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Tafinlar

dabrafenib · Capsule

Prescription NDA RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Tafinlar
Generic name
dabrafenib
Dosage form
Capsule
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
2
Packages
2
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Dabrafenib Mesylate 50 mg/1 1424916 —
Dabrafenib Mesylate 75 mg/1 1424916 —

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Capsule
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
4

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Breast Cancer Resistance Protein Inhibitors [MoA] MoA All 44 members
Cytochrome P450 2B6 Inducers [MoA] MoA All 44 members
Cytochrome P450 2C19 Inducers [MoA] MoA All 37 members
Cytochrome P450 2C8 Inducers [MoA] MoA All 21 members
Cytochrome P450 2C9 Inducers [MoA] MoA All 46 members
Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inducers [MoA] MoA All 54 members
Kinase Inhibitor [EPC] EPC All 89 members
Organic Anion Transporter 1 Inhibitors [MoA] MoA 4 members — no class page
Organic Anion Transporter 3 Inhibitors [MoA] MoA 6 members — no class page
Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 1B1 Inhibitors [MoA] MoA All 19 members
Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 1B3 Inhibitors [MoA] MoA All 10 members
Protein Kinase Inhibitors [MoA] MoA All 41 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
202806
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
May 29, 2013
Sponsor
NOVARTIS
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
31
Products approved under application 202806.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
202806-001 TAFINLAR CAPSULE DABRAFENIB MESYLATE Prescription — RLD
202806-002 TAFINLAR CAPSULE DABRAFENIB MESYLATE Prescription — RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
—
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Patents and exclusivity

Source: Orange Book
Patent listings submitted under 21 U.S.C. 355(b)(1) and (c)(2).
Patent Expires Product Substance Use code Submitted
9233956 May 4, 2029 001 No U-2032 February 24, 2016
9233956 May 4, 2029 001 No U-2296 February 24, 2016
9233956 May 4, 2029 001 No U-2031 February 24, 2016
9233956 May 4, 2029 001 No U-1811 February 24, 2016
9233956 May 4, 2029 002 No U-1811 February 24, 2016
9233956 May 4, 2029 002 No U-2296 February 24, 2016
9233956 May 4, 2029 002 No U-2031 February 24, 2016
9233956 May 4, 2029 002 No U-2032 February 24, 2016
9233956*PED November 4, 2029 001 No —
9233956*PED November 4, 2029 002 No —
7994185 January 20, 2030 001 Yes U-2296 June 13, 2013
7994185 January 20, 2030 001 Yes U-2032 June 13, 2013
7994185 January 20, 2030 001 Yes U-1406 June 13, 2013
8415345 January 20, 2030 001 Yes U-2032 June 13, 2013
8415345 January 20, 2030 001 Yes U-2031 June 13, 2013
8415345 January 20, 2030 001 Yes U-1406 June 13, 2013
7994185 January 20, 2030 001 Yes U-2031 June 13, 2013
8415345 January 20, 2030 001 Yes U-2296 June 13, 2013
8415345 January 20, 2030 002 Yes U-1406 June 13, 2013
8415345 January 20, 2030 002 Yes U-2031 June 13, 2013
8415345 January 20, 2030 002 Yes U-2032 June 13, 2013
8415345 January 20, 2030 002 Yes U-2296 June 13, 2013
7994185 January 20, 2030 002 Yes U-2296 June 13, 2013
7994185 January 20, 2030 002 Yes U-2032 June 13, 2013
7994185 January 20, 2030 002 Yes U-1406 June 13, 2013
7994185 January 20, 2030 002 Yes U-2031 June 13, 2013
7994185*PED July 20, 2030 001 No —
8415345*PED July 20, 2030 001 No —
7994185*PED July 20, 2030 002 No —
8415345*PED July 20, 2030 002 No —
8703781 October 15, 2030 001 Yes U-2296 May 22, 2015
8703781 October 15, 2030 001 Yes U-1713 May 22, 2015
8952018 October 15, 2030 001 No U-2027 July 18, 2017
8703781 October 15, 2030 001 Yes U-2032 May 22, 2015
8703781 October 15, 2030 001 Yes U-2298 May 22, 2015
8703781 October 15, 2030 002 Yes U-1713 May 22, 2015
8703781 October 15, 2030 002 Yes U-2298 May 22, 2015
8703781 October 15, 2030 002 Yes U-2032 May 22, 2015
8952018 October 15, 2030 002 No U-2027 July 18, 2017
8703781 October 15, 2030 002 Yes U-2296 May 22, 2015
8952018*PED April 15, 2031 001 No —
8703781*PED April 15, 2031 001 No —
8952018*PED April 15, 2031 002 No —
8703781*PED April 15, 2031 002 No —
10869869 August 30, 2033 001 No U-3185 August 18, 2021
10869869 August 30, 2033 002 No U-3185 August 18, 2021
10869869*PED February 28, 2034 001 No —
10869869*PED February 28, 2034 002 No —
Regulatory exclusivity periods.
Code Expires Product
I-908 March 16, 2026 001
I-908 March 16, 2026 002
PED September 16, 2026 001
PED September 16, 2026 002
ODE-428 March 16, 2030 001
ODE-428 March 16, 2030 002
PED September 16, 2030 001
PED September 16, 2030 002

