Daraxonrasib (Rasonque™)

Author: Allyson Van Horn, MPH
Content Contributor: Rachel Hatch, PharmD, BCOP
Last Reviewed: September 10, 2026

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Pronounce: da-RAK-son-RAS-ib

Classification: Multi-selective RAS Inhibitor

About Daraxonrasib (Rasonque™)

Daraxonrasib is a targeted therapy that is a multi-selective RAS inhibitor.  RAS is a protein that can help cancer cells multiply by binding to an enzyme called GTPase. RAS inhibitors stop this process, slowing tumor growth. Multi-selective RAS inhibitors have multiple targets, meaning that they target different types of RAS proteins.

How to Take This Medication

This medication comes in a tablet form and is taken by mouth. It can be taken with or without food. Do not chew, crush, dissolve, or split the medication.

If you miss a dose:

  • Take it as soon as possible when you remember, if it has been less than 4 hours since your scheduled dose time.
  • If more than 4 hours have passed, skip that dose and take the next dose at your usual scheduled time.

If you miss a dose, do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. If you vomit at any time after taking this medication, take the next dose at its scheduled time.

It is important to take the correct amount of medication. Before each dose, check that the medication and the amount match what your provider prescribed.

This medication can cause skin reactions. To prevent a skin reaction, before the first dose, your provider may suggest one or all of these things:

  • Use a topical corticosteroid and moisturizing cream on your face and chest.
  • Use sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher and avoid the sun.
  • Take oral antibiotics like doxycycline or minocycline.
  • Use a topical over-the-counter antiseptic spray such as hypochlorous acid on your face and chest to prevent infections.

Storage and Handling

Store your medication in the original container with the label. If you want to use a pillbox, talk to your pharmacist. Keep it in a dry place at room temperature unless your provider or pharmacist tells you otherwise. Keep containers out of reach of children and pets.

If a caregiver prepares your dose for you, they should consider wearing gloves or pour the pills directly from their container into the cap, a small cup, or directly into your hand. They should avoid touching the pills. They should always wash their hands before and after giving you the medication. Pregnant or nursing people should not prepare the dose for you. Ask your provider where to return any unused medication for disposal. Do not flush down the toilet or throw in the trash. 

Where Do I Get This Medication?

Some cancer medications are only available through specialty pharmacies. Your provider or pharmacist will start this process. Your insurance plan may also affect where you can get your medication.  Call your prescription plan provider to find out which specialty pharmacies are in-network.

Insurance Information

This medication may be covered by your prescription plan. If you qualify, you may be able to get financial help through patient assistance programs (PAP). Co-pay cards may also be available to lower your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial (not Medicare/Medicaid/Tricare) insurance. Your pharmacist, social worker, or navigator can help find resources for financial support.

Possible Side Effects

These are some of the most common or most serious side effects of this medication. Talk with your provider about the side effects you are having and how they can be managed.

Skin Reactions

Skin reactions to this medication can be serious. There are medicated creams or certain oral medications that your provider may tell you to take. Some people may get a rash, dry or scaly skin, red, itchy bumps, or fissures (cracks) in the skin from this medication. Tell your provider if you notice any of these changes in your skin, since it could be a reaction. Your provider may suggest:

  • Using an alcohol-free moisturizer on your skin and lips, and do not use moisturizers with perfumes or scents. 
  • Keep the area clean to avoid infection, especially if it cracks or bleeds.
  • Using a topical medication (applied to the skin) if the itching bothers you.

This medication can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which can result in a severe sunburn or rash. Avoid the sun between 10 am to 4 pm, when it is strongest. Wear sunscreen every day and reapply when you are in the sun. The best sunscreen is SPF 30 or higher and protects against both types of sunlight, UVA and UVB. Wear sunglasses, a hat, and long sleeves/pants to protect your skin, a lip balm with SPF greater than 30, and seek out shade whenever possible. Be sure to talk with your provider about how to care for your skin.

