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Tafinlar Coupon - Tafinlar 75mg capsule

Tafinlar

dabrafenib
Used for Melanoma
Used for Melanoma

Tafinlar (dabrafenib) is a targeted anticancer therapy that’s usually taken with another medication called Mekinist (trametinib). Tafinlar (dabrafenib) is used to treat many types of cancer that have a certain mutation known as a BRAF mutation. It comes as capsules that are swallowed whole, as well as special tablets that can be used to make a liquid that you drink (typically for children). Tafinlar (dabrafenib) can cause side effects such as fever, rash, and high blood sugar.

Last reviewed on August 7, 2023
basics-icon

What is Tafinlar (dabrafenib)?

What is Tafinlar (dabrafenib) used for?

  • Melanoma with certain BRAF mutations

    • Advanced melanoma, given after surgery and used with Mekinist (trametinib)

    • Melanoma that has spread (metastatic) or can’t be removed by surgery, used alone or with Mekinist (trametinib)

  • Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Mekinist (trametinib)

  • Metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Mekinist (trametinib)

  • Solid tumors with a certain BRAF mutation that have spread (metastatic) or can’t be removed by surgery, used with Mekinist (trametinib)

  • Low-grade glioma (LGG) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Mekinist (trametinib)

How Tafinlar (dabrafenib) works

Tafinlar (dabrafenib) is a kinase inhibitor known as a BRAF inhibitor. The BRAF protein is part of a whole chain of proteins that help cells grow. When the BRAF protein is mutated, the cancer grows uncontrollably and can spread more quickly. By blocking BRAF, Tafinlar (dabrafenib) helps stop tumor growth.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTafinlar
Drug ClassBRAF inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Tafinlar (dabrafenib) essentials

basics-icon

What are the side effects of Tafinlar (dabrafenib)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

The following side effects were reported in adults taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib). Side effects might differ depending on the cancer you have and in children.
  • High blood sugar (up to 71%)
  • Higher liver enzymes in the blood (up to 64%)
  • Fever (up to 63%)
  • Tiredness (up to 59%)
  • Changes in other blood test results (up to 57%)
  • Rash (up to 42%)
  • Nausea (up to 45%)
  • Headache (up to 39%)
  • Chills (up to 37%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 33%)
  • Vomiting (up to 33%)
  • Cough (up to 29%)
  • Muscle or joint pain (up to 28%)
  • Constipation (up to 27%)

Other Side Effects

  • Skin thickening
  • Dry skin
  • Rash on hands and feet
  • Papilloma (non-cancerous, wart-like skin growth)
  • Lower appetite
  • Swelling in legs
  • Bleeding
  • Hair loss
  • Trouble breathing

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Bleeding: nosebleed, blood in stool, sudden and severe headache
  • Serious eye problems: sudden and severe eye pain, sudden vision loss
  • Serious skin reactions: painful blisters, skin wounds, peeling skin, fever, muscle aches
  • Serious blood problems: fever, severe tiredness, weakness, trouble breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bleeding gums

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

coughing up blood

difficulty in breathing or swallowing

dizziness

dry mouth

fever

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine

headache

increased hunger

increased thirst

increased urination

lump or growth on the skin

nausea

nosebleed

prolonged bleeding from cuts

red or black, tarry stools

red or dark brown urine

redness, swelling, or pain of the skin

scaling of the skin on the hands and feet

skin blisters

skin rash

stomach pain

sweating

swelling of the feet or lower legs

tingling of the hands and feet

ulceration of the skin

unable to move

unexplained weight loss

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Less common

Blurred vision or other change in vision

change in color vision

difficulty seeing at night

eye pain

increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight

redness of the eye

tearing

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin

chills

cough

diarrhea

itching

joint or muscle pain

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on lips

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Back pain

difficulty having a bowel movement

fast heartbeat

hair loss or thinning of the hair

headache

indigestion

loss of appetite

muscle ache or stiffness

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

stuffy or runny nose

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

thumbs-up

Pros

Recommended treatment option for certain people with melanoma, NSCLC, ATC, and low-grade glioma

Taken by mouth, so it’s a good option for people who don’t like needles

Works in a more specific, targeted way than traditional chemotherapy

Special tablets available that can be used to make a liquid for children

thumbs-down

Cons

For most people, must take with a second medication

Must take on an empty stomach

Requires regular blood tests to check for side effects

Commonly causes fever, tiredness, and rash

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

pharmacist
  • You should take Tafinlar (dabrafenib) on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). If you take the medication with food, it might not work as well.

