Vemurafenib

Generic Name: vemurafenib

Kinase Inhibitor [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Zelboraf

11 DESCRIPTION ZELBORAF (vemurafenib) is a kinase inhibitor available as 240 mg tablets for oral use. Vemurafenib has the chemical name propane-1-sulfonic acid {3-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carbonyl]- 2,4-difluoro-phenyl}-amide. It has the molecular formula C 23 H 18 ClF 2 N 3 O 3 S and a molecular weight of 489.9. Vemurafenib has the following chemical structure: Vemurafenib is a white to off-white crystalline solid. It is practically insoluble in aqueous media.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION ZELBORAF (vemurafenib) is a kinase inhibitor available as 240 mg tablets for oral use. Vemurafenib has the chemical name propane-1-sulfonic acid {3-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carbonyl]- 2,4-difluoro-phenyl}-amide. It has the molecular formula C 23 H 18 ClF 2 N 3 O 3 S and a molecular weight of 489.9. Vemurafenib has the following chemical structure: Vemurafenib is a white to off-white crystalline solid. It is practically insoluble in aqueous media.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZELBORAF ® is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.1 , 2.1 ) ZELBORAF ® is indicated for the treatment of patients with Erdheim- Chester Disease with BRAF V600 mutation. ( 1.2 , 2.1 ) Limitation of Use: ZELBORAF is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) 1.1 Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma ZELBORAF ® is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. Limitation of Use: ZELBORAF is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with ZELBORAF. ( 2.1 ) Recommended dose: 960 mg orally twice daily taken approximately 12 hours apart with or without a meal. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Patient Selection for Treatment of Melanoma Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in melanoma tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with ZELBORAF [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of BRAF V600 mutations in melanoma is available at http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics. 2.2 Recommended Dose The recommended dose of ZELBORAF is 960 mg (four 240 mg tablets) orally every 12 hours with or without a meal.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: New Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Dermatologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Ophthalmologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Radiation Sensitization and Radiation Recall [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Renal Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Dupuytren's Contracture and Plantar Fascial Fibromatosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Melanoma: Most common adverse reactio...

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Avoid concomitant administration of ZELBORAF with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers. ( 7.1 ) CYP1A2 Substrates: ZELBORAF can increase concentrations of CYP1A2 substrates. Avoid concomitant use of ZELBORAF with CYP1A2 substrates with a narrow therapeutic window. If coadministration cannot be avoided, monitor closely for toxicities and consider dose reduction of CYP1A2 substrates. ( 7.2 ). 7.1 Effect of Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors or Inducers on Vemurafenib Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Coadministration of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor increased vemurafenib plasma concentrations and may lead to increased toxicity. Avoid coadministration of ZELBORAF with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS New Primary Cutaneous Malignancies: Perform dermatologic evaluations prior to initiation of therapy, every 2 months while on therapy, and for up to 6 months following discontinuation of ZELBORAF. Manage with excision and continue treatment without dose adjustment. ( 5.1 ) New Non-Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Evaluate for symptoms or clinical signs of new non-cutaneous SCC before initiation of treatment and periodically during treatment. ( 5.1 ) Other Malignancies: Monitor patients receiving ZELBORAF closely for signs or symptoms of other malignancies ( 5.1 ). Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Melanoma: Increased cell proliferation can occur with BRAF inhibitors ( 5.2 ). 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action, ZELBORAF can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] . There are no available data on the use of ZELBORAF in pregnant women to determine the drug-associated risk; however, placental transfer of vemurafenib to a fetus has been reported. Exposure to vemurafenib could not be achieved in animals at levels sufficient to fully address its potential toxicity in pregnant women. Advise pregnant women of the potential harm to a fetus.

Storage

Storage and Stability: Store at room temperature 20°C–25°C (68°F–77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F), See USP Controlled Room Temperature. Store in the original container with the lid tightly closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vemurafenib used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZELBORAF ® is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.1 , 2.1 ) ZELBORAF ® is indicated for the treatment of patients with Erdheim- Chester Disease with BRAF V600 mutation. ( 1.2 , 2.1 ) Limitation of Use: ZELBORAF is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) 1.1 Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma ZELBORAF ® is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. Limitation of Use: ZELBORAF is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .

What are the side effects of Vemurafenib?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: New Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Dermatologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Ophthalmologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Radiation Sensitization and Radiation Recall [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Renal Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Dupuytren's Contracture and Plantar Fascial Fibromatosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Melanoma: Most common adverse reactio...

Can I take Vemurafenib during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action, ZELBORAF can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] . There are no available data on the use of ZELBORAF in pregnant women to determine the drug-associated risk; however, placental transfer of vemurafenib to a fetus has been reported. Exposure to vemurafenib could not be achieved in animals at levels sufficient to fully address its potential toxicity in pregnant women. Advise pregnant women of the potential harm to a fetus.

What are the important warnings for Vemurafenib?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS New Primary Cutaneous Malignancies: Perform dermatologic evaluations prior to initiation of therapy, every 2 months while on therapy, and for up to 6 months following discontinuation of ZELBORAF. Manage with excision and continue treatment without dose adjustment. ( 5.1 ) New Non-Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Evaluate for symptoms or clinical signs of new non-cutaneous SCC before initiation of treatment and periodically during treatment. ( 5.1 ) Other Malignancies: Monitor patients receiving ZELBORAF closely for signs or symptoms of other malignancies ( 5.1 ). Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Melanoma: Increased cell proliferation can occur with BRAF inhibitors ( 5.2 ). 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.