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Information leaflet on vemurafenib
This leaflet provides information on a course of treatment called vemurafenib. The leaflet will explain what this is and when and how it will be given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbersare given at the end of the leaflet.
What is vemurafenib?
Vemurafenibis a newcancer treatment which is given as tablets.
Why am I having vemurafenib?
Your doctor has prescribed this therapy because it has been shown to delay the growth of your type of melanoma.
How often will I see the specialist team?
You will see the specialist team every 4 weeks. You will have regular blood tests and we will check how you are feeling and discuss any problems you may have. This is so we can check how the treatment is affecting you.
How should I take the vemurafenib tablets?
Vemurafenib tablets should be takentwice a day, approximately 12 hours apart. Try to take them at approximately the same time every day. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. They must not be chewed or crushed.
How many vemurafenibtablets will I need to take?
It is usual to take four240mg tablets twice daily but sometimes your doctor may alter the dose. The amount you need to take will be clearly marked on the box.
What should I do if I forget to take my tablets?
- If it’s more than 4 hours until your next dose is due take them now.
- If it’s less than 4 hours until your next dose is due miss this dose.
What if I take too many tablets?
Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately for advice. The telephone number is on page 6. Please ask for the chemotherapy pager.
How should I store the tablets?
Your tablets should be stored in their original packaging and in a safe place away from children. They should be kept in a cool dry place (below 25oC).
Any unused tablets should be returned to the hospital Pharmacy or your local chemist for safe disposal.
What are the possible side effects?
This treatment is usually well tolerated but there are some possible side effects that you need to be aware of. The doctors, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
Skin reactions
You may experience a skin reaction with vemurafenib. This is usually an acne type rash which may be dry and itchy and cause mild discomfort. For a small number of people this reaction may be more severe. A severe rash would affect a large part of your body, may be painful and may become infected.
To reduce the possibility of severe skin reaction we suggest that you:
- use non-perfumed moisturising creams on your face and upper body from the start of your treatment
- avoid exposure to the sun, wear a hat and use a high factor sunscreen.
- don’t use hot water on your skin
- don’t use soap if your skin is dry - use a soap alternative such as aqueous cream
- try not to rub your skin vigorously - pat gently dry
- wear comfortable clothes and shoes that do not rub
If you develop a severe skin reaction which is causing you pain or stopping you carrying out your normal activities, please contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is on page 6.
New skin cancers
Some patients will develop new skin cancers called squamous cell carcinoma whilst being treated with vemurafenib. 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.
Effects on your heart
Vemurafenib may cause some changes to your heart function. If you have any existing heart conditions or are taking any medication for your heart please tell your doctor. You will have an ECG before you start treatment and at your first monthly review. If you experience any palpitations or chest pain you should contact your GP for urgent medical review. This is rare.
Other side effects and information
Nausea and vomiting are uncommon with vemurafenib. We will give you anti sickness tablets to take if you need them. If you aresick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine, contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is on page 6.
It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child whilst having treatment or for at least 1 month afterwards. This is becausevemurafenib could damage the unborn baby.
Some patients may feel more tired than usual.
You may experience some joint pains or headaches. This is usually treated with mild painkillers.
Is it alright to take other medicines?
If you are taking other medicines please let your doctor, nurse or pharmacist know. There are a small number of medicines that you may have to avoid. These include St. John’s Wort.
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
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre029 2061 5888
For urgent advice at any time of the day or night please ask for the treatment helpline
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
7 days a week 8am – 8pm for general queries on cancer
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and common side-effects: for more information regarding the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at 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
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.
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