What should you know about vemurafenib melanoma?

Vemurafenib blocks a signal made by an altered BRAF protein, which can slow or shrink melanoma cells that depend on that signal. It is not appropriate for every melanoma: testing of tumour tissue helps the oncology team decide whether the change is present and whether this medicine fits the situation.

Treatment planning may also involve [Melanoma](/conditions/melanoma/) assessment, [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) or other surgery when disease can be removed. Depending on stage and previous treatment, the team may discuss [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/) or another targeted approach. A [Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy/) answers a staging question; it is not the same as drug treatment.

Take vemurafenib exactly as prescribed and do not change or stop it without speaking with the oncology team. Tell them about every medicine, supplement and skin product, because interactions can matter. Protect treated skin from ultraviolet light and report new or changing lesions; the medicine can cause sun sensitivity and clinicians may monitor for additional skin growths.

Keep scheduled examinations and laboratory or heart monitoring appointments. Ask what to do after vomiting or a missed dose rather than doubling up. Treatment may be adjusted if side effects occur, and follow-up after treatment remains part of care; see [Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/post-treatment-surveillance/).

Contact the oncology team promptly for a new severe rash, blistering or peeling skin, marked sun reaction, eye symptoms, persistent diarrhoea, unusual bleeding, fainting, chest symptoms or a fast or irregular heartbeat. Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, severe chest pain, collapse or confusion. Do not wait for the next routine appointment when symptoms are severe.

Ask whether tumour testing confirms the BRAF change, what benefit is expected in your stage, how the tablets should be taken, which interactions matter, how sun protection should work and which monitoring visits are needed. Ask how this plan compares with surgery, [Skin Cancer Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-cancer-surgery/) or [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/).