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 202806.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 40 Labeling Approved March 26, 2026 Standard
Supplement 38 Labeling Approved April 7, 2025 Standard
Supplement 37 Labeling Approved March 19, 2025 Standard
Supplement 33 Efficacy Approved March 7, 2025 Standard
Supplement 36 Labeling Approved January 30, 2025 Standard
Supplement 31 Labeling Approved July 11, 2024 Standard
Supplement 30 Labeling Approved March 29, 2024 Standard
Supplement 29 Labeling Approved February 27, 2024 Standard
Supplement 27 Efficacy Approved August 31, 2023 Priority
Supplement 26 Labeling Approved May 26, 2023 Standard
Supplement 25 Efficacy Approved March 16, 2023 Priority
Supplement 22 Efficacy Approved June 22, 2022 Priority
Supplement 23 Efficacy Approved May 27, 2022 Standard
Supplement 21 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 4, 2022 N/A
Supplement 19 Efficacy Approved January 28, 2022 Standard
Supplement 20 Labeling Approved December 3, 2021 Standard
Supplement 17 Labeling Approved May 7, 2021 Standard
Supplement 15 Labeling Approved April 9, 2020 Standard
Supplement 12 Efficacy Approved October 6, 2019 Standard
Supplement 13 Labeling Approved July 16, 2019 Standard
Supplement 10 Efficacy Approved May 4, 2018 Priority
Supplement 8 Efficacy Approved April 30, 2018 Priority
Supplement 9 Labeling Approved April 20, 2018 Standard
Supplement 6 Efficacy Approved June 22, 2017 Priority
Supplement 7 Labeling Approved June 16, 2017 Standard
Supplement 5 Labeling Approved June 16, 2016 Standard
Supplement 4 Efficacy Approved November 20, 2015 Unknown
Supplement 3 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 25, 2014 Standard
Supplement 2 Efficacy Approved January 9, 2014 Priority
Supplement 1 Labeling Approved December 26, 2013 Standard
Original application 1 Type 1 - New Molecular Entity Approved May 29, 2013 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · March 30, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · March 30, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · April 9, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · April 8, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · March 21, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · March 21, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · March 11, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · March 11, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · February 6, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · February 5, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · July 15, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · July 12, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · April 1, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · April 1, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · February 28, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · February 28, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · September 1, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · September 1, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · May 30, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · May 30, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · March 17, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · March 16, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · June 23, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · June 23, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · June 1, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · May 31, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · February 8, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · February 8, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · February 1, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · February 1, 2022

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260520). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260520

