MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Tafinlar/mekinist Dosage When to Take
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Tafinlar/mekinist Dosage When to Take

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Tafinlar/mekinist Dosage When to Take

  • Post
    • July 15, 2015 at 1:12 am
    Rita and Charles
    Participant

      HI All, 

      It's like Christmas [ well sort of if you had a very grim Christmas] and we received Charles' medication.  Can anyone that takes this combo/ or has taken it share if you took it on an empty stomach or after eating for best "feel good" life??  

      Does if make your tummy super upset?

      Thanks – any comments are helpful!  

      Good news, our first 5 months we got covered by a patient access $ pool – super nice gal at the pharmacy worked with us………..see, like Christmas?

       

      Rita

    Viewing 11 reply threads
    • Replies
        • July 15, 2015 at 2:00 am
        arthurjedi007
        Participant

          When I was on it I took the 2 taf and 1 mek first thing in the morning. I think I got up early at about 6am then went back to sleep. Had breakfast about 1 to 2 hours later. 

          In the evening I took the 2 taf at about 8 pm. I would usually finish eating around 6.

          so yes on an emptier stomach. Seemed to work fine that way for me as far as eating was concerned. No real stomach issues until 8 or so weeks in which was the end of it for me but that was due to other issues. These were way easier than the zelboraf pills for me.

          Artie

          • July 15, 2015 at 2:00 am
          arthurjedi007
          Participant

            When I was on it I took the 2 taf and 1 mek first thing in the morning. I think I got up early at about 6am then went back to sleep. Had breakfast about 1 to 2 hours later. 

            In the evening I took the 2 taf at about 8 pm. I would usually finish eating around 6.

            so yes on an emptier stomach. Seemed to work fine that way for me as far as eating was concerned. No real stomach issues until 8 or so weeks in which was the end of it for me but that was due to other issues. These were way easier than the zelboraf pills for me.

            Artie

            • July 15, 2015 at 2:00 am
            arthurjedi007
            Participant

              When I was on it I took the 2 taf and 1 mek first thing in the morning. I think I got up early at about 6am then went back to sleep. Had breakfast about 1 to 2 hours later. 

              In the evening I took the 2 taf at about 8 pm. I would usually finish eating around 6.

              so yes on an emptier stomach. Seemed to work fine that way for me as far as eating was concerned. No real stomach issues until 8 or so weeks in which was the end of it for me but that was due to other issues. These were way easier than the zelboraf pills for me.

              Artie

                • July 15, 2015 at 4:01 am
                Rita and Charles
                Participant

                  Thanks Artie!  I feel like I know you, how are you doing?

                  • July 15, 2015 at 12:02 pm
                  arthurjedi007
                  Participant

                    I'm doing ok Rita. Thanks for asking. I'm walking pretty good and feeling better. Now I'm trying to find a place near NIH in Maryland I can stay that accommodates my bad back. Like with a recliner or adjustable bed. Silly hotels so far just don't seem to care about such guests.

                    Artie

                    • July 15, 2015 at 12:02 pm
                    arthurjedi007
                    Participant

                      I'm doing ok Rita. Thanks for asking. I'm walking pretty good and feeling better. Now I'm trying to find a place near NIH in Maryland I can stay that accommodates my bad back. Like with a recliner or adjustable bed. Silly hotels so far just don't seem to care about such guests.

                      Artie

                      • July 15, 2015 at 12:02 pm
                      arthurjedi007
                      Participant

                        I'm doing ok Rita. Thanks for asking. I'm walking pretty good and feeling better. Now I'm trying to find a place near NIH in Maryland I can stay that accommodates my bad back. Like with a recliner or adjustable bed. Silly hotels so far just don't seem to care about such guests.

                        Artie

                        • July 15, 2015 at 4:01 am
                        Rita and Charles
                        Participant

                          Thanks Artie!  I feel like I know you, how are you doing?

                          • July 15, 2015 at 4:01 am
                          Rita and Charles
                          Participant

                            Thanks Artie!  I feel like I know you, how are you doing?

                          • July 15, 2015 at 6:29 am
                          s wife
                          Participant

                            Hi,

                            my late husband was told by his melanoma specialist to take it on an empty stomach for better effect, and make sure there were about 12 hours between the two takes.

                            So he would have breakfast at 9am at the latest, take the medicine at 11 am, have lunch two hours later, have supper around 7pm and take second dosage at about 10pm.

                            also, they told him not to have any grapefruit, as this could interfere with the effect of the medication, but you probably already know this.

                            hope this helps, all the best!

                            susannah

                            • July 15, 2015 at 6:29 am
                            s wife
                            Participant

                              Hi,

                              my late husband was told by his melanoma specialist to take it on an empty stomach for better effect, and make sure there were about 12 hours between the two takes.

                              So he would have breakfast at 9am at the latest, take the medicine at 11 am, have lunch two hours later, have supper around 7pm and take second dosage at about 10pm.

                              also, they told him not to have any grapefruit, as this could interfere with the effect of the medication, but you probably already know this.

                              hope this helps, all the best!

