TAFINLAR + MEKINIST - Important information | Ask Alia

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Important information

Do not use TAFINLAR + MEKINIST if:
  • You are pregnant
  • You are allergic to the active ingredient (dabrafenib) or any of the other ingredients in TAFINLAR
  • You are allergic to the active ingredient (trametinib) or any of the other ingredients in MEKINIST
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What should I tell my doctor before starting TAFINLAR + MEKINIST?

Check with your doctor if you have:
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Diabetes or high levels of sugar in your blood
  • Heart problems
  • Eye problems
  • Lung problems or difficulty breathing
  • Skin problems
  • Bleeding problems
  • Gut problems
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider for advice before taking this medicine.
  • If you do become pregnant while you are taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST, tell your doctor immediately.
  • TAFINLAR + MEKINIST are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss with you the potential risk(s) of taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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Birth control requirements

  • If you can become pregnant you must use reliable non-hormonal birth control while receiving TAFINLAR + MEKINIST and for at least 16 weeks after stopping the treatment. Pills, patches, and injections are not effective in preventing pregnancies because they may not work as well while you are taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST; therefore, you should use an alternative effective method of birth control.
  • Ask your doctor, healthcare provider, pharmacist, or nurse about options for good birth control or for advice.
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Men taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST

  • If you have a female partner who is pregnant or may become pregnant, you should use condoms with spermicide during sexual intercourse while taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST and for at least 16 weeks after stopping the treatment (even if you have had a vasectomy).
  • You may have a reduced sperm count that may not return to normal levels after you stop taking TAFINLAR + MEKINIST.
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Safety and side effects

Your oncologist or oncology nurse is the best person to give you advice on your treatment.

The information on this website has been adapted from the TAFINLAR and MEKINIST Consumer Medicine Information. Consumer Medicine Information is available from: www.novartis.com/au-en/products/consumer-information

 ▼ This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring in Australia. This will allow for quick identification of new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse events at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

©2026 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited 
ABN 18 004 244 160. Level 25, 155 Miller Street North Sydney, NSW 2060. AU-30486. Ward7 NOIM37158M. June 2026.

References: 

  1. Cancer Australia. Lung cancer in Australia statistics. www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/lung-cancer/lung-cancer-australia-statistics (accessed June 2026).
  2. TAFINLAR Australian approved Consumer Medicine Information.
  3. MEKINIST Australian approved Consumer Medicine Information.
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