Dabrafenib Capsules 75mg

Dabrafenib, sold under the brand name Tafinlar, is a targeted therapy drug used to treat certain types of cancer that have a specific genetic mutation. It is available in capsule form, including a 75mg strength.

Dabrafenib is a powerful anti-cancer medication used to treat:

• Melanoma: It is used either alone or, more commonly, in combination with another drug called trametinib (Mekinist), to treat melanoma (skin cancer) that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery. It is also used with trametinib to help prevent melanoma from returning after surgery.

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): It is used in combination with trametinib to treat NSCLC that has spread to other parts of the body.

• Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC): It is used in combination with trametinib to treat ATC that has spread.

• Solid Tumors and Low-Grade Glioma: It is also used in combination with trametinib to treat certain other solid tumors and brain tumors (low-grade glioma) in both adults and children.

Important Note: Dabrafenib is only effective in cancers that have a specific genetic mutation, known as the BRAF V600E or V600K mutation. Doctors will perform a specific test on the tumor to confirm the presence of this mutation before prescribing the medication.

Dabrafenib is a type of medicine known as a kinase inhibitor. It specifically targets and blocks the activity of a mutated protein called BRAF. In healthy cells, the BRAF protein is part of a signaling pathway that controls cell growth. However, in cancers with the BRAF V600 mutation, this pathway is overactive, causing cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. By inhibiting this mutated BRAF protein, dabrafenib helps to slow or stop the growth and spread of the cancer cells. When used in combination with trametinib (which targets a different part of the same pathway), the treatment is often more effective and helps to prevent the cancer from developing resistance to the drug.

Dabrafenib capsules are taken orally, usually twice a day, at evenly spaced intervals (approximately 12 hours apart). The capsules should be swallowed whole with water and should not be crushed, chewed, or opened. It's generally recommended to take dabrafenib on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal, to maximize absorption. The dosage can vary and may be adjusted by your doctor based on your body weight and how well you tolerate the medication.

As a potent anti-cancer medication, dabrafenib can cause a variety of side effects. When used in combination with trametinib, some side effects may be more frequent or severe. Common side effects include:

• Fever and Chills: This is a very common side effect.

• Skin Issues: Rash, dry skin, and a thickening of the skin (hyperkeratosis) are common.

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

• Fatigue and Headache

• Joint and Muscle Pain

More serious, but less common, side effects can occur. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• New or Worsening Skin Lesions: Dabrafenib can, in rare cases, lead to the development of new skin cancers. Your skin will be monitored closely by your doctor.

• Fever: High fevers may require interrupting treatment.

• Cardiomyopathy: Reduced heart function, which can be monitored with regular scans of the heart.

• Eye Problems: Swelling in the eye (uveitis), blurred vision, or other vision changes.

• Bleeding or Bruising: Dabrafenib can increase the risk of bleeding.

• Liver Problems: Symptoms of liver damage, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).