I was originally diagnosed stage 3c metastatic melanoma in March 2010. I’m currently stage 4, being treated at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. I am BRAF V600D positive and started Zelboraf (Vemurafenib) a BRAF Inhibitor in April 2012. I was off and on it for a year. This is by no means a complete list and often times I’ve had to consult with my oncology nurse to escalate to a prescription solution. Many people cannot tolerate the full strength dosage of the drug due to its severe side effects and like I did, take 720 mg (3 pills) twice a day. Many people find the side effects lessen over time and come and go.
| Sun Sensitivity | LIMIT SUN EXPOSURE, High SPF clothing, & hat, High SPF sunscreen & lip balm, Sunglasses |
| Joint Pain | Ibuprofen or Aleve, Exercise |
| Foot Pain | Thick cushioning socks and shoes, Ice Packs |
| Build up of calluses – soles of the feet | Soak feet in warm water and file down dry calluses daily or as needed then seal the raw area with a Liquid Bandage product like New Skin. This keeps the calluses from building up as quickly and protects the raw areas resulting in less pain. I found this worked MUCH better than even Rx creams. Remove bandage product and re-apply daily. |
| Warts, skin tags, etc. | See a dermatologist frequently |
| Nausea | Drink lots of fluids, Smaller more frequent meals, Chew gum, Use mints |
| Persistent Bad Taste in the mouth | Chew gum, Use mints |
| Fatigue, tiredness | Exercise |
| Chills/Fever | Ibuprofen or Aleve |
| Diarrhea/ Loose stools | Immodium |
| Excess Gas | 1/2 Tab Immodium, Phazyme |
| Rough, Dry Skin | Vaseline on face – it was extra dry, Curel Intensive Healing Cream, Coconut Oil, Drink Extra Fluids |
| Mild, Itchy Rash | Benadryl, DermaSerra, Lukewarm Oatmeal Bath, Cool packs, Avoid the heat and hot showers |
| Itchy Scalp | Use a good moisturizing conditioner and leave it on 3-5 minutes before rinsing |
| Hair Loss | Washing less frequently may slow it down, Use a dry shampoo, American Cancer Society – free wigs |
| Headache | Ibuprofen or Aleve |
| Tinnitus | See an audiologist for hearing check and ways to deal with tinnitus |
| Painful Dry Eyes | Blink eye drops, Genteal Eye Gel, Genteal Eye Ointment |
| Bleeding Gums | Warm salt water rinse 3x day + Healthy Gums Mouthwash 2x a day |
| Dry Bleeding Cracked Lips | Burt’s Bees Ultra Moisturizing Lip Treatment, Vaseline |
Zelboraf Side Effects & OTC Remedies 