Vemurafenib stops cancer cells from growing to treat melanoma. This is an invasive form of skin cancer. Vemurafenib can also treat Erdheim-Chester disease. This medication comes in a tablet form that you can take by mouth with a glass of water as directed. Take each dose 12 hours apart.
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VEMURAFENIB (Vem ue RAF e nib) is a medicine that targets proteins in cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing. It is used to treat melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and Erdheim-Chester disease.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zelboraf
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Take doses approximately 12 hours apart.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than 4 hours until your next scheduled dose, do not make up for the missed dose and just take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your doctor for regular check ups. You will need to have blood work while you are taking this medicine.
This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medicine.
Tell your doctor or health care provider right away if you have any change in your eyesight.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after your last dose. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after your last dose.
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medicine in the original container. Keep tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.