4.1. Therapeutic indications

Melanoma

Dabrafenib as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600 mutation (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).

Adjuvant treatment of melanoma

Dabrafenib in combination with trametinib is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with Stage III melanoma with a BRAF V600 mutation, following complete resection.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Dabrafenib in combination with trametinib is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer with a BRAF V600 mutation.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Treatment with dabrafenib should be initiated and supervised by a qualified physician experienced in the use of anti-cancer medicinal products.

Before taking dabrafenib, patients must have confirmation of tumour BRAF V600 mutation using a validated test.

The efficacy and safety of dabrafenib have not been established in patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma or wild-type BRAF NSCLC. Dabrafenib should therefore not be used in patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma or wild-type BRAF NSCLC (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).

Posology

The recommended dose of dabrafenib, either used as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib, is 150 mg (two 75 mg capsules) twice daily (corresponding to a total daily dose of 300 mg). The recommended dose of trametinib, when used in combination with dabrafenib, is 2 mg once daily.

Duration of treatment

Treatment should continue until the patient no longer derives benefit or the development of unacceptable toxicity (see Table 2). In the adjuvant melanoma setting, patients should be treated for a period of 12 months unless there is disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity.

Missed doses

If a dose of dabrafenib is missed, it should not be taken if it is less than 6 hours until the next scheduled dose.

If a dose of trametinib is missed, when dabrafenib is given in combination with trametinib, the dose of trametinib should only be taken if it is more than 12 hours until the next scheduled dose.

Dose modification

Two dabrafenib capsule strengths, 50 mg and 75 mg, are available to effectively manage dose modification requirements.

The management of adverse reactions may require treatment interruption, dose reduction, or treatment discontinuation (see Tables 1 and 2).

Dose modifications or interruptions are not recommended for adverse reactions of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cuSCC) or new primary melanoma (see section 4.4).

No dose modifications are required for uveitis as long as effective local therapies can control ocular inflammation. If uveitis does not respond to local ocular therapy, withhold dabrafenib until resolution of ocular inflammation and then restart dabrafenib reduced by one dose level (see section 4.4).

Recommended dose level reductions and recommendations for dose modifications are provided in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

Table 1 Recommended dose level reductions

Dose level

Dabrafenib dose

Used as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib

Trametinib dose*

Only when used in combination with dabrafenib

Starting dose

150 mg twice daily

2 mg once daily

1st dose reduction

100 mg twice daily

1.5 mg once daily

2nd dose reduction

75 mg twice daily

1 mg once daily

3rd dose reduction

50 mg twice daily

1 mg once daily

Dose adjustment for dabrafenib below 50 mg twice daily is not recommended, whether used as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib. Dose adjustment for trametinib below 1 mg once daily is not recommended, when used in combination with dabrafenib.

*For dosing instructions for treatment with trametinib monotherapy, see trametinib SmPC, Posology and Method of administration.

Table 2 Dose modification schedule based on the grade of any adverse reactions (excluding pyrexia)

Grade (CTCAE)*

Recommended dabrafenib dose modifications

Used as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib

Grade 1 or Grade 2 (Tolerable)

Continue treatment and monitor as clinically indicated.

Grade 2 (Intolerable) or Grade 3

Interrupt therapy until toxicity is Grade 0 to 1 and reduce by one dose level when resuming therapy.

Grade 4

Discontinue permanently, or interrupt therapy until Grade 0 to 1 and reduce by one dose level when resuming therapy.

* The intensity of clinical adverse reactions graded by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE)

When an individual's adverse reactions are under effective management, dose re-escalation following the same dosing steps as de-escalation may be considered. The dabrafenib dose should not exceed 150 mg twice daily.