                              susannah

                              • July 15, 2015 at 6:29 am
                              s wife
                              Participant

                                Hi,

                                my late husband was told by his melanoma specialist to take it on an empty stomach for better effect, and make sure there were about 12 hours between the two takes.

                                So he would have breakfast at 9am at the latest, take the medicine at 11 am, have lunch two hours later, have supper around 7pm and take second dosage at about 10pm.

                                also, they told him not to have any grapefruit, as this could interfere with the effect of the medication, but you probably already know this.

                                hope this helps, all the best!

                                susannah

                                • July 15, 2015 at 6:42 am
                                Thandster
                                Participant

                                  I was told no food for 2 hours before or 1 hour after taking the medication.

                                    • July 15, 2015 at 10:55 am
                                    Aussielyn
                                    Participant

                                      Hi  Rita & Charles ,

                                      Ive been on this combo ( reduced dosage of Dabrafenib) for almost 2 years& touch wood will remain NED on it for a long time! 

                                      It has never given me an upset tummy but I did suffer side effects around the 6 week mark – that's why my Dabrafenib dose was reduced. 

                                      I take the mek & dabrafenib at 5.30 am & the dabafenib on its own at 5.30pm. I drink 2-3 big glasses of water with them & always follow the instructions re at least 1 hr before & 2 hrs after food.

                                      I generally feel really well & am able to do lots of exercise which I enjoy.

                                      All the best with this treatment,

                                      Lynette

                                       

                                      • July 15, 2015 at 10:55 am
                                      Aussielyn
                                      Participant

                                        Hi  Rita & Charles ,

                                        Ive been on this combo ( reduced dosage of Dabrafenib) for almost 2 years& touch wood will remain NED on it for a long time! 

                                        It has never given me an upset tummy but I did suffer side effects around the 6 week mark – that's why my Dabrafenib dose was reduced. 

                                        I take the mek & dabrafenib at 5.30 am & the dabafenib on its own at 5.30pm. I drink 2-3 big glasses of water with them & always follow the instructions re at least 1 hr before & 2 hrs after food.

                                        I generally feel really well & am able to do lots of exercise which I enjoy.

                                        All the best with this treatment,

                                        Lynette

                                         

                                        • July 15, 2015 at 10:55 am
                                        Aussielyn
                                        Participant

                                          Hi  Rita & Charles ,

                                          Ive been on this combo ( reduced dosage of Dabrafenib) for almost 2 years& touch wood will remain NED on it for a long time! 

                                          It has never given me an upset tummy but I did suffer side effects around the 6 week mark – that's why my Dabrafenib dose was reduced. 

                                          I take the mek & dabrafenib at 5.30 am & the dabafenib on its own at 5.30pm. I drink 2-3 big glasses of water with them & always follow the instructions re at least 1 hr before & 2 hrs after food.

                                          I generally feel really well & am able to do lots of exercise which I enjoy.

                                          All the best with this treatment,

                                          Lynette

                                           

                                          • July 15, 2015 at 12:53 pm
                                          Rita and Charles
                                          Participant

                                            Lynette, 

                                             

                                            Thank you so much – this is super helpful!  So you have been on it for almost 2 years?  I thought that the drug stopped working after a year or so? that tumors learned to work around the combo?

                                            So glad you are NED and I will share this with Charles………..thank you!

                                            Rita

                                            • July 15, 2015 at 12:53 pm
                                            Rita and Charles
                                            Participant

                                              Lynette, 

                                               

                                              Thank you so much – this is super helpful!  So you have been on it for almost 2 years?  I thought that the drug stopped working after a year or so? that tumors learned to work around the combo?

                                              So glad you are NED and I will share this with Charles………..thank you!

                                              Rita

                                              • July 15, 2015 at 12:53 pm
                                              Rita and Charles
                                              Participant

                                                Lynette, 

                                                 

                                                Thank you so much – this is super helpful!  So you have been on it for almost 2 years?  I thought that the drug stopped working after a year or so? that tumors learned to work around the combo?

                                                So glad you are NED and I will share this with Charles………..thank you!

                                                Rita

                                                • July 15, 2015 at 4:45 pm
                                                ed williams
                                                Participant

                                                  If you want some current data on the combination Rita go to " Oclive". It is free, and once you get there click on Melanoma on left side. Once Melanoma comes up, select " under latest stories" . This will give you pages of recent article and videos. Pick page 3 where there is an interview with Dr.Jeffrey S. Weber from Moffit in Tampa. The title of the video is" Novel Doublet and Triplet combo studies explode in Melanoma. He talks about the combination with data on Overall survival with combination. Wishing you the best!!! Ed

                                                  • July 15, 2015 at 4:45 pm
                                                  ed williams
                                                  Participant

                                                    If you want some current data on the combination Rita go to " Oclive". It is free, and once you get there click on Melanoma on left side. Once Melanoma comes up, select " under latest stories" . This will give you pages of recent article and videos. Pick page 3 where there is an interview with Dr.Jeffrey S. Weber from Moffit in Tampa. The title of the video is" Novel Doublet and Triplet combo studies explode in Melanoma. He talks about the combination with data on Overall survival with combination. Wishing you the best!!! Ed

