The basics
Encorafenib (brand name-Braftovi) is an FDA-approved treatment used along with binimetinib (Mektovi) for melanoma (a type of skin cancer) that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery. It is also used with cetuximab (Erbitux) to treat a certain type of colon cancer in adults that has spread to other parts of the body after other treatment(s).
Encorafenib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about encorafenib.
How should I take encorafenib (Braftovi)?
Encorafenib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once daily. Take encorafenib at around the same time every day. Take encorafenib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you vomit after taking the medication, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.
Your doctor may decrease or temporarily or permanently stop your treatment depending on if you experience any side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with encorafenib. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of encorafenib (Braftovi)?
Common side effects
- fatigue (tiredness)
- fever
- nausea
- vomiting (emesis)
- abdominal pain (bellyache)
- constipation
- appetite loss (anorexia)
- headache
- dizziness (vertigo)
- skin thickening
- rash
- dry or itchy skin
- hair Loss
- joint or muscle pain
- abnormal taste (dysgeusia)
- back, arm, or leg pain
- acne
- numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, hands, feet, or legs
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Serious side effects
- dizziness, fainting, or feeling faint
- vision changes
- skin changes such as new wart, a sore or reddish bump that does not heal, a change in the size or color of a mole
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- black, tarry, or bloody stools
- coughing up blood
- nose bleeding
- redness, swelling, numbness and skin peeling of hands and soles of feet
Encorafenib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking encorafenib (Braftovi)
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical condition or treatment
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You will have to take a pregnancy test before starting treatment. Talk to your doctor about methods of birth control that will work for you.
While you are on encorafenib (Braftovi)
- If you become pregnant while taking encorafenib, call your doctor immediately. Encorafenib may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are taking encorafenib and for 2 weeks after your final dose.
- you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking encorafenib.
I forgot a dose. What should I do?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is within 12 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
How should I safely store and dispose of encorafenib (Braftovi)?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not remove the desiccant (drying agent) from the bottle.
To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
You should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Brand names
- Braftovi®
Last Revised – 06/30/2023, FDA updated-06/15/2022, SG
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