Liver Toxicity

This medication can cause liver toxicity, or liver problems, which your provider may monitor for with blood tests called liver function tests. Symptoms may be:

  • Yellowing of your skin or eyes.
  • Dark or brown urine.
  • Pain in your abdomen (belly).

Tell your provider if you have any of these symptoms.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is when you pass three or more stools in a day. Your providers can suggest medications to relieve diarrhea. Do not take any medications to manage your diarrhea without talking to your provider first, as your stool may need to be tested. To manage it, try eating foods that are low in fiber and bland, like white rice and boiled or baked chicken. Try not to eat raw fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, cereals, and seeds. Soluble fiber is a type of fiber found in some foods that helps absorb (soak up) fluid. Foods high in soluble fiber are applesauce, bananas (ripe), canned fruit, oranges, boiled potatoes, white rice, foods made with white flour, oatmeal, cream of rice, cream of wheat, and farina. Stay hydrated by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluid each day.

Electrolyte Abnormalities

This medication can affect your electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium, etc.). Your electrolyte levels will be checked with blood tests. If your levels get too low, you may be given electrolytes by IV (intravenously through your vein) or by mouth. Talk to your provider before taking any supplements. 

Mouth Ulcers (Mucositis)

This medication can cause sores or soreness in your mouth and/or throat, called mucositis. Tell your providers if your mouth, tongue, inside of your cheek, or throat becomes white, has ulcers, or is painful. Medications can be used to manage pain. Regular mouth care can help prevent or manage mouth sores. Some things you can do are:

  • Brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush or cotton swab twice a day.
  • Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. A baking soda and/or salt with warm water mouth rinse (2 level teaspoons of baking soda or 1 level teaspoon of salt in an eight-ounce glass of warm water) can be used a few times each day.
  • If your mouth gets dry, eat moist foods, drink plenty of fluids (6 to 8 glasses), and suck on sugarless hard candy.
  • Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco, and drinking alcoholic beverages and citrus juices.

Nausea and/or Vomiting

Talk to your providers if you have nausea and/or vomiting. They can prescribe medications to help you. Making changes to your diet can also help. Avoid things that make your symptoms worse, like heavy or greasy/fatty foods and spicy or acidic foods, like tomatoes, lemons, and oranges. Try saltines or ginger ale to help your symptoms.  

Call your providers if you cannot keep fluids down for more than 12 hours or if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

Low Red Blood Cell Count (Anemia)

Anemia is when your red blood cell count is lower than normal. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues in your body. When your red cell count is low, you may feel tired or weak. Tell your providers if you have shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or pain in your chest. If your count gets too low, you may receive a blood transfusion.

Leukopenia

White blood cells (WBC) help your body fight infection. There are a few kinds of WBC, including:

  • Lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, and natural killer [NK] cells): Help fight viruses in your body and make proteins that help your immune system fight infection.
  • Neutrophils: Your immune system’s first line of defense. These cells fight infection and inflammation in your body and release cytokines and growth factors to help your immune system.
  • Monocytes: Help clean out old or damaged cells in your body.
  • Basophils: Help with allergic responses (sneezing, runny nose) by releasing heparin and histamine. They also help fight parasites and make cytokines to fight infections.
  • Eosinophils: Help find and kill parasites and cancer cells. They also help basophils with allergic responses.

Leukopenia happens when there are low levels of one or more of these white blood cells.

While you are having cancer treatment, your WBC count can drop, putting you at a higher risk of an infection. Call for a temperature over 100.4°F or 38°C or as directed by your provider. Also, call your provider if you have a sore throat or cold, shortness of breath, cough, burning with urination, or a sore that doesn't heal. 

Tips to prevent infection: 

  • Hand washing: both yours and your visitors is the best way to prevent the spread of infection. 
  • Avoid large crowds and people who are sick (those who have a cold, fever, or cough, or live with someone with these symptoms). 
  • When working outside, wear clothes that protect you, like long pants and gloves. 
  • Do not handle pet waste. 
  • Keep all cuts and scratches clean. 
  • Shower or bathe daily. 
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day. 
  • Do not cut cuticles or ingrown nails. You may wear nail polish, but not fake nails. 
  • Ask your providers before scheduling dental appointments or procedures. 
  • Ask your providers before you or someone you live with has any vaccines.  
     

