BRAF V600 inhibitor

Vemurafenib (Specialist drug)

Brand names: Zelboraf

Vemurafenib is an oral kinase inhibitor used to treat BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It selectively inhibits the mutated BRAF V600 kinase, blocking constitutive signalling through the MAPK pathway that drives tumour growth.

Prescribing in practice

Confirm a validated BRAF V600 mutation before starting, as the drug is ineffective and may stimulate tumours in BRAF wild-type disease.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas and other secondary skin lesions can develop, requiring dermatological surveillance.
It prolongs the QT interval and is a specialist oncology medicine initiated under expert supervision.

Monitoring

Perform regular dermatological skin assessments, ECG and electrolyte checks, and monitor liver function throughout treatment.

Counselling the patient

Avoid sun exposure and use high-factor broad-spectrum sun protection because of marked photosensitivity.
Report any new skin lumps, warty growths or changing moles without delay.
Seek urgent advice for fever, rash with blistering, or eye problems.

Evidence & guidelines

Approval followed the BRIM-3 trial demonstrating improved survival versus dacarbazine in BRAF V600-positive melanoma.

Reference: NICE TA269; SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways