Vemurafenib: A Detailed Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Vemurafenib is a targeted therapy medication used for certain forms of melanoma and Erdheim-Chester Disease. It works by blocking proteins involved in cell growth, particularly in cancer cells. Like all medications, Vemurafenib may have side effects, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider. As we are a telemedicine primary care practice, our healthcare providers are available for consultation at any time.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Zelboraf (Vemurafenib)

The ‘generic name’ is the official medical name of the medication, which is used globally for consistency, regardless of the brand. The generic name is presented in parentheses after the brand name.

Pharmacologic Category

Vemurafenib is a BRAF inhibitor. Other medications in this category include Dabrafenib (Tafinlar), Encorafenib (Braftovi), and Sorafenib (Nexavar).

Dosing

Vemurafenib is used to treat the following conditions in adults:

• Melanoma: The usual dose is 960 mg twice daily, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized dosing instructions.
• Erdheim-Chester Disease: The standard dose is 960 mg twice daily. Duration of treatment is determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition and response to the medication. If you have any queries or concerns, don’t hesitate to schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our healthcare providers.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Vemurafenib is available in the form of tablets, with a strength of 240 mg.

Administration Instructions

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Like all medications, Vemurafenib may cause side effects. Commonly reported side effects include:

• Skin rash: Often, a skin rash may occur. If you notice this, please contact your healthcare provider.
• Joint pain: This medication can cause joint pain in some patients.
• Fatigue: You may feel unusually tired while on this medication. Let your healthcare provider know if this becomes a concern.
• Increased liver function tests: This medication can affect the liver. Regular monitoring of liver function is necessary during treatment.

It’s important to remember that every patient responds differently to medication, and not everyone will experience these side effects. Please consult with one of our telemedicine providers if you have concerns about these or other potential side effects.

Contraindications

‘Contraindications’ are conditions or factors that make a particular treatment or procedure potentially harmful. These are reasons why Vemurafenib might not be advisable. For Vemurafenib, these include:

• Allergy to Vemurafenib or any of its components: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Vemurafenib or any of its ingredients in the past, it may not be safe to take again.

Drug to Drug Interactions

It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, as some can interact with Vemurafenib. These include:

• Rifampin (Rifadin)
• St. John’s Wort
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Vemurafenib in Pregnancy

Vemurafenib may harm an unborn baby, so it’s generally not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Vemurafenib while Breastfeeding

It is not known if Vemurafenib passes into breast milk and how it might affect a nursing infant. Therefore, breastfeeding while using this medication is not recommended. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you are using Vemurafenib.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Vemurafenib using a GoodRx coupon, without insurance, is approximately $11,500. However, prices can vary based on location and pharmacy. We recommend checking with your local pharmacy or using a price comparison tool for the most accurate estimate.

Possible Alternatives

There are alternative treatments for Melanoma and Erdheim-Chester Disease. It is important to discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan:

• Melanoma: Other treatments can include surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
• Erdheim-Chester Disease: Alternative treatments can include interferon alpha, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy with other BRAF inhibitors.

Recent Updates on Vemurafenib Research

Research is ongoing in the use of Vemurafenib in other BRAF mutation-related cancers. There is also growing evidence to support combination therapies with other targeted drugs for better outcomes. Please discuss with our telemedicine providers for the most up-to-date information.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.