Frequently Asked Questions

TAFINLAR + MEKINIST

TAFINLAR + MEKINIST frequently asked questions

If your melanoma is BRAF+, you have a change in your BRAF gene’s DNA, known as a mutation. This means that there is damage to a specific gene—the BRAF gene—that has corrupted the cell-growth pathway, causing cells to grow uncontrollably and leading to cancers like melanoma. Your health care provider can have a genetic test performed on your melanoma’s DNA to find out if it contains this mutation.

You can ask your health care provider whether a genetic test would be appropriate after you have been diagnosed with melanoma. Your health care provider will take a sample of your melanoma, most likely from a biopsy (sample of tissue taken for further testing) or a surgical sample if your melanoma was operated on and removed. This will be sent to a genetic laboratory, where its DNA will be analyzed for the BRAF mutation. Your health care provider will inform you of the test results—a positive result means the BRAF mutation is present and your health care provider may decide to prescribe you TAFINLAR + MEKINIST if it's right for you.

Adjuvant treatment is additional therapy given after a primary treatment to further decrease the risk that the disease will recur. In this case, your health care provider may prescribe you TAFINLAR + MEKINIST as adjuvant therapy after you’ve undergone complete resection (surgical removal) of BRAF+ melanoma.

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.

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.

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.

Like many cancer treatments, you may experience side effects when taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST. Learn what tips your health care provider may recommend to 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.