Hair loss, thickening of the outer layers of the skin, headache, swelling/peeling of feet/hands, and joint/muscle/back pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Although this medication is used to treat certain skin cancers, it may rarely cause new skin cancer or other cancers. Tell your doctor right away if you notice unusual skin changes (such as skin sores/lumps, warts, change in the size/color of a mole, skin bump that bleeds or does not heal). Your doctor should check your skin before starting treatment, every 2 months during treatment, and for up to 6 months after stopping this medication.
This medication may rarely make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, signs of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain), signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat, cough), dizziness/fainting, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light), fast/irregular heartbeat, signs of bleeding in the brain (such as severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, vision problems, slurred speech, seizures, or confusion), signs of stomach/intestinal bleeding (such as black/bloody stools, vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds, or dizziness).
Dabrafenib can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.
Dabrafenib in combination with trametinib may rarely cause other serious side effects. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: sudden pain/swelling/redness (usually in the leg), chest pain, trouble breathing.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, swollen lymph nodes, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.