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.

Serious side effects

• 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

Most common side effects with treatment after surgery

• Fever

• Rash

• Nausea

• Headache

• Chills

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Joint aches

• Swelling of the face, arms, or legs

• Cough

Most common side effects with treatment for advanced melanoma

• 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.

Think you have a fever?

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:

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 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.

Take note of other side effects and medications

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.