How it is administered

Vemurafenib is taken by mouth as a tablet. Each tablet contains 240 mg of vemurafenib. The usual recommended dose is 960 mg (four 240 mg tablets) taken twice daily, about 12 hours apart, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.

How it works

Vemurafenib is a targeted therapy that works by blocking the activity of a specific protein called BRAF, which is involved in cell growth. Some cancers, including certain blood cancers, have mutations in the BRAF gene (most commonly the V600E mutation) that cause the protein to be constantly active, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.

By inhibiting the mutated BRAF protein, vemurafenib helps to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. It is important to confirm that the cancer has the BRAF V600E mutation before starting treatment, as this medication is not effective in cancers without this mutation.

Who Should take it

Vemurafenib is indicated for patients with cancers that have a BRAF V600E mutation. It is FDA-approved for use in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma and for Erdheim-Chester Disease (ECD) with a BRAF V600 mutation. For blood cancers, it may be considered if the cancer has the BRAF V600E mutation, though its use in Hairy Cell Leukemia is not specifically mentioned in the FDA label.

Before starting vemurafenib, your doctor will test your cancer for the BRAF V600E mutation. Only patients whose cancer tests positive for this mutation should take vemurafenib.

Who should not take it

Patients whose cancer does not have the BRAF V600E mutation should not take vemurafenib, as it is not effective and may even promote tumor growth in these cases. It is also not recommended for patients who have had severe allergic reactions to vemurafenib or any of its ingredients.

Caution should be used in patients with a history of heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation), liver problems, or severe kidney problems. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use vemurafenib due to the risk of harm to the baby.

Commonly used with

Vemurafenib may be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments, depending on the specific cancer and its characteristics. However, concurrent use with ipilimumab (another cancer immunotherapy) is not recommended due to increased risk of liver toxicity.

Your healthcare team will decide if vemurafenib should be combined with other medications based on your individual case.

Commonly tested with

Vemurafenib has been tested in combination with other cancer therapies, such as immunotherapies and other targeted agents, mainly in clinical trials for melanoma and other cancers with BRAF mutations. It is important to note that combining vemurafenib with certain drugs, such as strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, can affect how the medication works and may increase side effects or reduce effectiveness.