    • If you miss your Tafinlar (dabrafenib) dose and it’s more than 6 hours away from the time you usually take your next dose, take the medication as soon as possible. But if it’s less than 6 hours away from your next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until the next regularly scheduled time to take Tafinlar (dabrafenib). Don’t double up on your doses.

      • If you vomit after taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib), don’t take an extra dose. Wait until the next regularly scheduled time to take Tafinlar (dabrafenib). Don’t take two doses at the same time.

        • Contact your provider if you have a fever while you’re taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib), even if you don’t have other symptoms such as tiredness of chills. A fever that happens during treatment can be serious.

          • If you have diabetes and you’re taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib), contact your provider if your blood sugar level is higher than usual. Taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) can sometimes raise your blood sugar levels. For this reason, your provider might check your blood sugar levels more closely during treatment.

            • If you’re a woman who’s able to have children, be sure to use non-hormonal birth control, such as condoms, while you’re taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and for 2 weeks after the last dose. It’s not safe to get pregnant during treatment because the medication might harm an unborn baby. Tafinlar (dabrafenib) might make hormonal birth control work less well.

              • Keep Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and the desiccant (drying agent) in the original bottle at room temperature. This protects the medication from moisture.

                Tips for the Tafinlar (dabrafenib) capsules:

                • Swallow the capsule whole. Don’t open, crush, or break the capsule.

                  Tips for the Tafinlar (dabrafenib) tablets that are used to make a liquid:

                  • There’s a special tablet formulation of Tafinlar (dabrafenib) that can be turned into a liquid. This makes it easier for a child to take. If you’re the caregiver for a child who needs to take the liquid form of Tafinlar (dabrafenib), make sure you carefully follow the instructions from your child’s provider to prepare the liquid and give the medication to your child properly. Ask the provider if you have any questions.

                    • Mix the dissolvable tablets in water until they’re fully dissolved. If the dose is between 1 and 4 tablets, mix them with 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) of water. If the dose is between 5 and 15 tablets, mix in 10 milliliters (2 teaspoons) of water. It can take at least 3 minutes to dissolve the tablets, and the mixture will look cloudy. Give your child the medication right after mixing.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

                      Why is Tafinlar (dabrafenib) usually taken together with Mekinist (trametinib)?
                      Tafinlar (dabrafenib) works by blocking a specific protein inside cancer cells that’s important for tumor growth called BRAF. As a result, cancer cells can’t grow or spread as well. But there are other proteins in cancer cells, such as MEK, that also help the tumor grow. While Tafinlar (dabrafenib) blocks BRAF, Mekinist (trametinib) blocks MEK. By blocking two different proteins, Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and Mekinist (trametinib) work together to stop the growth and spread of cancer better.
                      Will I lose my hair if I take Tafinlar (dabrafenib)?
                      Some people experienced hair loss while taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib), but it’s not common. Sometimes, people’s hair changed texture (became curlier) or changed color. If you do notice hair loss, consider using a soft-bristled brush, only washing hair when necessary, and using mild shampoos to help manage this effect. You might also want to talk to your provider because there can be other causes of hair loss.
                      I have colon cancer with a BRAF mutation. Is Tafinlar (dabrafenib) an option for me?
                      Tafinlar (dabrafenib) isn’t FDA approved or recommended for people with colon cancer and BRAF mutations, even though it is for many other cancer types with BRAF mutations like non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma. Research studying the use of Tafinlar (dabrafenib) for BRAF-mutated colon cancer found that the medication didn’t work as well as other treatment options. It’s possible that more research is needed in this area. In the meantime, if you have colon cancer with a BRAF mutation, talk with your provider about what treatment options are best for you.
                      What should I do if I have a fever while taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib)?
                      Contact your provider right away if you have a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit that happens with or without chills, sweating, or other flu-like symptoms. It’s not clear why exactly this happens, but some people taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) can have a serious fever. It’s also possible to have complications such as dehydration, low blood pressure, and kidney problems from this reaction. For this reason, your provider should examine you when you have a fever to make sure you get the treatment you need for the reaction. You might need to stop taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) temporarily or in some cases stop treatment altogether.
                      Can children take Tafinlar (dabrafenib)?
                      It depends on the type of cancer your child has. Tafinlar (dabrafenib) is approved for children 1 year of age and older with low-grade glioma (a type of brain tumor). It’s also used for children 6 years and older with certain solid tumors. If your child is taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib), contact their provider if you have questions or concerns. Tafinlar (dabrafenib) isn’t safe for children who haven’t been prescribed Tafinlar (dabrafenib) by a provider. If you or an adult in your household is taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib), make sure you keep it up and away from children.
                      How long should I take Tafinlar (dabrafenib) for?
                      How long you take Tafinlar (dabrafenib) depends on many factors. These factors include the type of cancer you have, how well the medication is working for you, and whether you’re having any side effects. Your provider will regularly follow up with you while you’re taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib). They’ll check how well the medication is working for you based on your scan results and your symptoms. Let your provider know if you experience any side effects during treatment, such as headache, rash, or muscle pain. Depending on how severe your side effects are, you might be able to continue treatment, temporarily stop treatment, or permanently stop Tafinlar (dabrafenib). In general, don’t stop taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) without first discussing with your provider.
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                      warings-icon

                      What are the risks and warnings for Tafinlar (dabrafenib)?

