encorafenib
What is the most important information I should know about encorafenib?
Encorafenib can harm an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use a non-hormonal form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while using encorafenib and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
Although this medicine is used to treat melanoma, using encorafenib may increase your risk of developing other types of skin cancer. Ask your doctor about your specific risk. Tell your doctor if you notice any new skin symptoms.
What is encorafenib?
Encorafenib is used in combination with a medicine called binimetinib (Mektovi) to treat melanoma (skin cancer) that cannot be treated with surgery or has spread to other parts of the body.
Encorafenib is used in combination with a medicine called cetuximab (Erbitux) to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Encorafenib is used only if your cancer has a specific genetic marker (an abnormal "BRAF" gene). Your doctor will test you for this gene. This medicine is not for treating wild-type BRAF cancers.
Encorafenib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking encorafenib?
You should not use encorafenib if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart problems;
- long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
- lung disease;
- liver or kidney disease;
- eye problems (especially a problem with your retina); or
- bleeding problems, or a blood clot.
Although this medicine is used to treat melanoma, using encorafenib may increase your risk of developing other types of skin cancer. Tell your doctor if you notice any new skin symptoms such as redness, warts, sores that will not heal, or a mole that has changed in size or color.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Do not use encorafenib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Encorafenib can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. To prevent pregnancy while using encorafenib, use a barrier form of birth control: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.
This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
How should I take encorafenib?
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you have the correct tumor type to be treated with encorafenib.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Encorafenib is usually taken once per day, with or without food.
You may need to take 4 to 6 capsules at one time for a complete dose. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
If you vomit shortly after taking encorafenib, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose time to take the medicine again.
Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.
Your doctor will need to check your skin every 2 months while you are using encorafenib, and for up to 6 months after your last dose.
You will need frequent medical tests.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking encorafenib?
Grapefruit may interact with encorafenib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
What are the possible side effects of encorafenib?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some side effects are more likely to occur if you take encorafenib and binimetinib together. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- eye pain or swelling, vision changes, seeing halos around lights, seeing color "dots" in your vision;
- severe skin rash, skin pain or swelling, redness and peeling skin on your hands or feet;
- fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or
- signs of bleeding --weakness, dizziness, headache, nosebleeds, rectal bleeding, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
- tiredness; or
- joint pain or swelling.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect encorafenib?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Other drugs may affect encorafenib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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