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Headache
As with many cancer treatments, it is important for you and your health care provider to be aware of possible side effects of treatment with TAFINLAR + MEKINIST.
Risk of new skin cancers
Bleeding problems
Inflammation of the intestines or tears (perforation) of the stomach or intestines
Blood clots
Heart problems, including heart failure
Eye problems
Lung or breathing problems
Fever
Serious skin reactions
Increased blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
Potential breakdown of healthy red blood cells in people with a deficiency of a protein called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), which may lead to a type of anemia called hemolytic anemia
A type of overactivity of the immune system called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Fever
Rash
Nausea
Headache
Chills
Diarrhea
Vomiting
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Joint aches
Swelling of the face, arms, or legs
Cough
Fever
Tiredness
Nausea
Headache
Rash
Chills
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Joint aches
Muscle aches
When taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST, fever may happen more often or may be more severe. In some cases, chills or shaking chills, too much fluid loss (dehydration), low blood pressure, dizziness, or kidney problems may happen with the fever.
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.
As soon as you start feeling unusually warm or cold, check your temperature. Although increased body temperature is the clearest sign of a fever, there are others, including:
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If your thermometer reads 100.4 °F or higher, or if you experience any of these symptoms, stay hydrated and call your health care provider.
In some cases, chills or shaking chills, dehydration (too much fluid loss), low blood pressure, dizziness, or kidney problems can occur with the fever.
If you have a fever, your health care provider may temporarily pause or permanently stop your treatment with TAFINLAR + MEKINIST. Your health care provider will treat you as needed for your fever and any signs and symptoms of infection, and should check your kidney function during and after you have had severe fever. At your health care provider’s discretion, pausing treatment may help lower your fever so you can resume taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST as prescribed. But do not pause, stop taking, or change your dosage of TAFINLAR + MEKINIST unless your health care provider tells you to do so.
Your health care provider may suggest the following tips for managing the most commonly seen side effects. While side effects can be managed, it's important to let your health care provider know right away about any side effects that occur, as they might prescribe other medications to help.
Tiredness
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Headache
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Cough
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Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
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Rash
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Joint and muscle aches
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It’s important to listen to your body during treatment and to keep track of your side effects. If something bothers you or doesn’t go away, talk to your health care provider.
It's also important to know all the other medications you're taking when you start taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST and as you continue your treatment. Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. If you start taking any new medications while you are being treated with TAFINLAR + MEKINIST, be sure to tell your health care provider right away. Certain medications may affect each other, resulting in side effects.
Talk to your health care provider right away. For additional information, download the brochure.
Resources and support
Discover resources to support you on your treatment journey.
TAFINLAR and MEKINIST may cause serious side effects, including:
Risk of new cancers. TAFINLAR, when used in combination with MEKINIST, may cause a type of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, basal cell carcinoma, or melanoma. Talk with your health care provider about your risk for these cancers. Check your skin and tell your health care provider right away about any skin changes, including a new wart, skin sore, or reddish bump that bleeds or does not heal, or a change in size or color of a mole.
Your health care provider should check your skin before you start treatment, and every 2 months while on treatment, to look for any new skin cancers. Your health care provider should continue to check your skin for 6 months after you stop taking TAFINLAR and MEKINIST.
TAFINLAR and MEKINIST are prescription medicines that can be used in combination to treat people with a type of skin cancer called melanoma:
that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) or cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable), and
that has a certain type of abnormal “BRAF” (V600E or V600K mutation-positive) gene
TAFINLAR and MEKINIST are prescription medicines that can be used in combination to help prevent melanoma that has a certain type of abnormal “BRAF” gene from coming back after the cancer has been removed by surgery.