Often used for:
Melanoma with BRAF mutation
What is vemurafenib?
Vemurafenib is a BRAF kinase inhibitor that blocks mutated BRAF signaling in certain cancers. Patients are tested for BRAF V600 mutations before therapy.
Vemurafenib at home
- Take at the same time each day with or without food, with a full glass of water.
- Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or chew.
- If vomiting occurs after dosing, do not take an additional dose.
- If a dose is missed and the next dose is more than 4 hours away, take the missed dose; otherwise skip it.
- Store at room temperature.
Possible side effects
- Joint or muscle pain
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Hair loss
- Sun sensitivity
- Rash, itching, or dry skin
- Warts or skin thickening
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Cough
- Heart rhythm changes
- Back pain or headache
- Changes in taste
- Liver problems
- Second skin cancers
- Eye redness or swelling
- Not all patients experience these effects. Report all symptoms.
Tips for families
- Discuss instructions with the care team.
- Protect skin and eyes from the sun; wear sunglasses.
- Avoid grapefruit or Seville orange products.
- Use birth control during treatment and for 2 weeks after completion.
- Inform the doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Caregivers should follow safe handling and disposal instructions.
