Usage, dosage, and special population medication of Vemurafenib in Laos
Vemurafenib is a BRAF kinase inhibitor primarily used to treat BRAFV600 mutation positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma. The following provides detailed explanations from two aspects: usage, dosage, and medication for special populations, all based on drug instructions and clinical research data.
1. Usage and dosage
(1) Standard dose
The recommended dosage is 960mg orally, twice daily (with an interval of about 12 hours), and can be continued until disease progression or intolerable toxicity occurs.
(2) Dose adjustment
When there are grade 2 or above skin adverse reactions or QT interval prolongation, the dosage should be reduced to 720mg and 480mg twice a day in sequence. If recurrence occurs after reduction, permanent discontinuation of medication is required.
(3) Administration method
The whole tablet should be swallowed and can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. If the time between missed doses and the next administration is less than 6 hours, the dose should be skipped.
2. Medication for special populations
(1) Pregnancy period
Effective contraceptive measures should be taken during the treatment period and 2 weeks after the last dose, as the mechanism of action may cause fetal harm.
(2) Lactation period
It is not yet clear whether the medication has entered the breast milk. It is recommended to suspend breastfeeding during the treatment period and within 2 weeks after discontinuing the medication.
(3) Pediatric patients
The safety and efficacy of using it for patients under 18 years old have not been established and is not recommended.
(4) Elderly patients
Patients over 65 years old do not need to adjust the dosage, but the incidence of skin toxicity and joint pain may increase.
(5) Liver dysfunction
Mild to moderate damage (Child Pugh A/B) does not require dose adjustment; Severe damage (Child Pugh C) should be reduced to 720mg twice daily.
(6) Renal insufficiency
Mild to moderate damage (eGFR ≥ 30mL/min) does not require adjustment; Patients with severe damage or dialysis need to be closely monitored for adverse reactions.
Disclaimer：《Usage, dosage, and special population medication of Vemurafenib in Laos》Edited and sorted by Seagull Pharmacy's editors. Please contact us in time if there is any infringement. In addition, the suggestions for drug usage, dosage and disease mentioned in the article are only for medical staff's reference, and can not be used as any basis for medication！