This leaflet provides information on a course of treatment called dabrafenib and trametinib. The leaflet will explain what this is, when and how it is given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on dabrafenib and trametinib are given at the end of the leaflet.
What is dabrafenib and trametinib?
Dabrafenib and trametinib are anti cancer drugs. They are not chemotherapy, they are known as targeted therapies. They are oral BRAF kinase and MEK inhibitors. They work by slowing down or stopping the cancer’s growth.
Why am I having dabrafenib and trametinib?
Your doctor has prescribed dabrafenib and trametinib because it has been found to be effective in controlling your melanoma.
How should I take the dabrafenib and trametinib treatment?
Dabrafenib and trametinib treatment should be taken once or twice a day with a glass of water. Details of how to take the medication will be clearly labelled on both boxes. Do not mix with food or liquids other than water. Try to take the treatment at approximately the same time each day, whether this is once or twice a day. If it is twice a day, take the medication 12 hours apart. Dabrafenib and trametinib should be taken on an empty stomach. That means at least one hour before food or at least two hours after eating. The medication should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. They must not be chewed or crushed.
How much medication will I need to take?
The amount you need to take will be clearly marked on the boxes.
What should I do if I forget to take my medication?
Do not take the extra medication when your treatment should have finished. It is important that even if you have missed any doses you should finish the treatment at the planned time.
How should I store the dabrafenib and trametinib treatment?
Your treatment should be stored in their original packaging in a safe place away from children. They should be kept in a cool dry place. Any unused treatment should be returned to the hospital pharmacy or your local chemist for safe disposal.
What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur with dabrafenib and trametinib treatment. The doctors, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
Fever and chills
Symptoms may include a temperature, fever and chills. However if you have any sign of an infection, such as pain when passing urine or passing urine more often, coughing green phlegm or chesty cough please see your local doctor.
Soreness to your hands and feet
You may experience mild pain, redness and swelling of your hands or feet. If this occurs we recommend using a non perfumed cream or lotion regularly. Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre if your hands or feet become painful.
Skin changes
Dabrafenib and trametinib may cause a rash or skin changes. Some patients will develop new skin cancers called squamous cell carcinoma whilst being treated with dabrafenib and trametinib. This type of skin cancer is usually easily treated by removing it. Your doctor will monitor you carefully but if you do notice any new skin blemishes please let your doctor know. These skin cancers are not like melanomas and are NOT life threatening
Tiredness and fatigue
Dabrafenib and trametinib treatment can make you feel more tired than usual. It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as taking rest.
Myalgia (pain in the muscles)
Some patients may experience myalgia which is muscle or joint pain. This can sometimes be severe but will only last for a few days. If you already have painkillers at home you may find they relieve the pain. If this does not work please contact Velindre Cancer Centre. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Heart problems
Occasionally, dabrafenib and trametinib may cause some heart problems. If you have a heart condition or you take any heart medication, please tell your doctor before you start treatment.
Your team may organise a heart test, such as an ECG or / and a MUGA scan.
If you develop palpitations, contact Velindre Cancer Centre. If you develop chest pain, dial 999, though this is rare.
Sickness and loss of appetite
You may experience a loss of appetite and some people may feel sick whilst taking dabrafenib and trametinib but this can usually be well controlled with anti sickness medication. If you are sick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine, you should stop taking your dabrafenib and trametinib treatment and contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Diarrhoea
You may have diarrhoea with this treatment. If this occurs it is important that you drink plenty of fluids. Medication is available to control diarrhoea. If you have four or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Sore mouth
Your mouth may become sore or you may notice small ulcers. Your doctor may prescribe mouthwashes or medication to help with this.
Some people find that their mouth is too sensitive for regular toothpaste. If this happens try using mild children’s toothpaste.
If your mouth becomes very painful, or you are finding it difficult to eat and drink, you should stop taking your medication and contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Hair loss
Unfortunately you may lose your hair or experience hair thinning with this treatment. This is only temporary. If you do lose your hair, it will grow back when your treatment has finished.
We have a leaflet that tells you more about coping with hair loss. Please ask your nurse for a copy.
Other side effects
Occasionally patients may experience a change in vision and or eye pain. Please inform Velindre Cancer Centre if you have any eye symptoms.
If you develop a dry cough or notice that you are short of breath please tell your doctor.
Some people may experience problems with headaches. Try taking the painkillers you would normally take for a headache. If you find that painkillers do not help please tell your doctor or nurse.
Is it alright to take other medicines with dabrafenib and trametinib?
If you are taking other medicines, vitamins or herbal remedies, please let your doctor, nurse or pharmacist know. It is not advisable to take over the counter medication.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any side-effects.
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and commonly reported side-effects (we are unable to list all of the common side effects), for more information regarding these and the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888
Ask for the treatment helpline if you are unwell at home and need immediate advice at any time of the day or night. For example you should phone if you:
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
Macmillan freephone Helpline 0808 808 0000
This leaflet is also available in Welsh 0
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by a team of doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.