Resources and support

What is a BRAF mutation?

If your melanoma is BRAF+, you have a change in your BRAF gene, known as a mutation. This means that damage to the BRAF gene is causing cells to grow uncontrollably, leading to cancers such as melanoma.

Your health care provider can have a test performed on your melanoma’s DNA to find out if it contains this mutation.

How does BRAF testing work?

To test for BRAF, your health care provider takes a sample of your melanoma to check its DNA. The sample can be taken from a biopsy (tissue sample taken for testing) or a surgical sample if your melanoma was surgically removed. The sample is sent to a genetic laboratory that will analyze its DNA to see if it contains a BRAF mutation. If your test comes back positive, it means your melanoma is BRAF+ and your health care provider may decide to prescribe you TAFINLAR + MEKINIST if it's right for you.

What is adjuvant treatment?

Adjuvant treatment is additional therapy given after a primary treatment (such as surgery) to further decrease the risk that the disease will progress. Your health care provider may prescribe you TAFINLAR + MEKINIST to help prevent your melanoma from coming back after surgery.

How long do I take TAFINLAR + MEKINIST?

Keep taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST for as long as your health care provider tells you. If you are experiencing side effects, please tell your health care provider as soon as possible.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of TAFINLAR + MEKINIST, take it as soon as you remember. But if you miss TAFINLAR, and it is within 6 hours of your next scheduled dose, or if you miss MEKINIST, and it is within 12 hours of your next scheduled dose, just take your next dose at the regular time. Do not make up for the missed dose.

Do I need to take every dose?

It is important to take TAFINLAR + MEKINIST exactly as your health care provider tells you. Do not change your dose or stop taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST unless your health care provider tells you.

What is the most common side effect of TAFINLAR + MEKINIST?

Fever is the most common side effect of treatment with TAFINLAR + MEKINIST. Roughly half of people taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST will experience fever in the first month of treatment. Don’t panic if fever occurs—it can seem scary, but being prepared is important.

What can I do about side effects?

Like many cancer treatments, you may experience side effects when taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST. Learn what can help manage side effects.

Your health care provider may change, pause, or stop your dose of TAFINLAR and/or MEKINIST during your treatment to help manage side effects. If you have any questions about your treatment, talk to your health care provider.

Novartis Patient Support^™

Novartis Patient Support is a comprehensive program that helps you start, stay, and save on TAFINLAR + MEKINIST.

Contact the Novartis Patient Support team at 1-800-282-7630, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-8:00 pm ET, excluding holidays. Visit Patient.NovartisOncology.com for more information.

Patient Support Resources by Insurance Type

Co-pay program

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation offers several programs that can help eligible patients with out-of-pocket co-pay costs, as well as access to treatment with TAFINLAR + MEKINIST.

*Limitations apply. This offer is only available to patients with private insurance. The program is not available for patients who are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or state health care program. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this program without notice. For full Terms and Conditions, visit Copay.NovartisOncology.com or call 1-877-577-7756.

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Community and support are critical to helping you take on BRAF+ melanoma. The following organizations may provide additional information, connections, and support for you and your loved ones during your TAFINLAR + MEKINIST treatment journey. Several of these websites offer forums where you can connect with other patients and caregivers.

Connecting with advocacy groups can help you build a community with others who understand what you’re experiencing.

AIM at Melanoma Foundation ↗ The largest international melanoma foundation invested in advancing the battle against melanoma through research, legislative reform, education, and patient and caregiver support. AIM offers disease education, research, and fundraising opportunities.

Melanoma Research Foundation ↗ The largest independent organization focused on raising money for effective melanoma treatments. Check out their Research Center to stay up to date on the latest melanoma research.

Caregiver Action Network ↗ The nation's leading family caregiver organization working to improve quality of life for those who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. Check out their online caregiver forums and tips from others who have been through similar experiences.

Cancer Support Community ↗ The largest professionally led nonprofit network of cancer support worldwide. Find online forums to connect with other patients, volunteer opportunities, and an online radio show.

The organizations and websites listed above are external to Novartis. Novartis does not have control over the information provided on these websites and, therefore, cannot guarantee their accuracy and completeness. Any information you receive from these sites should not replace the medical advice from your health care provider.

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As a caregiver of someone diagnosed with BRAF+ melanoma, your responsibilities may seem overwhelming. It is important to help your loved one without forgetting about your own needs. You can take steps to plan ahead and learn more about the disease, which can help you cope and adjust to the changes in your life and the life of your loved one.

Remember, you are best able to support your loved one when you’re taking care of yourself. Sometimes that means taking a break, whether that means ordering takeout instead of cooking, keeping up with your hobbies, or seeing friends.

To help make the most of your BRAF+ melanoma treatment journey with TAFINLAR + MEKINIST, check out the resources below.

Receiving a diagnosis of BRAF+ melanoma may bring up feelings of isolation, fear, or despair. But it’s important to remember you’re not alone. In the videos below, you’ll meet real patients who share their unique experiences of receiving a BRAF+ melanoma diagnosis, the effect it had on their lives, and how TAFINLAR + MEKINIST is helping them move forward.

Meet Colleen

Colleen is a loving mother, wife, and TAFINLAR + MEKINIST patient. While she had entered remission in the past, she learned that her melanoma had returned at a more advanced stage. Resuming the fight—this time with the knowledge of her melanoma’s BRAF mutation status—Colleen learned that she was eligible for TAFINLAR + MEKINIST as treatment for her advanced melanoma.

Meet Lance

A member of the United States Special Forces, Lance was 35 years of age and a father when he found out he had metastatic melanoma. After a failed treatment, he discovered his melanoma had a BRAF mutation—and learned he was eligible for TAFINLAR + MEKINIST as treatment for his aggressive form of melanoma.