Encorafenib (Braftovi) is a targeted therapy, which is used in combination with cetuximab to treat patients with BRAF mutations. This drug combo is often referred to as the “Beacon doublet” or “doublet therapy.” Generally, the side effects from Braftovi are mild — although patients will probably experience side effects from cetuximab.
Here are some side effects you may experience:
Whew, sounds like a lot, right? Remember that you likely won’t experience all of these side effects — because everyone’s bodies are different.
If you ever feel like you can’t manage your side effects and symptoms, don’t be afraid to speak with your doctor about pre-meds or complimentary meds to manage them. You can also ask for a referral to the palliative care specialist or team at your cancer center. It’s important to note that palliative care is not the same as hospice care. Palliative care helps patients manage symptoms, and it can be extremely helpful for many people.
Remember that it’s important to check in with your healthcare team before starting any supplements, complementary therapies or fasting regimens. These treatments might not be appropriate for everyone — and some may even interfere with chemotherapy.
This is an extremely common treatment side effect. Nausea usually lasts for a few days to a week after infusion.
Feeling tired is one of the most common side effects for people going through treatment. It’s important to remember that your body is going through a lot.
Braftovi can cause soreness or stiffness in your bones and joints. Talk to your oncologist if you experience these symptoms.
You might experience extremely dry skin, resulting in painful cuts on your hands and feet. Apply a good moisturizer throughout the day, particularly after washing your hands or washing dishes. Many patients on this drug combo also experience skin rashes — although that side effect is caused by cetuximab, rather than Braftovi.
Some patients on Braftovi experience changes in their vision. This can include loss of vision, blurred vision, eye pain, redness or swelling. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your team as soon as possible. It’s important that they assess the severity of your symptoms.
It’s a good idea to keep a journal or notes about your side effects, so you can discuss them with your oncologist at your next appointment. This can help you advocate for changes to your pre-meds and home meds as necessary. Be sure to discuss possible side effects with your oncologist, so you know what’s normal and what might be concerning. Before your first treatment, you should have been given a 24-hour phone number to call in case of severe symptoms.
Some of these symptoms include:
Join one of our COLONTOWN Facebook groups:
Want to join? Fill out the registration form here.