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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking vemurafenib (Zelboraf)?

You should not use vemurafenib if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely use vemurafenib, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease;
• a heart rhythm disorder;
• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome; or
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

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.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use vemurafenib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether vemurafenib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using vemurafenib.

How should I take vemurafenib (Zelboraf)?

Before you start treatment, your doctor may perform tests to make sure vemurafenib is the best treatment for your type of skin cancer.

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Vemurafenib is usually taken twice per day, as 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. You may take vemurafenib with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break a vemurafenib tablet. Swallow it whole.

To make sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your skin condition will need to be checked often. Your heart function may also need to be tested with an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) on a regular basis. You may also need eye exams. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Your doctor may want to check your skin for several months after you stop using vemurafenib. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

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