Medications and Drugs

1. Skin Cancer Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Skin Cancer Quiz
3. Sun-Damaged Skin Slideshow Pictures

Brand Names: Zelboraf

Generic Name: vemurafenib (Pronunciation: VEM ue RAF e nib)

• What is vemurafenib (Zelboraf)?
• What are the possible side effects of vemurafenib (Zelboraf)?
• What is the most important information I should know about vemurafenib (Zelboraf)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking vemurafenib (Zelboraf)?
• How should I take vemurafenib (Zelboraf)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zelboraf)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zelboraf)?
• What should I avoid while taking vemurafenib (Zelboraf)?
• What other drugs will affect vemurafenib (Zelboraf)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is vemurafenib (Zelboraf)?

Vemurafenib is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Vemurafenib is used to treat metastatic melanoma (skin cancer).

Vemurafenib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of vemurafenib (Zelboraf)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using vemurafenib and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
• white patches on your eyes;
• new or worsening skin lesions; or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• joint pain;
• tired feeling;
• nausea;
• hair loss;
• mild rash or itching;
• skin growths; or
• blurred vision, increased sensitivity of your eyes to light.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about vemurafenib (Zelboraf)?

Before you take vemurafenib, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood), or a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

Using vemurafenib may increase your risk of developing other types of skin cancer. Report any new or worsening skin lesions to your doctor right away.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.