What is Dabrafenib: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Dabrafenib is a targeted cancer medication that specifically blocks abnormal proteins driving certain types of melanoma and thyroid cancer. Think of it as a precision tool that interrupts the signals telling cancer cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably.

This medication belongs to a class called BRAF inhibitors, which means it targets a specific genetic mutation found in about half of all melanomas. When you have this particular mutation, dabrafenib can be remarkably effective at slowing or stopping cancer progression.

What is Dabrafenib Used For?

Dabrafenib treats melanoma and anaplastic thyroid cancer that carry a specific genetic change called the BRAF V600E or V600K mutation. Your doctor will test your cancer tissue to confirm you have this mutation before prescribing dabrafenib.

For melanoma, dabrafenib works for both advanced cases that have spread to other parts of your body and earlier-stage melanoma after surgical removal. In thyroid cancer, it's used when the cancer is advanced and hasn't responded to radioactive iodine treatment.

Sometimes doctors prescribe dabrafenib alongside another medication called trametinib. This combination approach can be more effective than using either drug alone, giving your body a better chance at controlling the cancer.

How Does Dabrafenib Work?

Dabrafenib works by blocking a protein called BRAF that's gone haywire in your cancer cells. When this protein mutates, it sends constant "grow and divide" signals to cancer cells, causing tumors to expand rapidly.

By blocking these faulty signals, dabrafenib essentially puts the brakes on cancer cell growth. This targeted approach means the medication focuses specifically on cancer cells while largely leaving your healthy cells alone.

As targeted therapies go, dabrafenib is considered quite potent for people with the right genetic mutation. However, it's not a chemotherapy drug, so it works differently than traditional cancer treatments you might be familiar with.

How Should I Take Dabrafenib?

Take dabrafenib capsules twice daily, about 12 hours apart, on an empty stomach. This means taking it at least one hour before eating or two hours after your last meal.

Swallow the capsules whole with water - don't open, crush, or chew them. The medication needs to be absorbed properly, and breaking the capsules can interfere with how your body processes the drug.

Try to take your doses at the same times each day to maintain steady levels in your bloodstream. Many people find it helpful to set phone alarms as reminders, especially during the first few weeks of treatment.

Avoid taking dabrafenib with grapefruit juice or grapefruit, as this fruit can increase the medication's levels in your blood to potentially dangerous amounts.

How Long Should I Take Dabrafenib For?

You'll typically continue taking dabrafenib as long as it's working effectively and you're tolerating it reasonably well. This could mean months or even years of treatment, depending on how your cancer responds.

Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular scans and blood tests, usually every few months. If the cancer starts growing again or side effects become too difficult to manage, your treatment plan may need adjustment.

Some people develop resistance to dabrafenib over time, which is unfortunately common with targeted therapies. When this happens, your oncologist will discuss alternative treatment options that might work better for your situation.

What Are the Side Effects of Dabrafenib?

Like most cancer medications, dabrafenib can cause side effects, though many people tolerate it quite well. The most common side effects tend to be manageable with proper support and monitoring from your healthcare team.

Here are the side effects you're most likely to experience:

• Fever and chills, which can sometimes be severe
• Fatigue and weakness
• Headaches
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea and reduced appetite
• Skin rash or dryness
• Hair thinning or texture changes

These common side effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medication, usually within the first few weeks of treatment.

There are also some less common but more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention:

• High fever (over 101.3°F) with shaking chills
• Severe skin reactions or new skin growths
• Vision changes or eye problems
• Heart rhythm changes or chest pain
• Severe bleeding or unusual bruising
• Signs of liver problems like yellowing skin or dark urine

While these serious side effects are less frequent, they can develop at any point during treatment, so staying alert to changes in how you feel is important.

Rarely, dabrafenib can cause new types of skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma. Your doctor will examine your skin regularly and may recommend dermatology check-ups every few months.

Who Should Not Take Dabrafenib?

Dabrafenib isn't suitable for everyone, even among people with the right genetic mutation. Your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing this medication.

You shouldn't take dabrafenib if you're allergic to it or any of its ingredients. People with certain heart conditions may also need alternative treatments, as dabrafenib can affect heart rhythm in some cases.

Pregnancy requires special consideration, as dabrafenib can harm developing babies. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss safer treatment options with your oncologist.

People with severe liver or kidney problems may need dose adjustments or different medications altogether. Your doctor will check your organ function through blood tests before starting treatment.

Dabrafenib Brand Names

Dabrafenib is sold under the brand name Tafinlar in most countries, including the United States, Canada, and throughout Europe. This is the name you'll see on your prescription bottle and medication packaging.

Some countries may have different brand names or generic versions available. Always verify with your pharmacist that you're receiving the correct medication, especially when traveling or filling prescriptions in different locations.

Dabrafenib Alternatives

Several other targeted therapies work similarly to dabrafenib for BRAF-mutated cancers. Vemurafenib (Zelboraf) is another BRAF inhibitor that works through the same mechanism but may have slightly different side effect profiles.

For people who can't tolerate BRAF inhibitors, immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or nivolumab (Opdivo) offer different approaches to treating melanoma. These work by boosting your immune system's ability to fight cancer cells.

Combination treatments are increasingly common, with dabrafenib plus trametinib being one of the most studied and effective pairings. Your oncologist will help determine which approach makes the most sense for your specific situation.

Is Dabrafenib Better Than Vemurafenib?

Both dabrafenib and vemurafenib are effective BRAF inhibitors with similar success rates in treating BRAF-mutated melanoma. The choice between them often comes down to individual factors like side effect tolerance and other medications you're taking.

Dabrafenib may cause fewer skin-related side effects compared to vemurafenib, which can make some people's skin extremely sensitive to sunlight. However, dabrafenib tends to cause fever more frequently than vemurafenib.

Your doctor will consider your overall health, lifestyle, and treatment goals when choosing between these medications. Both can be combined with MEK inhibitors for enhanced effectiveness, though the specific combinations differ.