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Warnings and Precautions, Uveitis ( 5.5 ) 4/2025

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE TAFINLAR is a kinase inhibitor indicated as a single agent for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.1 , 2.1 ) TAFINLAR is indicated, in combination with trametinib , for: the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.2 , 2.1 ) the adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and involvement of lymph node(s), following complete resection. ( 1.3 , 2.1 ) the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with BRAF V600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.4 , 2.1 ) the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and with no satisfactory locoregional treatment options. ( 1.5 , 2.1 ) the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with unresectable or metastatic solid tumors with BRAF V600E mutation who have progressed following prior treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DoR). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s). ( 1.6 , 2.1 ) the treatment of pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with low-grade glioma (LGG) with a BRAF V600E mutation who require systemic therapy. ( 1.7 , 2.1 ) Limitations of Use : TAFINLAR is not indicated for treatment of patients with colorectal cancer because of known intrinsic resistance to BRAF inhibition. ( 1.8 , 12.1 ) TAFINLAR is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF solid tumors. ( 5.2 ) 1.1 BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma TAFINLAR ® is indicated as a single agent for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. 1.2 BRAF V600E or V600K Mutation-Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma TAFINLAR is indicated, in combination with trametinib, for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] . 1.3 Adjuvant Treatment of BRAF V600E or V600K Mutation-Positive Melanoma TAFINLAR is indicated, in combination with trametinib, for the adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and involvement of lymph node(s), following complete resection [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] . 1.4 BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic NSCLC TAFINLAR is indicated, in combination with trametinib, for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with BRAF V600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] . 1.5 BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer TAFINLAR is indicated, in combination with trametinib, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and with no satisfactory locoregional treatment options [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] . 1.6 BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Solid Tumors TAFINLAR is indicated, in combination with trametinib, for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with unresectable or metastatic solid tumors with BRAF V600E mutation who have progressed following prior treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] . This indication …

