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Dabrafenib

Also sold as: Tafinlar

Protein Kinase InhibitorsPrescription OnlyGeneric Available

Related Medications

Important: Only drugs listed as "Exact Equivalents" (FDA AB-rated) are confirmed interchangeable. All other listings are for informational reference only and do NOT indicate that drugs can be substituted without a physician's explicit guidance.
Same Pharmacologic Class

These drugs share a pharmacologic classification but are NOT interchangeable. Listing here does not imply clinical equivalence. A physician must evaluate each drug individually for the patient's specific condition.

Classification: Protein Kinase Inhibitors (source: RxClass/NLM)

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Drug Information

Mechanism of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Dabrafenib is an inhibitor of some mutated forms of BRAF kinases with in vitro IC 50 values of 0.65, 0.5, and 1.84 nM for BRAF V600E, BRAF V600K, and BRAF V600D enzymes, respectively. Dabrafenib also inhibits wild-type BRAF and CRAF kinases with IC 50 values of 3.2 and 5.0 nM, respectively, and other kinases, such as SIK1, NEK11, and LIMK1 at higher concentrations. Some mutations in the BRAF gene, including those that result in BRAF V600E, can result in constitutively activated BRAF kinases that may stimulate tumor cell growth [see Indications and Usage (1)] . Dabrafenib inhibits cell growth of various BRAF V600 mutation-positive tumors in vitro and in vivo. Dabrafenib and trametinib target two different kinases in the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. Use of dabrafenib and trametinib in combination resulted in greater growth inhibition of BRAF V600 mutation-positive tumor cell lines in vitro and prolonged inhibition of tumor growth in BRAF V600 mutation-positive tumor xenografts compared with either drug alone. In the setting of BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer, induction of EGFR-mediated MAPK pathway re-activation has been identified as a mechanism of intrinsic resistance to BRAF inhibitors [see Indications and Usage (1.8)].

Indications & Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE TAFINLAR is a kinase inhibitor indicated as a single agent for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.1 , 2.1 ) TAFINLAR is indicated, in combination with trametinib , for: the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.2 , 2.1 ) the adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and involvement of lymph node(s), following complete resection. ( 1.3 , 2.1 ) the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with BRAF V600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.4 , 2.1 ) the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and with no satisfactory locoregional treatment options. ( 1.5 , 2.1 ) the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with unresectable or metastatic solid tumors with BRAF V600E mutation who have progressed following prior treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DoR). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s). ( 1.6 , 2.1 ) the treatment of pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with low-grade glioma (LGG) with a BRAF V600E mutation who require systemic therapy. ( 1.7 , 2.1 ) Limitations of Use : TAFINLAR is not indicated for treatment of patients with colorectal cancer because of known intrinsic resistance to BRAF inhibition. ( 1.8 , 12.1 ) TAFINLAR is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF solid tumors. ( 5.2 ) 1.1 BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive U

Dosage & Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage of TAFINLAR in adult patients is 150 mg (two 75 mg capsules) orally twice daily. The recommended dosage for TAFINLAR in pediatric patients is based on body weight. Take TAFINLAR at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. ( 2 ) 2.1 Patient Selection Melanoma Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with TAFINLAR as a single agent [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Clinical Studies (14.1)] . Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E or V600K mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with TAFINLAR and trametinib [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Clinical Studies (14.2, 14.3)] . Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of BRAF V600 mutations in melanoma is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics . NSCLC Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with TAFINLAR and trametinib [see Clinical Studies (14.4)] . Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of BRAF V600E mutations in NSCLC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics . ATC Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with TAFINLAR and trametinib [see Clinical Studies (14.5)] . Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of BRAF V600E mutations in ATC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics . Solid Tumors Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with TAFINLAR and trametinib [see Clinical Studies (14.6)] . An FDA-approved test for the detection of BRAF V600E mutation in solid tumors other than melanoma and NSCLC is not currently available. Low-Grade Glioma Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with TAFINLAR and trametinib [see Clinical Studies (14.7)] . An FDA-approved test for the detection of BRAF V600E mutation in LGG is not currently available. 2.2 Recommended Dosage TAFINLAR Capsules Adult Patients The recommended dosage for TAFINLAR capsules in adult patients is 150 mg taken orally twice daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] . Pediatric Patients The recommended dosage for TAFINLAR capsules in pediatric patients who weigh at least 26 kg is based on body weight (Table 1) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] . A recommended dosage of TAFINLAR capsules has not been established in patients who weigh less than 26 kg. Table 1. Recommended Dosage for TAFINLAR Capsules in Pediatric Patients (Weight-based) Body Weight Recommended Dosage 26 to 37 kg 75 mg orally twice daily 38 to 50 kg 100 mg orally twice daily 51 kg or greater 150 mg orally twice daily TAFINLAR Tablets for Oral Suspension Adult and Pediatric Patients The recommended dosage for TAFINLAR tablets for oral suspension for adult and pediatric patients is based on body weight (Table 2) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] . Table 2. Recommended Dosage for TAFINLAR Tablets for Oral Suspension in Adult and Pediatric Patients (Weight-based) Body Weight Recommended Dosage 8 to 9 kg 20 mg twice daily 10 to 13 kg 30 mg twice daily 14 to 17 kg 40 mg twice daily 18 to 21 kg 50 mg twice daily 22 to 25 kg 60 mg twice daily 26 to 29 kg 70 mg twice daily 30 to 33 kg 80 mg twice daily 34 to 37 kg 90 mg twice daily 38 to 41 kg 100 mg twice daily 42 to 45 kg 110 mg twice daily 46 to 50 kg 130 mg twice daily ≥ 51 kg 150 mg twice daily Duration of Treatment The recommended duration of treatment for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma or solid tumors, metastatic NSCLC, or locally advanced or metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer is until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The recommended duration of treatment in the adjuvant melanoma setting is until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity for up to 1 year. The recommended duration of treatment for pediatric patients with LGG is until disease progression or until unacceptable toxicity. Combination Therapy with Trametinib Refer to the trametinib prescribing information for recommended trametinib dosing information. 2.3 Administration Take TAFINLAR at the same time each day, approximately 12 hours apart. Do not take a missed dose of TAFINLAR within 6 hours of the next dose of TAFINLAR. If vomiting occurs after TAFINLAR administration, do not take an additional dose. Take the next dose at its scheduled time. TAFINLAR Capsules Take TAFINLAR capsules on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Do not open, crush, or break TAFINLAR capsules. TAFINLAR Tablets for Oral Suspension Prior to use of the oral suspension, instruct caregivers (and if appropriate, patients) on proper dosing and administration of TAFINLAR tablets for oral suspension. Take the oral suspension on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). Breastfeeding and/or baby formula may

