Dabrafenib
About Dabrafenib
Dabrafenib is a prescription medicine used to treat certain types of cancers that test positive for a specific gene mutation called BRAF V600 (such as V600E or V600K). Before starting treatment, your doctor will perform a special genomic tissue or blood test (a BRAF mutation test) to confirm suitability. It is commonly prescribed—often in combination with another targeted therapy called trametinib—for patients with advanced skin cancer (melanoma), non-small cell lung cancer, thyroid cancer, or other advanced solid tumours.
For the best results, you must take Dabrafenib consistently twice a day, keeping your doses about 12 hours apart. Always take this medicine on an empty stomach, either at least 1 hour before eating or at least 2 hours after a meal. Adopting healthy daily habits, such as staying well-hydrated and protecting your skin from sun exposure, can help support your body during this treatment.
While taking Dabrafenib, some people may experience common side effects such as fever, headaches, joint pain, or temporary hair thinning. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects, such as unusual skin growths, vision changes, or a high fever that does not go away. Regular monitoring by your healthcare team is essential to ensure your safety throughout your treatment.
Do not take this if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have had a severe allergic reaction to this medicine in the past. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have liver damage, kidney issues, diabetes, or a history of heart problems. Because this medicine can pass into breast milk and potentially harm a baby, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.
Dabrafenib can interact with other substances, including certain acid-reducing medicines and liver-processed drugs, which may make your treatment less effective or increase side effects. It is also important to avoid alcohol and smoking, as they can put extra stress on your liver and worsen dehydration. If you are an older adult, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any special monitoring you may need.
Uses of Dabrafenib
Medicinal Benefits
Dabrafenib helps slow down or stop the spread of cancer cells in the body by targeting the root cause of tumour growth. The benefits of Dabrafenib are as follows:
- Slows Cancer Growth: By targeting the root cause of tumour growth, Dabrafenib helps slow down or stop the spread of cancer cells in the body. This targeted approach can help shrink existing tumours, manage cancer-related symptoms, and improve your overall quality of life.
- Supports Long-Term Recovery: For patients recovering from surgery to remove skin cancer, taking this medicine can significantly lower the risk of the cancer coming back. This helps support long-term recovery and gives patients greater peace of mind during their post-surgery care.
Directions for Use
- Dabrafenib should be taken 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
- It is advised to take Dabrafenib two times a day; however, follow your doctor's advice regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow the capsule as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, chew or crush Dabrafenib.
Storage
Side Effects of Dabrafenib
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Fever and chills
- Headache or joint pain
- Mild skin rash or dry skin
- Temporary hair thinning
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of new skin issues, such as a new wart, a sore that will not heal, or a changing mole
- Eye pain, redness, or sudden changes in your vision
- Severe fever accompanied by dizziness, confusion, or a rapid heart rate
- Heart problems, such as an irregular or racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, or swelling in your ankles or feet (signs of QT prolongation or heart muscle weakness)
- Signs of high blood sugar, including extreme thirst, frequent urination, or fruit-like breath odour
- Unusual bleeding, severe stomach pain, or yellowing of your skin or eyes
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Monitor Your Body Temperature: Monitor your body temperature daily. Fever is a very common side effect that can escalate quickly; contact your healthcare team immediately at the first sign of warmth or chills.
- Use Effective Non-Hormonal Contraception: Use reliable non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms) during treatment, as this medicine makes hormonal contraceptives less effective. Women should continue using non-hormonal birth control for at least 2 weeks after stopping Dabrafenib alone (or 4 weeks if taken with trametinib); male partners should continue for at least 4 months following combination therapy.
- Attend Dermatologist Appointments: Attend all scheduled dermatologist appointments. Your doctor will need to check your skin before starting, every 2 months during treatment, and for up to 6 months after you stop taking the medicine.
- Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently, as this medicine can cause blood sugar to rise.
Drug Interactions
- Acid-reducing medicines: medicines like proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, or antacids can lower the absorption and effectiveness of Dabrafenib.
- Strong liver enzyme inhibitors or inducers: Certain antibiotics, antifungals, or seizure medicines can alter how your body processes Dabrafenib, potentially increasing side effects or lowering its effectiveness.
- Hormonal contraceptives: This medicine can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Dabrafenib interacts with alcohol. Consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeDabrafenib is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Dabrafenib. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Dabrafenib for at least two weeks from the last dose of Dabrafenib. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment with Dabrafenib is suggested.