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage of TAFINLAR in adult patients is 150 mg (two 75 mg capsules) orally twice daily. The recommended dosage for TAFINLAR in pediatric patients is based on body weight. Take TAFINLAR at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. ( 2 ) 2.1 Patient Selection Melanoma Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with TAFINLAR as a single agent [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Clinical Studies (14.1)] . Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E or V600K mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with TAFINLAR and trametinib [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Clinical Studies (14.2, 14.3)] . Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of BRAF V600 mutations in melanoma is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics . NSCLC Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with TAFINLAR and trametinib [see Clinical Studies (14.4)] . Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of BRAF V600E mutations in NSCLC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics . ATC Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with TAFINLAR and trametinib [see Clinical Studies (14.5)] . Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of BRAF V600E mutations in ATC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics . Solid Tumors Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with TAFINLAR and trametinib [see Clinical Studies (14.6)] . An FDA-approved test for the detection of BRAF V600E mutation in solid tumors other than melanoma and NSCLC is not currently available. Low-Grade Glioma Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with TAFINLAR and trametinib [see Clinical Studies (14.7)] . An FDA-approved test for the detection of BRAF V600E mutation in LGG is not currently available. 2.2 Recommended Dosage TAFINLAR Capsules Adult Patients The recommended dosage for TAFINLAR capsules in adult patients is 150 mg taken orally twice daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] . Pediatric Patients The recommended dosage for TAFINLAR capsules in pediatric patients who weigh at least 26 kg is based on body weight (Table 1) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] . A recommended dosage of TAFINLAR capsules has not been established in patients who weigh less than 26 kg. Table 1. Recommended Dosage for TAFINLAR Capsules in Pediatric Patients (Weight-based) Body Weight Recommended Dosage 26 to 37 kg 75 mg orally twice daily 38 to 50 kg 100 mg orally twice daily 51 kg or greater 150 mg orally twice daily TAFINLAR Tablets for Oral Suspension Adult and Pediatric Patients The recommended dosage for TAFINLAR tablets for oral suspension for adult and pediatric patients is based on body weight (Table 2) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] . Table 2. Recommended Dosage for TAFINLAR Tablets for Oral Suspension in Adult and Pediatric Patients (Weight-based) Body Weight Recommended Dosage 8 to 9 kg 20 mg twice daily 10 to 13 kg 30 mg twice daily 14 to 17 kg 40 mg twice daily 18 to 21 kg 50 mg twice daily 22 to 25 kg 60 mg twice daily 26 to 29 kg 70 mg twice daily 30 to 33 kg 80 mg twice daily 34 to 37 kg 90 mg twice daily 38 to 41 kg 100 mg twice daily 42 to 45 kg 110 mg twice daily 46 to 50 kg 130 mg twice daily ≥ 51 kg 150 mg twice daily Duration of Treatment The recommended duration of treatment for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma or solid tumors, metastatic NSCLC, or locally advanced or metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer is until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The recommended duration of treatment in the adjuvant melanoma setting is until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity for up to 1 year. The recommended duration of treatment for pediatric patients with LGG is until disease p …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS TAFINLAR Capsules: 50 mg: Dark red capsule imprinted with ‘GS TEW’ and ‘50 mg’. 75 mg: Dark pink capsule imprinted with ‘GS LHF’ and ‘75 mg’. TAFINLAR Tablets for Oral Suspension: 10 mg: White to slightly yellow, round, biconvex 6 mm tablet debossed with “D” on one side and “NVR” on the other, contains berry flavor. TAFINLAR Capsules: 50 mg, 75 mg ( 3 ) TAFINLAR Tablets for Oral Suspension: 10 mg ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS New Primary Malignancies, Cutaneous and Non-Cutaneous : Can occur when TAFINLAR is administered as a single agent or with trametinib. Monitor patients for new malignancies prior to, or while on therapy, and following discontinuation of treatment. ( 5.1 , 2.4 ) Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-type Tumors : Increased cell proliferation can occur with BRAF inhibitors. ( 5.2 , 2.1 ) Hemorrhage : Major hemorrhagic events can occur in patients receiving TAFINLAR with trametinib. Monitor for signs and symptoms of bleeding. ( 5.3 ) Cardiomyopathy : Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before treatment with TAFINLAR and trametinib, after one month of treatment, then every 2 to 3 months thereafter. ( 5.4 , 2.4 ) Uveitis : Perform ophthalmological evaluation for any visual disturbances. ( 5.5 , 2.4 ) Serious Febrile Reactions : Incidence and severity of pyrexia are increased with TAFINLAR and trametinib. ( 5.6 , 2.4 ) Serious Skin Toxicities : Monitor for skin toxicities. Discontinue for intolerable Grade 2 or for Grade 3 or 4 rash not improving within 3 weeks despite interruption of TAFINLAR. Permanently discontinue for severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). ( 5.7 , 2.4 ) Hyperglycemia : Monitor serum glucose levels in patients with preexisting diabetes or hyperglycemia. ( 5.8 ) Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD) : Closely monitor for hemolytic anemia. ( 5.9 ) Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) : Interrupt treatment for suspected HLH. Discontinue treatment if HLH is confirmed. ( 5.11 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of potential risk to a fetus and to use an effective non-hormonal method of contraception. ( 5.12 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 New Primary Malignancies Cutaneous Malignancies TAFINLAR Monotherapy (Adult) : In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] , cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cuSCC), and keratoacanthomas occurred in 11% and 4% of patients, respectively. Basal cell carcinoma and new primary melanoma occurred in 4% and 1% of patients, respectively. TAFINLAR Administered with Trametinib (Adult) : In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] , the incidence of cuSCC (including keratoacanthomas) occurred in 2% of patients. Basal cell carcinoma and new primary melanoma occurred in 3% and 6 weeks [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] . 5.6 Serious Febrile Reactions Serious febrile reactions and fever of any severity complicated by hypotension, rigors or chills, dehydration, or renal failure, can occur with TAFINLAR. The incidence and severity of pyrexia are increased when TAFINLAR is administered with trametinib compared with TAFINLAR as a single agent [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . TAFINLAR Monotherapy (Adult) : In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] , fever (serious and non-serious) occurred in 30% of patients. Approximately 13% of these patients experienced 3 or more discrete episodes. Serious febrile reactions and fever of any severity complicated by hypotension, rigors or chills occurred in 6% of patients. TAFINLAR Administered with Trametinib (Adult) : In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] , fever occurred in 58% of patients. Serious febrile reactions and fever of any severity complicated by hypotension, rigors or chills, dehydration or renal failure occurred in 5% of patients. Fever was complicated by hypotension in 4%, dehydration in 3%, syncope in 2%, renal failure in 1%, and severe chills/rigors in < 1% of patients. TAFINLAR Administered with Trametinib (Pediatric) : In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] , pyrexia occurred in 66% of patients. Withhold TAFINLAR when used as monotherapy, and both TAFINLAR and trametinib when used in combination, if the patient’s temperature is ≥ 100.4°F. In case of recurrence, therapy can also be interrupted at the first symptom of pyrexia [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: New Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Tumors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Cardiomyopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Uveitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Serious Febrile Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Serious Skin Toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Hyperglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)] There are additional adverse reactions associated with trametinib. Refer to the trametinib prescribing information for additional information. Most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) for TAFINLAR as a single agent are hyperkeratosis, headache, pyrexia, arthralgia, papilloma, alopecia, and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome. ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) for TAFINLAR in combination with trametinib include: Unresectable or metastatic melanoma: pyrexia, rash, chills, headache, arthralgia, and cough. ( 6.1 ) Adjuvant treatment of melanoma: pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, headache, rash, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, arthralgia, and myalgia. ( 6.1 ) NSCLC: pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry skin, decreased appetite, edema, rash, chills, hemorrhage, cough, and dyspnea. ( 6.1 ) Adult patients with solid tumors: pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, rash, chills, headache, hemorrhage, cough, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, myalgia, arthralgia, and edema. ( 6.1 ) Pediatric patients with solid tumors: pyrexia, rash, vomiting, fatigue, dry skin, cough, diarrhea, dermatitis acneiform, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, hemorrhage, constipation, and paronychia. ( 6.1 ) Pediatric patients with LGG: pyrexia, rash, headache, vomiting, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, dry skin, nausea, hemorrhage, abdominal pain, and dermatitis acneiform. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at 1-888-669-6682 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adult Safety Pools The pooled safety population described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflects exposure to TAFINLAR 150 mg orally, twice daily as a single agent in 586 patients with various solid tumors, including BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma, enrolled in BREAK-2, BREAK-3, BREAK-MB, BRF113220, and BRF112680. Among these 586 patients who received TAFINLAR as a single agent, 46% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 15% were exposed for greater than one year. The pooled safety population described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflects exposure to TAFINLAR 150 mg orally, twice daily, administered in combination with trametinib 2 mg orally, once daily, in 1087 patients enrolled in COMBI-d, COMBI-v, COMBI-AD, and BRF113928 with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, adjuvant melanoma, or NSCLC. Among these 1087 patients who received TAFINLAR administered with trametinib, 70% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 21% were exposed for greater than one year. Pediatric Safety Pool The pediatric pooled safety population described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflects exposure to weight-based TAFINLAR orally, twice daily administered in combination with trametinib in 166 pediatric patients across two trials: a multi-center, open-label, multi-cohort study in pediatric patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive glioma requiring systemic therapy (Study G2201; n = 123) and a multi-center, …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Avoid concurrent administration of strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2C8. ( 7.1 ) Concomitant use with agents that are sensitive substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, or CYP2B6 may result in loss of efficacy of these agents. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on TAFINLAR Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2C8 may increase the concentration of dabrafenib [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Substitution of strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2C8 is recommended during treatment with TAFINLAR. If concomitant use of strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2C8 is unavoidable, monitor patients closely for adverse reactions when taking strong inhibitors. 7.2 Effects of TAFINLAR on Other Drugs Dabrafenib decreased the systemic exposures of midazolam (a CYP3A4 substrate), S-warfarin (a CYP2C9 substrate), and R-warfarin (a CYP3A4/CYP1A2 substrate) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Monitor international normalized ratio (INR) levels more frequently in patients receiving warfarin during initiation or discontinuation of dabrafenib. Coadministration of TAFINLAR with other substrates of these enzymes, including dexamethasone or hormonal contraceptives , can result in decreased concentrations and loss of efficacy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8. 3 )] . Substitute for these medications or monitor patients for loss of efficacy if use of these medications is unavoidable.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation : Do not breastfeed. ( 8.2 ) Females and Males of Reproductive Potential : May impair fertility. ( 8.3 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)] , TAFINLAR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There is insufficient data in pregnant women exposed to TAFINLAR to assess the risks. Dabrafenib was teratogenic and embryotoxic in rats at doses three times greater than the human exposure at the recommended adult clinical dose of 150 mg twice daily (see Data) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In a combined female fertility and embryo-fetal development study in rats conducted during the period of organogenesis, developmental toxicity consisted of embryo-lethality, ventricular septal defects, and variation in thymic shape at a dabrafenib dose of 300 mg/kg/day [approximately three times the human exposure at the recommended adult dose based on area under the curve (AUC)]. At doses of 20 mg/kg/day or greater (equivalent to the human exposure at the recommended adult dose based on AUC), rats demonstrated delays in skeletal development and reduced fetal body weight. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of dabrafenib in human milk, or the effects of dabrafenib on the breastfed child or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with TAFINLAR and for 2 weeks following the last dose. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating TAFINLAR. Contraception Based on data from animal studies and its mechanism of action, TAFINLAR can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 )]. Females Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TAFINLAR and for 2 weeks after the last dose. Counsel patients to use a non-hormonal method of contraception since TAFINLAR can render hormonal contraceptives ineffective [see Drug Interactions (7.2)] . Males To avoid potential drug exposure to pregnant partners and female partners of reproductive potential, advise male patients (including those who have had vasectomies) with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with TAFINLAR and for 2 weeks after the last dose. Infertility Females Advise female patients of reproductive potential that TAFINLAR may impair fertility. A reduction in fertility was observed in female rats at dose exposures equivalent to the human exposure at the recommended adult dose. A reduction in the number of corpora lutea was noted in pregnant rats at dose exposures approximately three times the human exposure at the recommended adult dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. Males Advise male patients of the potential risk for impaired spermatogenesis which may be irreversible. Effects on spermatogenesis have been observed in animals treated with dabrafenib at dose exposures up to three times the human exposure at the recommended adult dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. 8.4 Pediatric Use BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Solid Tumors and LGG The safety and effectiveness of TAFINLAR in combination with trametinib have been established in pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with unresectable or metastatic solid tumors with BRAF V600E mutation who have progressed following prior treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options; or with LGG with BRAF V600E mutation who require systemic therapy. Use of TAFINLAR in comb …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Dabrafenib is an inhibitor of some mutated forms of BRAF kinases with in vitro IC 50 values of 0.65, 0.5, and 1.84 nM for BRAF V600E, BRAF V600K, and BRAF V600D enzymes, respectively. Dabrafenib also inhibits wild-type BRAF and CRAF kinases with IC 50 values of 3.2 and 5.0 nM, respectively, and other kinases, such as SIK1, NEK11, and LIMK1 at higher concentrations. Some mutations in the BRAF gene, including those that result in BRAF V600E, can result in constitutively activated BRAF kinases that may stimulate tumor cell growth [see Indications and Usage (1)] . Dabrafenib inhibits cell growth of various BRAF V600 mutation-positive tumors in vitro and in vivo. Dabrafenib and trametinib target two different kinases in the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. Use of dabrafenib and trametinib in combination resulted in greater growth inhibition of BRAF V600 mutation-positive tumor cell lines in vitro and prolonged inhibition of tumor growth in BRAF V600 mutation-positive tumor xenografts compared with either drug alone. In the setting of BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer, induction of EGFR-mediated MAPK pathway re-activation has been identified as a mechanism of intrinsic resistance to BRAF inhibitors [see Indications and Usage (1.8)].

