Dabrafenib is a targeted cancer medicine. It works only in tumors that have a certain BRAF gene change (most often V600E or V600K). It is often used together with trametinib.
Brand Name(s)
- US: Tafinlar
- Canada: Tafinlar
Warning(s)
These are key safety points. This is not a complete list.
- BRAF testing matters. Dabrafenib is meant for cancers with a BRAF V600 mutation. Ask your care team about your test result.
- Serious risks may be higher when taken with trametinib. These can include bleeding, blood clots, fever, eye problems, heart problems (like heart failure), high blood sugar, and severe skin reactions.
- Skin cancers can occur during treatment. You will need regular skin checks. Report any new or changing skin spots, sores that do not heal, or bleeding bumps.
- Eye problems can be serious. Watch for vision changes, eye pain, halos, color dots, or light sensitivity. You may need eye exams.
- Heart effects can happen. Your team may check your heart function. Report shortness of breath, swelling in legs or ankles, fast or irregular heartbeat, sudden weight gain, dizziness, or fainting.
- Bleeding and blood clots can occur. Get help for coughing or vomiting blood, black stools, unusual bruising, severe headaches, sudden weakness, chest pain, or leg swelling.
- Fever is common and can be severe. Report fever or chills promptly and follow your care team’s guidance about fluids.
- High blood sugar may occur, especially if you have diabetes. Know your signs (thirst, frequent urination, confusion) and how your team wants you to monitor.
- Other serious effects are possible, including kidney or liver problems, pancreas inflammation, and rare immune reactions. Report dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, severe stomach or back pain, or extreme tiredness.
- Sun sensitivity is common. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun and tanning beds.
- G6PD deficiency warning: anemia can happen if you have low G6PD levels. Tell your team if this applies to you.
- Drug interactions are common. Many prescription drugs, OTC medicines, vitamins, and herbals can interact. Do not start or stop anything without checking with your care team or pharmacist. Hormonal birth control may work less well.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Dabrafenib can harm an unborn baby. Use effective non-hormonal birth control during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose. If you could become pregnant, you may need a pregnancy test before starting.
- Fertility: This medicine may affect your ability to become pregnant or to father a child. Ask about options before starting.
- Older adults (65+) may have more side effects. Extra monitoring may be needed.
- Monitoring: You may need regular blood tests, heart checks, eye exams, skin exams, and blood sugar checks.
Kind of Cancers It Is Used For (not a complete list)
- Melanoma with a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation (advanced or when surgery is not possible). It may also be used after surgery in some people to lower the risk of the cancer coming back, usually with trametinib.
- Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a BRAF V600E mutation.
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with a BRAF V600E mutation.
- Some solid tumors with a BRAF V600E mutation, when they have spread or cannot be removed and other options are not suitable (often with trametinib).
- Certain pediatric cancers with a BRAF V600E mutation, such as some low-grade gliomas (often with trametinib).
Mechanism of Action
BRAF is a protein that helps control cell growth through the MAPK/ERK pathway. In some cancers, a change in the BRAF gene (like V600E or V600K) keeps this signal switched on, driving cancer growth.
- Dabrafenib blocks the mutant BRAF protein. This slows or stops cancer cell growth and may shrink tumors.
- When used with trametinib (a MEK inhibitor), the pathway is blocked at two steps. This can make the treatment work better and can lower the chance of certain skin side effects seen with BRAF drugs alone.
Common Side Effects
Not everyone has side effects. Many are mild to moderate and can often be managed. Tell your care team about side effects that bother you or do not go away.
- Fever and chills
- Tiredness or weakness
- Headache or dizziness
- Stomach problems: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain, decreased appetite
- Skin changes: rash, acne-like bumps, dry skin, thickened or rough skin, redness or irritation on the palms or soles
- Hair changes: hair loss
- Muscle, joint, or back pain
- Cough, sore throat, or nasal/throat irritation
- High blood sugar, especially if you already have diabetes
If you notice signs of severe reaction (such as widespread rash or skin peeling, severe eye symptoms, severe bleeding, chest pain, or trouble breathing), seek medical help right away.
Last reviewed: 2025-12-17