Fatigue

Fatigue can cause exhaustion, feeling worn out and that your body is "heavy" and hard to move, or being unable to focus. It is common when you have cancer, and it is not the same as feeling tired. You may need to adjust your schedule to manage fatigue. Plan times to rest during the day and save your energy for more important activities. Exercise can help lessen fatigue. Talk to your providers about ways to deal with this side effect.

Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia)

Platelets are blood cells that help your blood clot. Thrombocytopenia is when your platelet count is lower than normal, and you are at a higher risk of bleeding. Tell your providers if you have any bruising or bleeding, including nose bleeds, bleeding gums, or blood in your urine or stool. If your count gets too low, you may receive platelets from a donor. 

  • Do not use a razor (an electric razor is fine).
  • Do not do activities that can cause injury or bleeding.
  • Talk to your provider before taking any non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), Celebrex (celecoxib), and others. These can raise the risk of bleeding. 
  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth. Ask your provider about flossing or using toothpicks. 

Decrease in Appetite or Taste Changes

Nutrition is an important part of your care. Cancer treatment can affect your appetite and make it hard to eat. Ask your provider about nutrition counseling services. Some tips you can follow are:

  • Try to eat five or six small meals or snacks during the day, instead of 3 larger meals.
  • Nutritional supplements may help if you are not eating enough.
  • You may have a metallic taste or find that food has no taste. You may dislike foods or beverages that you liked before cancer treatment. These symptoms can last for months or longer after treatment ends.
  • Avoid any food that you think smells or tastes bad. If red meat is a problem, eat chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy products, and fish without a strong smell. Sometimes cold food has less of an odor.
  • Add extra flavor to meat or fish by marinating it in sweet juices, sweet and sour sauce, or dressing.
  • Use seasonings like basil, oregano, or rosemary to add flavor.

Abdominal (Belly) Pain

Your healthcare provider can recommend medications and other strategies to help relieve pain. Let your provider know right away if you have new or worsening abdominal pain or diarrhea.

Edema

Edema is swelling of any part of the body caused by retention (buildup) of fluid. The swelling can be uncomfortable. To help get rid of the fluid, you can elevate (lift up) the affected body part and rest it on a pillow. Tell your providers if you have any new or worsening swelling.

Hemorrhage (Bleeding) 

In rare cases, this medication can cause severe bleeding, also known as hemorrhage. You should contact your provider right away if you have any signs of bleeding or any confusion, change in your speech or a headache that won't go away. If you are scheduled to have surgery, you will likely need to stop taking this medication for a period of time. Your provider will tell you when you should stop the medication and when you should resume.

Reproductive Concerns

There is a higher risk of health problems for your baby if you are pregnant, become pregnant, or get someone pregnant while on this medication. To lower the risk of birth defects, you should use birth control (contraception) to avoid pregnancy. Talk with your provider about what kind of birth control is safest for you and your partner.

If you can become pregnant, you will need to use effective birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose of this medication, even if your menstrual cycle has stopped or changed. If you can get someone pregnant, you will need to use effective birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose of this medication, even if you believe you are not producing sperm. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose of this medication.

Important but Less Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal (GI) Tear

This medication can cause gastrointestinal (GI) perforation, or a tear, in the wall of your intestines. Signs of this can be:

  • New or worsening pain in the abdomen (belly).
  • New abdominal swelling.
  • Chills.
  • Fever.
  • Constipation.
  • Nausea or vomiting.

If you have any of these symptoms, call your provider.

Lung Inflammation (Pneumonitis/Interstitial Lung Disease)

This medication can cause inflammation (swelling and irritation) of your lungs, called pneumonitis. It can also cause scarring of your lungs, called interstitial lung disease. If you have any new or worsening symptoms, like shortness of breath, cough (with or without mucous), fever, or chest pain, call your provider right away. If you are finding it hard to breathe, call 911 right away.