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Dabrafenib mesylate is a kinase inhibitor. The chemical name for dabrafenib mesylate is N-{3-[5-(2-amino-4-pyrimidinyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3-thiazol-4-yl]-2-fluorophenyl}-2,6-difluorobenzene sulfonamide, methanesulfonate salt. It has the molecular formula C 23 H 20 F 3 N 5 O 2 S 2 •CH 4 O 3 S and a molecular weight of 615.68 g/mol. Dabrafenib mesylate has the following chemical structure: Dabrafenib mesylate is a white to slightly colored solid with three pK a s: 6.6, 2.2, and -1.5. It is very slightly soluble at pH 1 and practically insoluble above pH 4 in aqueous media. TAFINLAR (dabrafenib) capsules for oral use are supplied as 50 mg and 75 mg capsules for oral administration. Each 50 mg capsule contains 59.25 mg dabrafenib mesylate equivalent to 50 mg of dabrafenib free base. Each 75 mg capsule contains 88.88 mg dabrafenib mesylate equivalent to 75 mg of dabrafenib free base. The inactive ingredients of TAFINLAR capsules are colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. Capsule shells contain hypromellose, red iron oxide (E172), and titanium dioxide (E171). TAFINLAR (dabrafenib) tablets for oral suspension are supplied as 10 mg tablets for oral administration. Each 10 mg tablet contains 11.85 mg dabrafenib mesylate equivalent to 10 mg of dabrafenib base. The inactive ingredients of TAFINLAR tablets are acesulfame potassium, artificial berry flavor, colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose. The following chemical structure for Dabrafenib mesylate is a kinase inhibitor. The chemical name for dabrafenib mesylate is N-{3-[5-(2-amino-4-pyrimidinyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3-thiazol-4-yl]-2-fluorophenyl}-2,6-difluorobenzene sulfonamide, methanesulfonate salt. It has the molecular formula C23H20F3N5O2S2•CH4O3S and a molecular weight of 615.68.

