Dabrafenib and trametinib

Hi im on dabrafenib and trametinib to stop melanoma from  coming back. It's says to try and take dabrafenib 12hours apart. Someday I get up earlier  for  work  so I take them earlier on those days 5.45am then about 7 on days off . would this time gap make any difference on how they work and take them between 5.30pm and  7pm at night. The nurse at hospital says between 10 and 12 hours apart. As if I take them to work I will forget to take them. I guess along as I take them twice a day at least 10 hours apart they will still work as still same dosage.

  • Hi K and thanks for your post.

    I would just check and confirm this is ok with your nurse specialist (CNS) if you have one or perhaps with the hospital pharmacist, as they will know your situation. The advice is to take the tablets about every 12 hours and the  Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) website has patient information which has advice if you are late with taking a dose. You can read this information on the EMC website here and here.

    I wondered if when you are at work, it would be helpful to set an alarm on your phone to remind you to take the tablets and let your manager or HR know that's what you need to do. Because you will be on the treatment for a while, I think it is unlikely that being an hour later or so will make any difference to the effectiveness of the treatment. Do check with your team at the hospital or pharmacist.

    I hope this helps, do contact us again if you need any more information or support. You would be welcome to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline, freephone 0808 800 4040 between 9 am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care K all the best

    Jemma