Vemurafenib (Zelboraf®)
How does this medicine work?
Vemurafenib (Veh moo RAF eh nib) is a cancer medicine known as a BRAF Kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply.
How should I give it?
Vemurafenib is given by mouth as a pill twice daily and should be swallowed whole, do not crush, chew or dissolve tablet. The medication should be taken at roughly the same time each day to keep a steady level in the bloodstream.
Store medication at room temperature in original container out of reach of children and pets.
Are there any precautions about food or other medicines?
Care should be taken when handling Vemurafenib. When handling dose choose a workspace away from food, windows, and fans. Wash hands and put on gloves. Take dose right away with water. Medication should be stored out of reach of children.
Drink a full glass of water with each dose to avoid becoming dehydrated. Vemurafenib can be taken with or without food but avoid taking the drug with grapefruit since this may increase the drug level in your blood and increase your risk of side effects.
Check with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.
What should I do if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, take the dose immediately if the next dose is scheduled for at least 6 hours later. If the next scheduled dose is due in less than 6 hours, your child should skip the dose and resume dosing at the next scheduled dose time. Never give a double dose.
If your child vomits (throws up) within 30 minutes after receiving a dose, give it again. If your child vomits the second dose, do not repeat it again.
If your child misses or vomits more than one dose, please call the clinic.
What are the side effects?
Common
- Severe sunburn – avoid sun exposure. Always cover your child’s skin with long sleeves and pants, wear a hat, and wear sunscreen and lip balm SPF 30 or higher
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Itchy rash
- Decreased blood cells that fight infection
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Occasional
- Diarrhea
- Changes in blood tests from kidney, blood or liver problems
- Skin changes such as rash, dry or scaly skin or development of skin growths, moles or warts
- Hair loss
- Sensitivity to light
- Joint or muscle pain or weakness
- Change in sense of taste
- Flushing
- Tingling or burning feelings in hands and feet
- Development of calluses on feet and/or hands
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
Rare
- Vision changes
- Kidney failure
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in heart beat
- Risk of other cancers
When should I call the clinic?
Call the clinic if you experience any of the following:
- Fever, chills
- Bad headache or dizziness
- Vision changes
- Skin or nail changes not controlled by recommended measures
- Bleeding, unusual bruising
- Arm or leg swelling
- Wound that will not heal
- Cough, shortness of breath, sore throat
- Signs of an allergic reaction:
- Wheezing or chest tightness
- Fever
- Itching
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat
- Trouble breathing-call 911
What else do I need to know?
- Your child will have regular blood tests while on this medication to make sure all of the body’s organs are working properly.
- Practice good hygiene and skin care while on this medication.
- Avoid sun exposure or wear sunscreen and lip balm SPF 30 or higher and protective clothing in the sun.
- If your child has nausea while on this medication, they should take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by their provider.
This page is not specific to your child, but provides general information on the topic above. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. For more reading material about this and other health topics, please call or visit Children's Minnesota Family Resource Center library, or visit www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials.
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