10 OVERDOSAGE There is no information on overdosage of TAFINLAR. Since dabrafenib is highly bound to plasma proteins, hemodialysis is likely to be ineffective in the treatment of overdose with TAFINLAR.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING TAFINLAR Capsules: 50 mg capsules: Dark red capsule imprinted with ‘GS TEW’ and ‘50 mg’ available in bottles of 120 with child-resistant closures (NDC 0078-0682-66). Each bottle contains a silica gel desiccant. 75 mg capsules: Dark pink capsule imprinted with ‘GS LHF’ and ‘75 mg’ available in bottles of 120 with child-resistant closures (NDC 0078-0681-66). Each bottle contains a silica gel desiccant. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store and dispense in the original bottle with the desiccant. TAFINLAR Tablets for Oral Suspension: 10 mg tablets for oral suspension: white to slightly yellow, round biconvex 6 mm tablet debossed with “D” on one side and “NVR” on the other side. Available in bottles of 210 with child-resistant closures (NDC 0078-1154-21). Each bottle contains 2 silica gel desiccants. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store and dispense in the original bottle with the desiccant.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
20,946
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: DABRAFENIB MESYLATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0078-0681-66 0078-0681 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation 120 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (0078-0681-66) April 1, 2016
0078-0682-66 0078-0682 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation 120 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (0078-0682-66) April 12, 2016
0078-0681 0078-0681 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation — April 1, 2016
0078-0682 0078-0682 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation — April 12, 2016

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.