Encorafenib is an oral small-molecule BRAF kinase inhibitor developed and manufactured by Pierre Fabre in France. It received marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018.
Indications for Encorafenib
FDA-approved indications include:
1. Encorafenib in combination with memetinib (Mektovi) for the treatment of melanoma (skin cancer) that is untreatable or has spread to other parts of the body.
2. Encorafenib in combination with cetuximab (Erbitux) for the treatment of colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
3. Encorafenib in combination with memetinib (Mektovi) for the treatment of adult patients with BRAFV 600E mutation-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
The above information is from the drug's official website and only reflects the indications for this drug in countries where it is registered overseas. Please do not make any treatment decisions based on this information.
Dosage and Administration of Encorafenib
1. Recommended Dosage
Usually taken orally once daily. For colorectal cancer, 300 mg (in combination with cetuximab) is recommended; for melanoma/non-small cell lung cancer, 450 mg (in combination with bimetinib) is recommended.
2. Precautions
(1) Precautions for Taking the Drug
Swallow Encorafenib whole. Do not take any additional doses after vomiting.
Regular monitoring of skin, electrocardiogram, and liver function is necessary during treatment.
(2) Precautions Before Taking the Drug
Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug.
(3) Medical History to Inform Your Doctor
Heart problems (e.g., long QT syndrome).
Lung/liver/kidney disease.
Retinopathy or bleeding tendency.
(4) Precautions for Special Populations
Confirm that you are not pregnant before taking this drug. Contraindicated during breastfeeding.
May reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception; barrier methods of contraception are recommended.
May affect male fertility.
Side effects of Connefenib
Serious reactions requiring immediate medical attention
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
1. Eye pain or swelling, changes in vision, seeing halos around lights, or colored "dots" in your field of vision;
2. Severe rash, painful or swollen skin, redness and peeling of the skin on your hands and feet;
3. Rapid or violent heartbeat, chest heaving, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (feeling like you might faint);
4. Signs of bleeding, weakness, dizziness, headache, nosebleeds, rectal bleeding, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomiting coffee-ground-like vomit.
Allergic reactions
Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain; fatigue; or joint pain or swelling.
Encorafenib Usage Instructions
1. Information Before Use
(1) Encorafenib should not be used if the patient is allergic to it.
(2) Inform your doctor if you have ever had:
Heart problems;
Long QT syndrome (in the patient or a family member); Lung disease; Liver or kidney disease; Eye problems (especially retinal problems); Bleeding problems or blood clots.
(3) Although encorafenib is used to treat melanoma, its use may increase the risk of other types of skin cancer. Inform your doctor if you notice any new skin symptoms, such as redness, warts, non-healing sores, or moles that change size or color.
(4) Female patients need to undergo a pregnancy test before starting treatment, and the medication can only be used if the result is negative.
(5) Do not breastfeed while using encorafenib and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
2. Missed Dosage Management
Take your medication as soon as possible, but if less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses of encorafenib at once.
3. Overdose Management
Seek immediate medical attention for symptomatic treatment.
Drug Interactions
1. Avoid Grapefruit and Grapefruit Products
Grapefruit may interact with encorafenib, causing adverse side effects. Avoid grapefruit products.
2. Inform Your Doctor About Any Medications
Other medications may affect encorafenib, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently using and any medications you have started or stopped using.
