Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Tafinlar (Dabrafenib).
Bleeding: People taking the combination of trametinib and Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) may be more likely to have difficulty stopping cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.
Blood Clots: People who take Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) in combination with trametinib may be at increased risk of developing blood clots, causing a reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.
If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood-clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Tafinlar (Dabrafenib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Diabetes: Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. If you have diabetes, you may find it necessary to monitor your blood sugar more frequently while using Tafinlar (Dabrafenib).
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Tafinlar (Dabrafenib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Eye inflammation: Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) may cause eye inflammation. If you experience eye pain, changes in your vision, or eye pain when you are exposed to light, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Fertility: Men who take Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) may develop a decreased sperm count that may not return to normal levels after you stop taking Tafinlar (Dabrafenib). Discuss your concerns with your doctor before starting to take Tafinlar (Dabrafenib).
Fever: Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) may cause an increase in body temperature (fever) that is not related to infection. This may be more likely to happen to people who take trametinib along with Tafinlar (Dabrafenib). If you experience a fever while taking Tafinlar (Dabrafenib), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Heart rhythm: Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., have heart failure, Angina, or low potassium or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Tafinlar (Dabrafenib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infection: People taking Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) along with trametinib, may be more likely to experience a reduced number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells), and are more likely to develop severe infections. If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Kidney function: Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) may cause kidney failure, as a result of high fever and dehydration. Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor kidney function while you are using Tafinlar (Dabrafenib). If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Tafinlar (Dabrafenib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Tafinlar (Dabrafenib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Other cancers: New cancerous lesions on the skin, such as squamous cell cancer or new melanomas can occur while you are taking Tafinlar (Dabrafenib). It is important to have your skin examined before starting Tafinlar (Dabrafenib), every 2 months while you are taking Tafinlar (Dabrafenib), and until 6 months after stopping the medication. Signs of squamous cell cancer include sores, Warts, or bumps that bleed or do not heal. Signs of melanoma include moles with an irregular shape, border, or colour that are changing shape or are growing. If you notice any of these signs, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
It is also possible to develop other cancers while taking Tafinlar (Dabrafenib). Discuss your concerns with your doctor before starting to take Tafinlar (Dabrafenib).
Pancreatitis: Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. If you have a history of pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Tafinlar (Dabrafenib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Report signs of pancreatitis such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, or swollen abdomen to your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) may cause harm to an unborn fetus and should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Tafinlar (Dabrafenib), contact your doctor immediately. Women of childbearing age who are taking Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) should use an effective method of birth control such as condoms during treatment and for 4 weeks after stopping the medication. Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) is likely to decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills, which should not be used as the only form of birth control.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) passes into breast milk. Because there is a high likelihood of causing harm to a nursing infant if Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) does pass into breast milk, you should either stop either breast-feeding or not use Tafinlar (Dabrafenib). Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects of Tafinlar (Dabrafenib) and may require a lower dose.