Pyrexia

If a patient's temperature is ≥38°C, therapy should be interrupted (dabrafenib when used as monotherapy, and both dabrafenib and trametinib when used in combination). In case of recurrence, therapy can also be interrupted at the first symptom of pyrexia. Treatment with anti-pyretics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen/paracetamol should be initiated. The use of oral corticosteroids should be considered in those instances in which anti-pyretics are insufficient. Patients should be evaluated for signs and symptoms of infection and, if necessary, treated in line with local practice (see section 4.4). Dabrafenib, or both dabrafenib and trametinib when used in combination, should be restarted if the patient is symptom-free for at least 24 hours either (1) at the same dose level, or (2) reduced by one dose level if the pyrexia is recurrent and/or was accompanied by other severe symptoms including dehydration, hypotension or renal failure.

If treatment-related toxicities occur when dabrafenib is used in combination with trametinib, then both treatments should be simultaneously dose reduced, interrupted or discontinued. Exceptions where dose modifications are necessary for only one of the two treatments are detailed below for uveitis, RAS mutation-positive non-cutaneous malignancies (primarily related to dabrafenib), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) reduction, retinal vein occlusion (RVO), retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED) and interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis (primarily related to trametinib).

Dose modification exceptions (where only one of the two therapies is dose reduced) for selected adverse reactions

Uveitis

No dose modifications are required for uveitis as long as effective local therapies can control ocular inflammation. If uveitis does not respond to local ocular therapy, dabrafenib should be withheld until resolution of ocular inflammation, and then dabrafenib should be restarted reduced by one dose level. No dose modification of trametinib is required when taken in combination with dabrafenib (see section 4.4).

RAS mutation-positive non-cutaneous malignancies

The benefits and risks should be considered before continuing treatment with dabrafenib in patients with a non-cutaneous malignancy that has a RAS mutation. No dose modification of trametinib is required when taken in combination with dabrafenib.

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) reduction/Left ventricular dysfunction

If dabrafenib is being used in combination with trametinib and an asymptomatic, absolute decrease of >10% in LVEF compared to baseline occurs, and the ejection fraction is below the institution's lower limit of normal (LLN), please refer to the trametinib SmPC (see section 4.2) for dose modification instructions for trametinib. No dose modification of dabrafenib is required when taken in combination with trametinib.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED)

If patients report new visual disturbances such as diminished central vision, blurred vision or loss of vision at any time while on combination therapy with dabrafenib and trametinib, please refer to the trametinib SmPC (see section 4.2) for dose modification instructions for trametinib. No dose modification of dabrafenib is required when taken in combination with trametinib for confirmed cases of RVO or RPED.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis

In patients treated with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib with suspected ILD or pneumonitis, including patients presenting with new or progressive pulmonary symptoms and findings including cough, dyspnoea, hypoxia, pleural effusion, or infiltrates, pending clinical investigations, please refer to the trametinib SmPC (see section 4.2) for dose modification instructions for trametinib. No dose modification of dabrafenib is required when taken in combination with trametinib for cases of ILD or pneumonitis.

Special populations

Renal impairment

No dose adjustment is required for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. There are no clinical data in subjects with severe renal impairment and the potential need for dose adjustment cannot be determined (see section 5.2). Dabrafenib should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment when administered as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib.

Hepatic impairment

No dose adjustment is required for patients with mild hepatic impairment. There are no clinical data in subjects with moderate to severe hepatic impairment and the potential need for dose adjustment cannot be determined (see section 5.2). Hepatic metabolism and biliary secretion are the primary routes of elimination of dabrafenib and its metabolites and patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment may have increased exposure. Dabrafenib should be used with caution in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment when administered as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib.

Non-Caucasian patients

Limited safety and efficacy data have been collected on dabrafenib in non-Caucasian patients. The population pharmacokinetic analysis showed no significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of dabrafenib between Asian and Caucasian patients. No dabrafenib dose adjustment is needed in Asian patients.

Elderly

No adjustment of the initial dose is required in patients >65 years of age.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of dabrafenib capsules in children and adolescents (<18 years) have not yet been established. No clinical data are available. Studies in juvenile animals have shown adverse effects of dabrafenib which had not been observed in adult animals (see section 5.3).

Method of administration

Tafinlar is for oral use. The capsules are to be swallowed whole with water. They should not be chewed or opened and should not be mixed with food or liquids due to chemical instability of dabrafenib.

