What is Tafinlar?
Tafinlar (dabrafenib) is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer caused by a change in a gene called BRAF.
This gene typically helps control how cells grow, but when it changes (called a mutation), it can make cells grow too fast and form tumors.
Doctors use Tafinlar alone or with another medication called trametinib to treat different types of cancer:
- Melanoma: A serious type of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body. Tafinlar is used when the tumor cannot be removed by surgery or has already spread.
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): This is the common type of lung cancer that has spread and has the BRAF mutation.
- Thyroid cancer: A rare and aggressive type called anaplastic thyroid cancer that has spread and does not have other good treatment options.
- Other solid tumors: Some cancers in adults and children that cannot be removed by surgery, have spread, and have gotten worse despite other treatments.
- Low-grade glioma: A type of brain tumor in children that has the BRAF mutation and needs systemic therapy (treatment that affects the whole body).
Before taking Tafinlar, a doctor will test whether the cancer has the BRAF mutation since this medication only works for cancers with this specific change. Tafinlar is not used for colorectal cancer or tumors that do not have the BRAF mutation.
Tafinlar may cause side effects, including fever, tiredness, skin rash, nausea, and a higher risk of developing new skin cancers. During treatment, a doctor will monitor for any changes in the skin and overall health.
How Does Tafinlar Work?
Tafinlar helps stop cancer cells from growing when they have a specific change in a gene called BRAF. Normally, the BRAF gene helps control how cells grow, but it can make cells grow too fast and form tumors when it mutates.
Tafinlar blocks the mutated BRAF protein, stopping the signal that tells cancer cells to keep growing. This helps slow down or stop the cancer.
When Tafinlar is used with another medication called trametinib, it can work even better by blocking two parts of the cancer’s growth process.
Dosage Information and Usage
Tafinlar is available as capsules or oral suspension tablets.
The tafinlar dosing depends on the patient’s age, weight, and the condition being treated.
Following the prescribed Tafinlar dose carefully is important for the best results.
Dosage Form and Strengths of Tafinlar
Tafinlar is available in different strengths and forms.
The correct Tafinlar dosage depends on body weight and medical condition.
- Tafinlar Capsules:
-
- 50 mg
- 75 mg
- Tafinlar Tablets for Oral Suspension (for patients who cannot swallow capsules):
-
- 10 mg per tablet
Tafinlar Dosage for Different Age Groups
-
- Dosage for Adults: 150 mg orally twice daily
- Dosage for Pediatric Patients (based on weight):
- 26 to 37 kg: 75 mg twice daily
- 38 to 50 kg: 100 mg twice daily
- 51 kg or more: 150 mg twice daily
How to Use Tafinlar?
Take Tafinlar as prescribed, at the same time every day, about 12 hours apart, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
If you miss a dose and it is less than 6 hours before your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose.
Do not take an extra dose if vomiting occurs after taking it. The capsules should be swallowed whole and not opened, crushed, or broken.
For tablets for oral suspension, dissolve them in water before taking them. Stir the mixture and allow it to dissolve fully, which takes about three minutes.
Drink the solution immediately and discard it if it is not consumed within 30 minutes.
Side Effects of Tafinlar
Like all medications, Tafinlar can cause side effects. Some common Tafinlar side effects include fever, rash, and headaches.
More severe side effects of Tafinlar can include heart problems, severe bleeding, and serious skin reactions. Monitor for side effects and contact a doctor if any symptoms become concerning.
Common Side Effects
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash or dry skin
- Joint and muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Cough
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in hands, arms, legs, or face
Severe Side Effects
- Bleeding problems: Severe bleeding in the brain or stomach, coughing up blood, vomiting blood, or black/tarry stools
- Heart problems: Irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling in legs or feet, dizziness
- Eye problems: Blurred vision, vision loss, eye pain, or seeing color dots
- Severe fever reactions: High fever, dehydration, dizziness, or kidney issues
- Serious skin reactions: Blisters, peeling skin, mouth sores, or flu-like symptoms
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia): Increased thirst, frequent urination
- Hemolytic anemia: Yellow skin, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath
- Immune system overactivity (HLH): Fever, swollen glands, bruising, or rash
Warnings and Precautions
Tafinlar can also cause serious side effects. Patients should be aware of these risks and report any concerning symptoms to their doctor.
