Encorafenib (Braftovi®)

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Alopecia is when your hair gets thin, brittle (breaks easily), or falls out. This may happen during the few weeks after treatment starts. Hair loss can be all of your body hair, including pubic, underarm, legs/arms, eyelashes, and nose hairs. You may want to use scarves, wigs, hats, and hairpieces. Your hair helps keep you warm in cold weather, and it can protect you from the sun, so it is important to wear a hat if you are in cold weather or in the sun. If you are going to be out in the sun, protect your scalp by using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Wash your scalp with a mild or baby shampoo. After you are done with treatment, hair often starts to grow back.

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a skin reaction on the palms of your hands and/or the soles of your feet. HFS can be caused by certain chemotherapy agents being absorbed (taken in) by your skin cells. HFS can start as a mild tingling, numbness, pins-and-needles feeling, redness, or pain or swelling of your hands and/or feet. It can lead to painful swelling, blistering, or peeling skin, making it hard to do your normal activities. Tell your providers right away if you have these symptoms, as they may need to change your chemotherapy dose or take a break to let your skin heal. Some ways to help prevent HFS are:

• Keep your hands and feet clean and dry.
• Avoid tight shoes or socks.
• Avoid activities that put pressure on your palms or soles during treatment and for 1 week after treatment.
• Use an alcohol-free moisturizer often, and do not use products with perfumes or scents.
• Do not use very hot water for baths and showers

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.

You may have joint or muscle pain/aches and headaches while taking this medication. Your provider can recommend medications and other ways to help relieve your pain.

A secondary cancer happens as a result of cancer treatment for another cancer. This is rare, but you should know your risk. Secondary cancers can be related to chemotherapy and other anti-cancer medications. Often, a secondary cancer is a blood cancer. This can happen years after treatment and is often related to repeated treatments or high doses. Your provider will watch your labs closely. They may suggest you have a blood test called a complete blood count with differential. This is often done each year if you had high risk therapies.

If you notice you are bleeding more easily or for no reason, especially new bleeding from your gums or nose, call your provider right away. You may also bruise more easily.

If you have bright red or dark, tarry stool, blood in your vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or have any signs of stroke (severe headache, trouble talking, weakness on one side, confusion), call 911 right away. 

QT prolongation is when your heart is not working how it should, and it can cause slow or abnormal heartbeats or an abnormal heart rhythm. Tell your provider right away if you feel abnormal heartbeats or if you feel dizzy or faint.