Vemurafenib Dosage
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 17, 2025.
Applies to the following strengths: 240 mg
Usual Adult Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Melanoma - Metastatic
960 mg orally every 12 hours until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Comments:
- Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of therapy.
Use: BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma
Usual Adult Dose for Histiocytosis
960 mg orally every 12 hours until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Comments:
- Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of therapy.
Use: For Erdheim-Chester Disease (ECD) with BRAF V600 mutation
Renal Dose Adjustments
- Mild to moderate renal dysfunction: No adjustment recommended.
- Severe renal dysfunction: Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
- Mild to moderate hepatic dysfunction: No adjustment recommended.
- Severe hepatic dysfunction: Monitor closely.
Dose Adjustments
NEW PRIMARY CUTANEOUS MALIGNANCIES:
- No adjustment recommended.
PERMANENTLY DISCONTINUE THERAPY FOR:
- Grade 4 adverse reaction, first appearance (if appropriate) or second appearance.
- QTc prolongation greater than 500 ms and increased by greater than 60 ms from pre-treatment values.
WITHHOLD THERAPY FOR:
- Intolerable Grade 2 or greater adverse reactions.
- Upon recovery to Grade 1 or less, restart therapy at a reduced dose of 720 mg orally 2 times a day for first appearance of intolerable Grade 2 or Grade 3 adverse reactions OR 480 mg orally 2 times a day for second appearance of Grade 2 (if intolerable) or Grade 3 adverse reactions or for first appearance of Grade 4 adverse reaction (if appropriate).
- Do not dose reduce to below 480 mg orally 2 times a day.
DOSE MODIFICATION FOR STRONG CYP450 3A4 INDUCERS:
- Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP450 3A4 inducers during therapy.
- If concomitant use is unavoidable, increase the dose of this drug by 240 mg as tolerated.
- After discontinuation of a strong CYP450 3A4 inducer for 2 weeks, resume the dose of this drug that was taken prior to initiating the strong CYP450 3A4 inducer.
Precautions
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- None
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of this drug.
- This drug can be taken with or without a meal; however, consistent intake of both daily doses on an empty stomach should be avoided.
- Do not crush or chew tablets.
- A missed dose can be taken up to 4 hours prior to the next dose.
- Do not take an additional dose if vomiting occurs after administration but continue with the next scheduled dose.
Storage requirements:
- Store at room temperature 20C to 25C (68F to 77F); excursions permitted between 15C and 30C (59F and 86F).
- Store in the original container with the lid tightly closed.
General:
- This drug is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma.
Patient advice:
- This drug can cause mild to severe photosensitivity. Avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30 or higher) when outdoors to help protect against sunburn.
- This drug can cause other serious side effects. Notify your healthcare provider immediately if you develop a rash, have trouble breathing or swallowing, feet faint, have swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, have a fast heartbeat, experience blistering or peeling of skin, or develop a fever.
More about vemurafenib
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (4)
- Side effects
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: multikinase inhibitors
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.