                      Tafinlar (dabrafenib) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      New cancers

                      Some people taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) developed a new cancer. In studies, these cancers included different kinds of skin cancer and other cancer types. While you’re taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib), your provider will monitor you for new signs and symptoms of cancer, especially skin cancers.

                      risk-warning

                      Not for people with cancers without a BRAF mutation

                      Tafinlar (dabrafenib) isn’t recommended for people with cancers without a BRAF mutation. Lab studies have shown that if a BRAF inhibitor is used to treat a cancer that doesn’t have a BRAF mutation, it might cause cancer cells to grow. For this reason, BRAF inhibitors like Tafinlar (dabrafenib) should only be used in people with certain BRAF mutations. Your provider will confirm that you have a BRAF mutation before you start taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib).

                      risk-warning

                      Bleeding

                      Tafinlar (dabrafenib), taken with Mekinist (trametinib), can cause bleeding. This can include nosebleeds, bleeding in the gut, and rarely, bleeding in the brain. If you have any unusual bleeding, tell your provider right away. If it’s mild, your provider might pause Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and you might be able to restart it later at a lower dose. But sometimes, the medication must be permanently stopped.

                      risk-warning

                      Heart problems

                      Though uncommon, some people taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) with Mekinist (trametinib) developed a heart condition where their heart doesn’t pump as well. Some people with this condition might not feel anything. But others might have symptoms like tiredness, trouble breathing, and swelling in the legs. Your provider will monitor how well your heart is pumping through imaging called an echocardiogram (echo). You’ll usually need imaging scans of your heart every 2 to 3 months while you’re taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib). If the scans show that your heart isn’t pumping as well as it should or if you experience related symptoms while you’re taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib), you might need to pause or stop the medication.

                      risk-warning

                      Eye problems

                      Rarely, people taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) alone or with Mekinist (trametinib) developed swelling inside their eye, also called uveitis. Contact your provider if you have vision changes, eye pain, or light sensitivity. You’ll probably need an eye exam so your provider or ophthalmologist can check your eyes. Depending on how severe the swelling is, you might have to pause Tafinlar (dabrafenib) treatment and use eye drops to treat the eye problem.

                      risk-warning

                      Serious fever

                      People taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) have developed a serious reaction with fever. Sometimes, fever is the only symptom; other times, people also experience chills, low blood pressure, and dehydration. If you have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, contact your provider as soon as possible. Your provider might recommend you take medications to lower your temperature, like acetaminophen (Tylenol). You also might need to pause taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) until your fever goes away.

                      risk-warning

                      Serious skin problems

                      Rashes are common and aren’t usually serious for people taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) with Mekinist (trametinib). But rarely, this medication can also cause severe and sometimes life-threatening skin reactions (that happen with or without infections), such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Tell your provider right away if you develop painful blisters, skin wounds, or peeling skin, as these are signs of a serious skin reaction that need immediate medical attention.

                      risk-warning

                      High blood sugar

                      • Risk factors: Diabetes

                        Some people with diabetes who took Tafinlar (dabrafenib) alone or together with Mekinist (trametinib) have had higher blood sugar levels. Sometimes, this effect requires starting or changing their diabetes medication to help manage blood sugar. Your provider will check your blood sugar levels while you’re taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib), especially if you have diabetes. If you check your own blood sugar at home and notice higher levels, contact your provider.

                        risk-warning

                        Caution in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

                        • Risk factors: History of G6PD deficiency

                          People with a rare genetic condition called G6PD deficiency who take Tafinlar (dabrafenib) are at risk of developing hemolytic anemia. This happens when red blood cells break down faster than they should. If you have G6PD deficiency and you’re taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib), contact your provider right away if you have symptoms of hemolytic anemia, such as severe tiredness, weakness, or swollen and tender stomach.

                          risk-warning

                          Serious blood problem

                          Rarely, people taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) with Mekinist (trametinib) developed a serious blood condition called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). HLH might cause fever, low white blood cells, low red blood cells, and damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver. Seek medical attention right away if you have fever; swollen lymph nodes; or a tender, swollen stomach.

