BRAFTOVI (Encorafenib)

What is this medication?

BRAFTOVI (Encorafenib)
Antineoplastic Agent, BRAF Kinase Inhibitor

BRAFTOVI (Encorafenib) is an ATP-competitive inhibitor of protein kinase B-raf (BRAF) which suppresses the MAPK pathway and inhibits tumor cell growth. 

How does this medication work? 

BRAFTOVI (Encorafenib) is an ATP-competitive inhibitor of protein kinase B-raf (BRAF) which suppresses the MAPK pathway.  BRAFTOVI (Encorafenib) targets BRAF V600E, V600 D, and V600 K, and has a longer dissociation half-life than other BRAF inhibitors, allowing for sustained inhibition. BRAF V600 mutations result in constitutive activation of the BRAF pathway (which may stimulate tumor growth); BRAF inhibition inhibits tumor cell growth.

How should I take this medication? 

Colorectal cancer, metastatic, BRAF V600E mutation-positive
Oral: Take 300mg once daily (in combination with cetuximab) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Melanoma, unresectable or metastatic, with BRAF V600E or BRAF V600K mutation
Oral: Take 450mg once daily (in combination with Binimetinib) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

How to Take: Can be taken with or without food. Avoid consuming grapefruit when taking BRAFTOVI (Encorafenib).

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting BRAFTOVI (Encorafenib), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.  It is important to perform regular dermatological evaluations to assess for the presence of new malignancies while on and following treatment.  Monitor for signs of uveitis and visual disturbances with regular ophthalmologic evaluations. BRAFTOVI (Encorafenib) can cause QT prolongation which requires monitoring of electrolytes before and during treatment.  Any female on BRAFTOVI (Encorafenib) with reproductive potential should use an effective non-hormonal method of contraception.

What if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is within 12 hours of your next scheduled dose, take your next dose at your regular time. Do not make up for the missed dose.

How should I store this medication?

BRAFTOVI (Encorafenib) should be stored in 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F).  Do not use it if the safety seal under the cap is broken or missing. Dispense in the original bottle. Do not remove desiccant. Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and arthralgia. 

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for BRAFTOVI (Encorafenib), only common ones.