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Tafinlar (Dabrafenib mesylate) Information

Tafinlar, which contains the active ingredient dabrafenib mesylate, is a targeted therapy medication, a BRAF inhibitor. It is used to treat certain types of cancer that have a specific BRAF gene mutation, including melanoma (skin cancer), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and certain types of thyroid cancer. In addition to melanoma, NSCLC, and thyroid cancer, Tafinlar (in combination with Mekinist) is now approved for BRAF V600E-mutant low-grade glioma (LGG) in pediatric patients and solid tumors that are unresectable or metastatic with the V600E mutation (tumor-agnostic approval. It is often used in combination with another medication, such as Mekinist (trametinib), to enhance treatment effectiveness. The medication is taken by mouth as a capsule, typically twice daily. To ensure the drug is absorbed correctly, take it on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. It is important to take the doses approximately 12 hours apart at the same time each day to maintain a steady level of the medicine in your body.

The mechanism of action of dabrafenib involves targeting and blocking the activity of the mutated BRAF protein. In healthy cells, this protein helps regulate growth. However, in certain cancers, the mutated version is stuck in the "on" position, signalling cancer cells to multiply rapidly. By inhibiting this protein, Tafinlar disrupts these growth signals, helping shrink tumours or slow tumour progression.

Tafinlar Side Effects

Tafinlar is generally well-tolerated, but common side effects may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Commonly reported effects include headache, fever, joint or muscle pain, hair thinning, and thickened skin or warts. You may also experience redness, swelling, or peeling of the hands and feet (hand-foot syndrome) and a cough or sore throat.

More serious side effects can occur and require immediate medical attention. Stop taking the medication and seek help if you experience:
• Eye problems: Severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or seeing "halos" around lights.
• Heart problems: Shortness of breath, palpitations, or swelling in your ankles and feet.
• High blood sugar: Extreme thirst, frequent urination, or a fruity odour on the breath.
• New skin cancers: Appearance of new warts, skin sores, or reddish bumps that bleed or do not heal (as Tafinlar can occasionally trigger different types of skin cancer).
• Severe allergic reactions: Swelling of the face, lips, or throat; hives; or significant difficulty breathing.
• Severe fever: A high fever (often over 101.3°F) that may be accompanied by chills, low blood pressure, or dizziness.

Tafinlar Precautions

Do not use Tafinlar if you have a known allergy to dabrafenib mesylate or any of the inactive ingredients in the medication. Before starting treatment, inform your doctor of your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of heart disease, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or eye issues such as uveitis.

Tell your doctor about all medications you take, as Tafinlar has significant drug interactions. Tafinlar can interact with many drugs, including certain stomach acid reducers, blood thinners, and hormonal contraceptives. Because Tafinlar can make hormonal birth control less effective, use non-hormonal methods like condoms or a copper IUD.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tafinlar can cause serious harm to a developing fetus and must not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment and for at least two weeks after the final dose. Men with female partners who can become pregnant should also use effective contraception during treatment and for at least two weeks after the final dose. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for two weeks after the last dose, as it could harm the nursing infant.

Take Tafinlar exactly as prescribed. Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, open, or chew them. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless your next dose is due in less than 6 hours. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose. Store the capsules at room temperature, protected from moisture and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Tafinlar?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Tafinlar.