What is Tafinlar: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Tafinlar overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Tafinlar

Generic Names:

  • Tafinlar

Uses:

  • Treats melanoma (skin cancer), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Tafinlar used for?

Tafinlar comes in capsule form and is used to treat melanoma that cannot be treated with surgery or has spread to other parts of the body. It is also used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Tafinlar works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Do not use Tafinlar if you are pregnant as it could harm the unborn baby. Common Tafinlar side effects may include headache, muscle or joint pain, bleeding, fever, chills and tiredness.

What form(s) does Tafinlar come in

  • Capsule

What are common Tafinlar doses?

  • Capsule 50MG

  • Capsule 75MG

Common Tafinlar prescriptions

  • Tafinlar
    50mg capsule

  • Tafinlar
    75mg capsule

How to take Tafinlar

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Allow about 12 hours between each dose.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open, crush, or break it.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: If it is more than 6 hours until the time you normally take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 6 hours until your regular time, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: If it is more than 6 hours until the time you normally take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 6 hours until your regular time, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open, crush, or break it.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Allow about 12 hours between each dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tafinlar

Tafinlar contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dabrafenib or if you are pregnant.

Tafinlar warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Increased risk for other cancers (skin and non-skin cancer)Increased risk of bleedingHeart problemsEye or vision problemsFever (which may be serious)Serious skin reactions, including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)High blood sugar

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, low blood pressure, or G6PD deficiency. Tell your doctor if you plan to have surgery, including dental surgery.

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.

  • Oral routeIt is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Birth control pills may not work as well to prevent pregnancy when used with this medicine. Use another form of birth control (including condoms or spermicide) along with your pills. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.

Tafinlar interactions

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Tell your doctor if you plan to have surgery, including dental surgery.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Other skin cancersHigh blood sugarEye or vision problemsFever (which may be serious)Lower sperm production

  • Some medicines can affect how dabrafenib works. Tell your doctor if you are also using clarithromycin, dexamethasone, gemfibrozil, ketoconazole, midazolam, nefazodone, warfarin, or birth control pills.

Tafinlar side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

  • Trouble breathing, uneven heartbeat, rapid weight gain

  • Redness, swelling, peeling, or tenderness of the hands or feet

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Warts, skin sores, or reddish bumps that do not heal

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Eye pain, vision changes, sensitivity to light

  • Fever, especially with stiff muscles, dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Increased hunger or thirst

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash, or swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in neck, armpit, or groin

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

  • Headache

  • Back, joint, or muscle pain

  • Headache

  • Thickened skin

  • Hair loss

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