelboraf?

You should take Zelboraf exactly as directed by your physician. Follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Do not take this medication in greater or lesser quantities or for a longer time than the recommended time.Take Zelboraf with a full glass of water. You can take this medicine in conjunction with food or not.Use the medicine every 12 hours, all at once, throughout the day.

Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. Suck the tablet completely.If you have a stomach ache within a few minutes of taking Zelboraf, do not take a second dose. You must wait until the next scheduled dose time, when you can start taking the medicine once more.When you are taking Zelboraf, you might require regular blood tests to monitor kidney or liver function.

To ensure this medication does not cause negative effects, your skin condition must be monitored regularly. The heart's function could require testing by the electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) every so often. There is a chance that you will require eye exams. The treatment for cancer could be delayed based on the outcomes of the tests.Your doctor may examine your skin for a few months after you stop using this medication. Visit your doctor regularly.Keep at room temperature and free of heat and moisture. Close the bottle when not being used.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Melanoma, Metastatic:

Maintenance dosage: 960 mg taken orally every 12 hours with or without food.
Therapy duration The patient is treated until progress occurs or unacceptable toxicities occur.
Comments:
Verify the presence of BRAF V600E mutations in tumor specimens prior to the beginning of treatment.
A missed dose may be taken up to four hours before your next dose.
Do not take a further dose if vomiting occurs following the administration. Continue by taking the next dose.
Use BRAF V600 mutations that are metastatic or unresectable melanoma.

What happens If I miss a dose?

Do the missed dose immediately after you remember. Do not take any missed doses if the dosage is about four hours away. Don't take any extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

Don't take an additional dose if you experience vomiting upon taking Zelboraf. Make sure you wait until your next dose is scheduled to take the medication again.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Avoid exposure to sunlight and tanning beds. Vemurafenib could make people more susceptible to sunburn. Make sure you wear protective attire and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater) while you're outdoors.

Vemurafenib is a drug that can be absorbed into body fluids (urine and feces, as well as vomit). Careers should wear gloves made of rubber to clean up the patient's body fluids, handle toxic trash or laundry, or change diapers. Wash hands after taking off gloves. Cleanse linens and clothing that have been soiled apart from the rest of the laundry.

Side effects of Zelboraf

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you show symptoms warning of an allergic reaction with Zelboraf (hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your throat or face) or a severe skin reaction (fever or irritation of your throat and eyes, burning sensations in your eyes, skin irritation, and a red or purple skin eruption that causes peeling and blisters),

Get medical attention in the event of a serious reaction to medication that could affect various parts of your body. Symptoms may include an itch on your skin or fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle cramps, severe weakening, unusual bruising, or the appearance of yellowing on the eyes or skin. The reaction can occur several weeks after starting to use Zelboraf.

Stop taking this medication and consult your physician immediately if you experience:

• Change in skin the appearance of a wart or lesion, a red or skin-coloured bump that is bleeding or doesn't heal, or a change in the size or shade of a mole
• An unusual thickening of the tissues beneath the skin on your palms of your fingers or those on your feet
• Fingers that feel tight or bent to the side
• Rapid or pounding heartbeats; the chest fluttering with excitement as well as breathlessness and a sudden feeling of dizziness (like you're going to faint);
• Eye issues vision changes, swelling, or eye pain; extreme eye redness; small yellow or white spots on the outside of your eyes;
• Liver issues gastric symptoms include stomach pain (upper right side). Nausea, loss of appetite black stools, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Common zelboraf side effects can include:

• Joint pain;
• Being tired;
• Nausea;
• Hair loss;
• Itching or a mild rash;
• Skin growths;
• Sunburn and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

It is sometimes not recommended to take certain medicines together. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels of other medications you are taking, which could cause more side effects or make the drugs less effective.

Many medications can interact with vemurafenib, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines as well as vitamins and herbal products. Be sure to inform your health professionals about any medications you are taking currently and any medicines you stop or start taking.