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: New Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Tumors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Cardiomyopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Uveitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Serious Febrile Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Serious Skin Toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Hyperglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)] There are additional adverse reactions associated with trametinib. Refer to the trametinib prescribing information for additional information. Most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) for TAFINLAR as a single agent are hyperkeratosis, headache, pyrexia, arthralgia, papilloma, alopecia, and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome. ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) for TAFINLAR in combination with trametinib include: Unresectable or metastatic melanoma: pyrexia, rash, chills, headache, arthralgia, and cough. ( 6.1 ) Adjuvant treatment of melanoma: pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, headache, rash, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, arthralgia, and myalgia. ( 6.1 ) NSCLC: pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry skin, decreased appetite, edema, rash, chills, hemorrhage, cough, and dyspnea. ( 6.1 ) Adult patients with solid tumors: pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, rash, chills, headache, hemorrhage, cough, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, myalgia, arthralgia, and edema. ( 6.1 ) Pediatric patients with solid tumors: pyrexia, rash, vomiting, fatigue, dry skin, cough, diarrhea, dermatitis acneiform, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, hemorrhage, constipation, and paronychia. ( 6.1 ) Pediatric patients with LGG: pyrexia, rash, headache, vomiting, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, dry skin, nausea, hemorrhage, abdominal pain, and dermatitis acneiform. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at 1-888-669-6682 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adult Safety Pools The pooled safety population described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflects exposure to TAFINLAR 150 mg orally, twice daily as a single agent in 586 patients with various solid tumors, including BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma, enrolled in BREAK-2, BREAK-3, BREAK-MB, BRF113220, and BRF112680. Among these 586 patients who received TAFINLAR as a single agent, 46% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 15% were exposed for greater than one year. The pooled safety population described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflects exposure to TAFINLAR 150 mg orally, twice daily, administered in combination with trametinib 2 mg orally, once daily, in 1087 patients enrolled in COMBI-d, COMBI-v, COMBI-AD, and BRF113928 with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, adjuvant melanoma, or NSCLC. Among these 1087 patients who received TAFINLAR administered with trametinib, 70% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 21% were exposed for greater than one year. Pediatric Safety Pool The pediatric pooled safety population described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflects exposure to weight-based TAFINLAR orally, twice daily administered in combination with trametinib in 166 pediatric patients across two trials: a multi-center, open-label, multi-cohort study in pediatric patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive glioma requiring systemic therapy (Study G2201; n = 123) and a multi-center, open-label, multi-cohort study in pediatric patients with refractory or recurrent solid tumors with MAPK pathway activation (Study X2101; n = 43) [see Clinical Studies (14.6, 14.7)] . Among 166 patients who received TAFINLAR administered with trametinib, 84% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 70% were exposed for greater than one year. The most common (> 20%) adverse reactions were pyrexia (66%), rash (54%), headache (40%), vomiting (38%), musculoskeletal pain (36%), fatigue (31%), dry skin (31%), diarrhea (30%), nausea (26%), epistaxis and other bleeding events (25%), abdominal pain (24%), and dermatitis acneiform (23%). The most common (> 2%) Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities were decreased neutrophil count (20%), increased alanine aminotransferase (3.1%), and increased aspartate aminotransferase (3.1%). Unresectable or Metastatic BRAF V600E or V600K Mutation-Positive Melanoma TAFINLAR as a Single Agent The safety of TAFINLAR was evaluated in BREAK-3, a multi-center, intern

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Avoid concurrent administration of strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2C8. ( 7.1 ) Concomitant use with agents that are sensitive substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, or CYP2B6 may result in loss of efficacy of these agents. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on TAFINLAR Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2C8 may increase the concentration of dabrafenib [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Substitution of strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2C8 is recommended during treatment with TAFINLAR. If concomitant use of strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2C8 is unavoidable, monitor patients closely for adverse reactions when taking strong inhibitors. 7.2 Effects of TAFINLAR on Other Drugs Dabrafenib decreased the systemic exposures of midazolam (a CYP3A4 substrate), S-warfarin (a CYP2C9 substrate), and R-warfarin (a CYP3A4/CYP1A2 substrate) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Monitor international normalized ratio (INR) levels more frequently in patients receiving warfarin during initiation or discontinuation of dabrafenib. Coadministration of TAFINLAR with other substrates of these enzymes, including dexamethasone or hormonal contraceptives , can result in decreased concentrations and loss of efficacy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8. 3 )] . Substitute for these medications or monitor patients for loss of efficacy if use of these medications is unavoidable.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

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