Here are the key warnings and precautions:
- Tafinlar may cause new skin cancers. Regular skin checks before, during, and after treatment are important.
- It can increase the risk of other cancers inside the body. Patients should be monitored for any unusual symptoms.
- This medication should not be used in patients with tumors that do not have a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation. It may cause tumors to grow faster.
- Some people may experience severe bleeding, including in the brain and stomach. Any signs of unusual bleeding should be reported immediately.
- It can affect the heart, leading to heart failure. Regular heart function tests are necessary during treatment.
- Eye problems, including inflammation and vision changes, may occur. Patients should report any eye pain or vision loss.
- Fever is a common side effect, but some patients may develop dangerously high fevers that cause dehydration or kidney problems.
- Severe skin reactions, including life-threatening conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been reported.
- High blood sugar levels can occur. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely.
- It may harm an unborn baby. Women should use birth control while taking Tafinlar and for a period after stopping treatment.
- This medication can affect fertility in both men and women, potentially making it harder to have children.
- Muscle and joint pain can occur and may be severe in some patients.
- Liver problems can develop, so regular liver function tests are needed.
- Lung inflammation may happen, leading to breathing problems.
- This drug can interact with other medications. Patients should inform their doctor about all medications they take.
- People with kidney problems should be monitored closely, as Tafinlar may cause further complications.
- Swelling in the hands, feet, or face may happen and should be reported if severe.
- Infections may become more common or severe. See a doctor if you have a fever, chills, or other signs of infection.
- People with a history of blood clots should be cautious, as this medication may increase the risk.
- Some patients may experience dizziness or fainting, especially when standing up quickly.
- It may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Staying hydrated and eating small meals can help manage these side effects.
- Rare cases of kidney damage have been reported. Patients should drink plenty of fluids and monitor their kidney function.
- If taken with trametinib, some side effects may be more severe, including increased fever and heart problems.
Drug Interactions With Other Medications
Tafinlar drug interactions can affect how the medication works and may increase the risk of side effects.
Some drugs can raise Tafinlar levels in the body, while others may make certain medications less effective. Patients should discuss all medications with their doctor to prevent any complications.
- Taking strong CYP3A4 or CYP2C8 inhibitors: These medications can slow down the enzymes responsible for breaking down Tafinlar in the body. Examples of such drugs include ketoconazole (used for fungal infections) and grapefruit juice. When these inhibitors are taken with Tafinlar, the drug may accumulate in the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. If these medications cannot be avoided, patients should be closely monitored by their doctor.
- Tafinlar and Midazolam: Midazolam is a medication often used for anxiety or sedation. It is processed by the enzyme CYP3A4. When Tafinlar is taken with midazolam, its effectiveness, patients may need to adjust their sedative dosage or consider alternative treatments.
- Tafinlar and warfarin: Warfarin is a blood thinner that helps prevent blood clots. Tafinlar can interact with warfarin, reducing its effectiveness in preventing clotting. This may lead to a higher risk of clots. Patients on warfarin should have their INR (International Normalized Ratio) levels regularly tested to make sure the drug is still working correctly.
- Tafinlar and dexamethasone: Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used to treat inflammation and certain cancers. When taken with Tafinlar, the levels of dexamethasone in the body can drop, making it less effective. Patients using dexamethasone alongside Tafinlar should be monitored for the reduced effectiveness of their steroid treatment.
- Tafinlar and hormonal contraceptives: Hormonal contraceptives, like birth control pills, can lose effectiveness when taken with Tafinlar. This is because Tafinlar can lower the levels of hormones in the contraceptive, making them less effective at preventing pregnancy. Women using birth control should consider additional or alternative contraceptive methods to ensure protection.
Tafinlar Alternatives
If you are considering Tafinlar alternatives for cancer treatment, several medications are available that may suit your needs.
Here is a list of common alternatives:
- Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
- Opdivo (nivolumab)
- Tagrisso (osimertinib)
- Alimta (pemetrexed)
- Avastin (bevacizumab)
- Imfinzi (durvalumab)
Order Tafinlar from Canada & SAVE
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How to Order Tafinlar Online?
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Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
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