                                                    • July 15, 2015 at 4:45 pm
                                                    ed williams
                                                    Participant

                                                      If you want some current data on the combination Rita go to " Oclive". It is free, and once you get there click on Melanoma on left side. Once Melanoma comes up, select " under latest stories" . This will give you pages of recent article and videos. Pick page 3 where there is an interview with Dr.Jeffrey S. Weber from Moffit in Tampa. The title of the video is" Novel Doublet and Triplet combo studies explode in Melanoma. He talks about the combination with data on Overall survival with combination. Wishing you the best!!! Ed

                                                      • October 8, 2015 at 3:25 am
                                                      Leisa Renwick
                                                      Participant

                                                        Hi Lynette,

                                                        Did you go through a period of sweats and fevers?  If so, how did you deal with this?  Did it stop after a while or carry on? 

                                                        I have been taking Taflinar for about four and a half months and had a complete response.  I only started Mekinist about six weeks ago and have started developing some very unpleasent side effects.  Any advice would be appreciated.

                                                        Regards

                                                        Leisa

                                                        • October 8, 2015 at 3:25 am
                                                        Leisa Renwick
                                                        Participant

                                                          Hi Lynette,

                                                          Did you go through a period of sweats and fevers?  If so, how did you deal with this?  Did it stop after a while or carry on? 

                                                          I have been taking Taflinar for about four and a half months and had a complete response.  I only started Mekinist about six weeks ago and have started developing some very unpleasent side effects.  Any advice would be appreciated.

                                                          Regards

                                                          Leisa

                                                          • October 8, 2015 at 3:25 am
                                                          Leisa Renwick
                                                          Participant

                                                            Hi Lynette,

                                                            Did you go through a period of sweats and fevers?  If so, how did you deal with this?  Did it stop after a while or carry on? 

                                                            I have been taking Taflinar for about four and a half months and had a complete response.  I only started Mekinist about six weeks ago and have started developing some very unpleasent side effects.  Any advice would be appreciated.

                                                            Regards

                                                            Leisa

                                                          • July 15, 2015 at 6:42 am
                                                          Thandster
                                                          Participant

                                                            I was told no food for 2 hours before or 1 hour after taking the medication.

                                                            • July 15, 2015 at 6:42 am
                                                            Thandster
                                                            Participant

                                                              I was told no food for 2 hours before or 1 hour after taking the medication.

                                                              • July 15, 2015 at 2:55 pm
                                                              affguy
                                                              Participant
                                                                My dad went with a schedule of 8 am and 8 pm, not eating breakfast before 9 am, or dinner after 6 pm. This worked well for him for the 16 months he was on the combo, but he did not enjoy the side effects of deviating in any way that cut into the 1H/2H seperation from meals and thus only made that mistake a few times.
                                                                • July 15, 2015 at 2:55 pm
                                                                affguy
                                                                Participant
                                                                  My dad went with a schedule of 8 am and 8 pm, not eating breakfast before 9 am, or dinner after 6 pm. This worked well for him for the 16 months he was on the combo, but he did not enjoy the side effects of deviating in any way that cut into the 1H/2H seperation from meals and thus only made that mistake a few times.
                                                                  • July 15, 2015 at 2:55 pm
                                                                  affguy
                                                                  Participant
                                                                    My dad went with a schedule of 8 am and 8 pm, not eating breakfast before 9 am, or dinner after 6 pm. This worked well for him for the 16 months he was on the combo, but he did not enjoy the side effects of deviating in any way that cut into the 1H/2H seperation from meals and thus only made that mistake a few times.
                                                                      • July 15, 2015 at 6:59 pm
                                                                      Rita and Charles
                                                                      Participant

                                                                        Thanks, was he able to sip any juice ater taking the morning dose?? Before actually eating, so take at 8am but sip juice a bit, then eat at 9am?

                                                                        • July 15, 2015 at 6:59 pm
                                                                        Rita and Charles
                                                                        Participant

                                                                          Thanks, was he able to sip any juice ater taking the morning dose?? Before actually eating, so take at 8am but sip juice a bit, then eat at 9am?

                                                                          • July 16, 2015 at 7:06 pm
                                                                          affguy
                                                                          Participant

                                                                            Yes, he would have some coffee and juice in that hour between dose and breakfast, just not food.

                                                                            • July 16, 2015 at 7:06 pm
                                                                            affguy
                                                                            Participant

                                                                              Yes, he would have some coffee and juice in that hour between dose and breakfast, just not food.

                                                                              • July 16, 2015 at 7:06 pm
                                                                              affguy
                                                                              Participant

                                                                                Yes, he would have some coffee and juice in that hour between dose and breakfast, just not food.

                                                                                • July 15, 2015 at 6:59 pm
                                                                                Rita and Charles
                                                                                Participant

                                                                                  Thanks, was he able to sip any juice ater taking the morning dose?? Before actually eating, so take at 8am but sip juice a bit, then eat at 9am?

                                                                            Viewing 11 reply threads
                                                                            • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                                                                            About the MRF Patient Forum

                                                                            The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                                                                            The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                                                                            Popular Topics