Dabrafenib and trametinib

Say it: dah-BRAF-eh-nib and truh-MEH-tih-nib · Brand names: Tafinlar, Mekinist

Dabrafenib and trametinib are two targeted pills taken together to block a growth signal in cancers with a BRAF gene change.

What it is

Some cancers have a change in a gene called BRAF, often called V600E. This change turns on a signal path that makes cells grow. Dabrafenib blocks BRAF, and trametinib blocks a protein further down the same path called MEK.

Often used for

• melanoma with a BRAF gene change, including after surgery
• non-small cell lung cancer with a BRAF gene change
• a type of thyroid cancer called anaplastic thyroid cancer
• other solid tumors with a BRAF V600E change
• a type of brain tumor in children called low-grade glioma

How you get it

Both are pills you take by mouth. Dabrafenib is taken twice a day and trametinib once a day, both on an empty stomach. Take them at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Children may get liquid forms. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Fever, often with chills. This is very common. Call your team when it happens, since they may pause the pills.
• Feeling tired. Rest when you need to and take short walks when you can.
• Rash or dry skin. Use gentle soap, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Eat small meals and drink plenty of fluids.
• Headache or joint pain. Ask your team what pain medicine is safe for you.
• Swelling in the legs, feet, or face. Raise your legs when sitting.
• High blood pressure. Your team will check it at visits.

Call your care team right away if you have

• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills, dizziness, or feeling faint with a fever
• Any change in your vision, eye pain, or red eyes
• Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or coughing up blood, or a very bad headache
• New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, or swelling in your legs
• Pain, swelling, or redness in one leg or arm
• A new wart, sore, or bump on your skin, or a mole that changes

Before you start, tell your team

• If you have heart, eye, lung, or bleeding problems, or diabetes
• If you use hormonal birth control, since dabrafenib can make it work less well
• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works

Good to know

• New skin cancers can happen. You will have skin checks before, during, and after treatment.
• It can weaken the heart. You will have a heart ultrasound before and during treatment.
• Eye problems can happen. Your team may send you to an eye doctor.
• You will have blood tests and checks of blood sugar and blood pressure.
• This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for a while after.

At home

• Take both pills on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
• Keep trametinib in the refrigerator in its original bottle. Dabrafenib can be kept at room temperature.
• Swallow the pills whole unless your team gives you a liquid form.
• If you miss a dose or throw up after a dose, ask your team what to do. Do not take an extra dose on your own.
• Wash your hands after touching the pills. Ask your team if others in your home should take special care.

Questions to ask

• What should I do if I get a fever?
• How long will I take this medicine?
• What tests will I need, and how often?
• Are any of my other medicines, foods, or supplements a problem with this medicine?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)
• Pain

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.