                          risk-warning

                          Harm to unborn baby

                          Based on animal studies, Tafinlar (dabrafenib) might harm an unborn baby or raise the risk for miscarriage (pregnancy loss). Because of these risks, if you’re a woman who can get pregnant, you should use birth control while taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and for 2 weeks after the last dose. It’s important to use non-hormonal birth control when you’re taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) because this medication might make hormonal birth control methods, like birth control pills, work less well. If you’re a man taking Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and you have a partner who can have children, use condoms during sex until 2 weeks after your last dose. Tell your provider as soon as you can if you or your partner becomes pregnant during treatment.

                          dosage

                          Tafinlar (dabrafenib) dosage forms

                          Typical dosing for Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

                          • Adults: The typical dose is 150 mg by mouth twice a day (about 12 hours apart).

                          • Children: The dose is based on your child’s body weight. The typical dose ranges from 20 mg to 150 mg by mouth twice a day (about 12 hours apart).

                          interactions

                          Interactions between Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and other drugs

                          Tafinlar (dabrafenib) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Tafinlar (dabrafenib). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Tafinlar (dabrafenib)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Tafinlar (dabrafenib). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Tafinlar (dabrafenib)
                          Used for:
                          • Melanoma with certain BRAF mutations

                            • Advanced melanoma, given after surgery and used with Mekinist (trametinib)

                            • Melanoma that has spread (metastatic) or can’t be removed by surgery, used alone or with Mekinist (trametinib)

                          • Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Mekinist (trametinib)

                          • Metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Mekinist (trametinib)

                          • Solid tumors with a certain BRAF mutation that have spread (metastatic) or can’t be removed by surgery, used with Mekinist (trametinib)

                          • Low-grade glioma (LGG) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Mekinist (trametinib)

                          Used for:
                          • Melanoma with a certain BRAF mutation that has spread (metastatic) or can’t be removed by surgery

                          • Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) with a certain BRAF mutation

                          Used for:
                          images

                          Tafinlar (dabrafenib) images

                          Pink Gs Lhf 75 Mg - Tafinlar 75mg Capsule
                          This medicine is Pink Capsule Imprinted With "Gs Lhf 75 Mg".Pink Gs Lhf 75 Mg - Tafinlar 75mg Capsule

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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          Aiman, W., et al. (2023). Low-grade gliomas. StatPearls.

                          Akinleye, A., et al. (2013). MEK and the inhibitors: From bench to bedside. Journal of Hematology and Oncology.

                          American Cancer Society. (2022). Gene changes and cancer.

                          View All References (24)

                          American Cancer Society. (2023). What is lung cancer?

                          Daud, A., et al. (2017). Indirect treatment comparison of dabrafenib plus trametinib versus vemurafenib plus cobimetinib in previously untreated metastatic melanoma patients. Journal of Hematology and Oncology.

                          Dika, E., et al. (2016). Hair and nail adverse events during treatment with targeted therapies for metastatic melanoma. European Journal of Dermatology.

                          Grothey, A., et al. (2021). Management of BRAF-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer: A review of treatment options and evidence-based guidelines. Annals of Oncology.

                          Konkol, S., et al. (2023). Lymphohistiocytosis. StatPearls.

                          Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. (2022). Erdheim-Chester disease.

                          National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Definition of BRAF gene.

                          National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Definition of BRAF V600 mutation.

                          National Cancer Institute. (2019). Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC).

                          National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2021). NCCN guidelines for patients - Brain cancer: Gliomas.

                          National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2022). NCCN guidelines for patients - Colon cancer.

                          National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2023). NCCN guidelines for patients - Melanoma.

                          National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2023). NCCN guidelines for patients - Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

                          National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2022). NCCN guidelines for patients - Thyroid cancer.

                          National Eye Institute. (2023). Uveitis.

                          National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Hemolytic anemia.

                          Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2023). Tafinlar - dabrafenib capsule and tablet for suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Proietti, I., et al. (2020). BRAF inhibitors: Molecular targeting and immunomodulatory actions. Cancers.

                          Richardson, S. R., et al. (2022). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. StatPearls.

                          Rossi, A., et al. (2018). Chemotherapy-induced alopecia management: Clinical experience and practical advice. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

                          Sabry, A. O., et al. (2023). Papilloma. StatPearls.

                          Tafinlar and Mekinist. (2023). How to take Tafinlar and Mekinist. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

                          Tafinlar and Mekinist. (2023). Understanding side effects. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

                          Thawer, A., et al. (2021). Management of pyrexia associated with the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib: Canadian consensus statements. Current Oncology.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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