Tafinlar (dabrafenib) + Mekinist (trametinib) is an all-oral regimen1,2
Advice for patients on how to take Tafinlar + Mekinist
How to take Tafinlar and Mekinist1,2 | ||
Tafinlar | Mekinist | |
How much to take | The usual dose is 150 mg (two 75 mg capsules) twice daily. | The usual dose is 2 mg (one tablet) once a day. |
When to take | Taflinar should be taken twice a day in the morning and in the evening, about 12 hours apart. The morning and evening doses of Taflinar should be taken at similar times every day. |
Mekinist should be taken once a day, at about the same time each day, either with the morning or with the evening dose of Taflinar. |
How to take | Taflinar should be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, a meal. | Mekinist should be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, a meal. |
What to do in certain situations when taking Tafinlar and Mekinist | ||
Tafinlar | Mekinist | |
If a patient forgets to take Tafinlar or Mekinist: | If the missed dose is less than 6 hours late, the patient must take it as soon as they remember. If the missed dose is more than 6 hours late, the patient should skip that dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Then carry on taking the capsules at regular times as usual. The patient mustn’t take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. |
If the missed dose is less than 12 hours late, the patient must take it as soon as they remember. If the missed dose is more than 12 hours late, the patient should skip that dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Then carry on taking the capsules at regular times as usual. The patient mustn’t take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. |
If a patient cannot remember if they have taken Tafinlar or Mekinist: | The patient mustn’t take any Tafinlar capsules in case they have already taken some. The patient must take next dose at the usual scheduled time. Then carry on taking the tablets at regular times as usual. |
The patient mustn’t take a Mekinist tablet in case they have already taken one. The patient must take next dose at the usual scheduled time. Then carry on taking the tablets at regular times as usual. |
If a patient vomits after taking Tafinlar or Mekinist: | The patient mustn’t take the capsules or tablet again, but wait until next dose is due and take it at the normal time. | |
If a patient has taken more than the prescribed number of Tafinlar capsules, Mekinist tablets, or other medicines: | The patient must consult a doctor, pharmacist or nurse immediately, and take the medicine(s) and its packaging. |
Dose reduction schedule for Tafinlar + Mekinist
Recommended dose level reductions1,2 | ||
Dose Level | Tafinlar dose | Mekinist dose |
Starting dose | 150 mg twice daily | 2 mg once daily |
1st dose reduction | 100 mg twice daily | 1.5 mg once daily |
2nd dose reduction | 75 mg twice daily | 1 mg once daily |
3rd dose reduction | 50 mg twice daily | 1 mg once daily |
Mekinist must be stored in a refrigerator (2–8°C) before opening.
Management of pyrexia
Pyrexia was the most common adverse event observed in Phase III clinical trials of Tafinlar + Mekinist.3,4
- ~50% of first occurrences happen in the first month of therapy and the majority of cases are mild to moderate1,5
- Patients may respond well to dose interruption and/or dose reduction and supportive care for management of pyrexia, allowing later re-initiation of treatment1
Guidance for managing pyrexia in patients receiving Tafinlar + Mekinist
Three-step guidance for managing pyrexia (≥38.5°C)1,2 | ||
1. INTERRUPT | 2. MANAGE | 3. REINITIATE |
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In the TAFINLAR + MEKINIST clinical studies, management of pyrexia was implemented at ≥38.5°C. Local treatment protocols may define pyrexia differently.
NSAID, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
References
- Tafinlar (dabrafenib) Summary of Product Characteristics.
- Mekinist (trametinib) Summary of Product Characteristics.
- Robert C et al. N Engl J Med 2019;381:626–636.
- Long GV et al. N Engl J Med 2017;377:1813–1823.
- Long GV et al. N Engl J Med 2014;371:1877–1888.
- Welsh SJ, Corrie PG. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2015;1–15.
- Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) V4.0.