Dabrafenib is a medication that treats melanoma. This is the most invasive type of skin cancer. Dabrafenib can also treat non-small cell lung cancer and thyroid cancer. This medication comes in a tablet from that you can take by mouth with a glass of water as directed.
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DABRAFENIB (da BRAF e nib) treats some types of cancer. It works by blocking a protein that causes cancer cells to grow and multiply. This helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.
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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): Tafinlar
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the capsules whole. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Your care team may change your dose or tell you to stop taking this medication if you get side effects. Do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your care team tells you to.
Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice.
Take products with H2 blockers or antacids in them at a different time of day than this medication. Take these products 2 hours before or 2 hours after this medication.
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.
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Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children as young as 1 year for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
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 unless it is less than 6 hours before the next dose. If it is less than 6 hours before the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This medication may affect how other medications work, and other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all of the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.
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 care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.
Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight.
Talk to your care team if you or your partner wish to become pregnant or think either of you might be pregnant. A negative pregnancy test is required before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you. Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication.
If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after the last dose. Tell your care team right away if you think your partner might be pregnant.
Do not breast-feed while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team 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.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Do not throw out the packet in the container. It keeps the medication dry. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
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To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
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.