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Any suggestions about managing side effects – Dabrafenib (Tafinlar) + Trametinib (Mekinist)
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Any suggestions about managing side effects – Dabrafenib (Tafinlar) + Trametinib (Mekinist)

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Any suggestions about managing side effects – Dabrafenib (Tafinlar) + Trametinib (Mekinist)

  • Post
    • May 22, 2020 at 12:53 am
    Broersma
    Participant
      I’m reaching out for some suggestions (or maybe encouragement) regarding managing the side effects of Dabrafenib (Tafinlar) + Trametinib (Mekinist). I have been on this targeted therapy for over 2.5 years and it has worked well to manage the metatises to the lymph nodes in my neck, chest and axila. For that I am thankful. Unfortuately, I have very much struggled with side effects that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, chills, night sweats, heart failure and so on. I have taken breaks from treatment which have helped to restore my strength, malnutrition, etc. After being hospitalized for congestive heart failure in December 2019, I was put on 1/4 dose of Tafinlar and the Mekinist was eliminated. I will stay off the Mekinist until I have an echocardiogram that is within normal limits. I’m finding that even on the 1/4 dose of Tafinlar, I struggle with nausea, chills, night sweats and have devloped several wart like growths on my skin.

      I am getting very discouraged and am having thoughts of giving up on treatment completely. Anyone out there have similar side effects? If so, how are you managing?

      Thank you in advance for your responses.

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    • Replies
        • May 22, 2020 at 10:29 am
        Anni
        Participant
          Hi there, my sister suffered badly too, just as you described, she did find that steroids helped with side effects, she also did intermittent dosing, 4 weeks on 2 off. I hope you find some relief.
            • July 6, 2020 at 5:34 pm
            [email protected]
            Participant
              I have been on dabrafenib and trametinib for two months but had to stop due to fever chills. I had to stop again due to nightly Fever and chills.Now I am taking 650 mg of Tylenol I hr before the medication. I had no fever or chills for three days but the fever came back and the chills but not as strong. I use cold press to lower the fever and a hot stone or bottle when I have chills and its helps . The next recommendation from the md is prednisone 10 mg but have not tried it yet.. Lastly I think hydration plays a big part in fever and chills.
            • May 22, 2020 at 2:36 pm
            KAP715
            Participant
              Have you talked to your doc about possibly switching to immunotherapy like pembro or nivo? The side effects may not be as bad unless of course you’ve already been on PD-1.
                • May 23, 2020 at 12:47 am
                Broersma
                Participant
                  Thanks for your response. I have been told by several physicians (including a top melanoma research physician) that because I have multiple I am not a candidate for immunotherapy. The MS limits my treatment options. Wishing you the best.
                • May 22, 2020 at 7:18 pm
                Christiane29
                Participant
                  I know it sounds trivial but I had to deal with some of these issues (diarrhea, vomiting…) during the Taf Mek Therapy. Ginger (eaten raw or as pure ginger juice) helped me a lot with these issues. I drank 50 ml of the juice mixed up with water or water and lemon juice in the morning and evening. I think it’s worth a try because it is very good for the immune system too. You can start with 10ml of the juice or chew the pure ginger if you can.
                    • May 23, 2020 at 12:50 am
                    Broersma
                    Participant
                      Thank you! I will try the juice. I’ve been drinking ginger tea and also have been doing acupuncture. The acupuncture was helpful and I hope to resume the treatments once The lockdown orders are listed. Blessings.
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