Breast Feeding
unsafeInform your doctor if you are intending to breastfeed. Breastfeeding should be avoided while getting Dabrafenib and for at least two weeks from the final dosage of administration.
Driving
unsafeDabrafenib may cause visual disturbances such as loss of vision or blurred vision in some patients. Hence, avoid driving and operating machines until you are completely alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
Children
cautionDabrafenib is not recommended for use in children below six years of age, as the safety and efficacy have not been established. In children above six years, it is used in the treatment of unresectable or metastatic solid tumours with BRAF V600E mutation when prescribed by your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Take on an Empty Stomach: Always take your medicine on an empty stomach. Avoid eating high-fat meals close to your dosing times, as they can significantly lower the amount of medicine your body absorbs.
- Protect Your Skin: Protect your skin from ultraviolet light. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses outdoors, as this medicine increases your sensitivity to the sun and the risk of skin reactions.
- Stay Well-Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay well-hydrated, especially if you experience fever, diarrhoea, or vomiting.
- Perform Regular Skin Self-Exams: Perform weekly skin self-exams from head to toe to check for any new spots, bumps, or changes in existing moles, and report them to your doctor immediately.
Special Advise
- Using contraceptive pills while using Dabrafenib to prevent pregnancy is advised.
- Thyroid function and symptoms of anemia will be monitored during treatment to avoid any life-threatening side effects.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you have swelling in your lower legs, fast heartbeats, or trouble breathing, as it may be a sign of a heart problem.
- An ECG and ECHO will be performed frequently to check for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during the treatment course.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Metastatic Malignant Melanoma: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer in which the cancer cells grow in melanocytes. It is mainly caused by harmful UV radiation from the sun. Malignant melanoma is common in fair-skinned and freckled individuals. It results in mole formation, typically on the skin of the face.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): It is the most common form of lung cancer, which occurs when cells that form the lining of the lung start growing uncontrollably. It is mostly seen in persons who smoke. Symptoms may include chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. Dabrafenib is used in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy as first-line treatment or in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC.
Anaplastic Thyroid cancer: This condition occurs when the cancer cells grow abnormally in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ present under the neck. This gland is useful in producing hormones responsible for the functioning of the body. Anaplastic thyroid cancer, also known as undifferentiated, is a rare type of thyroid carcinoma with an aggressive malignant tumor.
FAQs
Dabrafenib is used to treat Metastatic melanoma, Anaplastic thyroid cancer, Non-small cell lung cancer and Metastatic solid tumors.
Dabrafenib contains Dabrafenib, which works by inhibiting the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells.
No, you should not take Dabrafenib with food. It must be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, to ensure your body absorbs the correct amount. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need help planning your dosing schedule.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately at the first sign of a fever or chills. Do not stop or change your dosage on your own unless instructed; your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and advise whether to temporarily pause treatment, adjust your dose, or take anti-fever medicine.
Dabrafenib works specifically by targeting the abnormal protein produced by the mutated BRAF V600 gene. If your tumour does not have this mutation (known as BRAF wild-type), the medicine will not be effective and could potentially cause harm.
Yes, this medicine used alone can increase your risk of developing certain new, less aggressive types of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma. However, this risk is significantly lower when Dabrafenib is taken in combination with trametinib. Regular skin checks with a dermatologist are required regardless. Talk to your doctor if you notice any new skin bumps, warts, or changing sores.
Some patients experience temporary hair thinning or mild hair loss while taking this medicine. This is typically temporary and improves after your treatment is finished. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about hair changes.
Hormonal birth control pills may not be fully effective while you are taking Dabrafenib. You should use a reliable non-hormonal barrier method, such as condoms, during treatment and for 2 weeks after your last dose. Talk to your doctor to plan safe birth control options.
It is highly recommended to avoid or strictly limit alcohol. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver strain and dehydration, which can worsen the side effects of your medicine. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
If your next dose is more than 6 hours away, take the missed dose immediately. If your next dose is due in less than 6 hours, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you frequently miss doses.
Yes, this medicine can cause eye inflammation, which may lead to redness, eye pain, or blurred vision. If you notice any changes in your sight, contact your doctor immediately for an eye examination. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of eye problems.
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