Key facts about Vemurafenib
What dosages is Vemurafenib available in?
Vemurafenib is available as a 240 mg oral tablet.
What is Vemurafenib used for?
Vemurafenib is a BRAF inhibitor and is used for the following:
Melanoma with a certain BRAF mutation that has spread (metastatic) or can’t be removed by surgery Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) with a certain BRAF mutation
How does Vemurafenib work?
Vemurafenib is a kinase inhibitor known as a BRAF inhibitor. The BRAF protein helps cells (including cancer cells) grow. And when the BRAF protein is mutated, the cancer can grow uncontrollably and spread more quickly. By blocking BRAF, Vemurafenib helps stop tumor growth.
How do I take Vemurafenib?
The usual dose is 960 mg (four 240 mg tablets) by mouth every 12 hours.
Is it safe for me to take Vemurafenib?
Vemurafenib is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Vemurafenib Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Vemurafenib:
- Joint pain
- Tiredness
- Rash
- Sun sensitivity
- Hair loss
- Nausea
- Itching
- Skin papilloma
- Diarrhea
- Thickened skin
- Headache
- Vomiting
Vemurafenib Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Vemurafenib. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reactions: rash, fever, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or mouth
- Serious skin reactions: painful blisters, skin wounds, peeling skin
- Serious liver problems: upper stomach pain, yellow skin, yellow around the whites of the eyes
- Changes in heart rhythm: lightheadedness, blurry vision, fainting, seizures, loss of consciousness
- Serious reaction in people who’ve received radiation therapy: see Warnings for more details
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Vemurafenib
The following medications may interact with Vemurafenib:
- Avoid concomitant administration of Vemurafenib with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers
- CYP1A2 Substrates: Vemurafenib can increase concentrations of CYP1A2 substrates. Avoid concomitant use of Vemurafenib with CYP1A2 substrates with a narrow therapeutic window. If coadministration cannot
- be avoided, monitor closely for toxicities and consider dose reduction of CYP1A2 substrates
Who makes Vemurafenib?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Vemurafenib safe in pregnancy?
Based on its mechanism of action, Vemurafenib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Vemurafenib and for 2 weeks after the final dose.