It is recommended that the doses of dabrafenib be taken at similar times every day, leaving an interval of approximately 12 hours between doses. When dabrafenib and trametinib are taken in combination, the once-daily dose of trametinib should be taken at the same time each day with either the morning dose or the evening dose of dabrafenib.

Dabrafenib should be taken at least one hour before, or at least 2 hours after a meal.

If a patient vomits after taking dabrafenib, the patient should not retake the dose and should take the next scheduled dose.

Please refer to trametinib SmPC for information on method of administration when given in combination with dabrafenib.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

When dabrafenib is given in combination with trametinib, the SmPC of trametinib must be consulted prior to intiation of combination treatment. For additional information on warnings and precautions associated with trametinib treatment, please refer to the trametinib SmPC.

BRAF V600 testing

The efficacy and safety of dabrafenib have not been established in patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma or wild-type BRAF NSCLC therefore dabrafenib should not be used in patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma or wild-type BRAF NSCLC (see sections 4.2 and 5.1).

Dabrafenib in combination with trametinib in patients with melanoma who have progressed on a BRAF inhibitor

There are limited data in patients taking the combination of dabrafenib with trametinib who have progressed on a prior BRAF inhibitor. These data show that the efficacy of the combination will be lower in these patients (see section 5.1). Therefore, other treatment options should be considered before treatment with the combination in this prior BRAF inhibitor treated population. The sequencing of treatments following progression on a BRAF inhibitor therapy has not been established.

New malignancies

New malignancies, cutaneous and non-cutaneous, can occur when dabrafenib is used as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib.

Cutaneous malignancies

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cuSCC)

Cases of cuSCC (including keratoacanthoma) have been reported in patients treated with dabrafenib alone and in combination with trametinib (see section 4.8). In the Phase III clinical trials MEK115306 and MEK116513 in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, cuSCC occurred in 10% (22/211) of patients receiving dabrafenib as a monotherapy and in 18% (63/349) of patients receiving vemurafenib as a monotherapy, respectively. In the integrated safety population of patients with melanoma and advanced NSCLC, cuSCC occurred in 2% (19/1 076) of patients receiving dabrafenib in combination with trametinib. The median time to diagnosis of the first occurrence of cuSCC in study MEK115306 was 223 days (range 56 to 510 days) in the combination therapy arm and 60 days (range 9 to 653 days) in the dabrafenib monotherapy arm. In the Phase III study BRF115532 (COMBI-AD) in the adjuvant treatment of melanoma, 1% (6/435) of patients receiving dabrafenib in combination with trametinib as compared to 1% (5/432) of patients receiving placebo had developed cuSCC at the time of the primary analysis. During the long‑term (up to 10 years) off‑treatment follow‑up, 2 additional patients reported cuSCC in each treatment arm. Overall, the median time to onset of the first occurrence of cuSCC in the combination arm of the adjuvant treatment study was approximately 21 weeks and was 34 weeks in the placebo arm.

It is recommended that skin examination be performed prior to initiation of therapy with dabrafenib and monthly throughout treatment and for up to six months after treatment for cuSCC. Monitoring should continue for 6 months following discontinuation of dabrafenib or until initiation of another anti-neoplastic therapy.

Cases of cuSCC should be managed by dermatological excision and dabrafenib treatment or, if taken in combination, dabrafenib and trametinib should be continued without any dose adjustment. Patients should be instructed to immediately inform their physician if new lesions develop.

New primary melanoma

New primary melanomas have been reported in clinical trials in patients treated with dabrafenib. In clinical trials in unresectable or metastatic melanoma,these cases were identified within the first 5 months of dabrafenib as monotherapy. Cases of new primary melanoma can be managed with excision and do not require treatment modification. Monitoring for skin lesions should occur as described for cuSCC.

Non-cutaneous malignancies

In vitro experiments have demonstrated paradoxical activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) signalling in BRAF wild-type cells with RAS mutations when exposed to BRAF inhibitors. This may lead to increased risk of non-cutaneous malignancies with dabrafenib exposure (see section 4.8) when RAS mutations are present. RAS-associated malignancies have been reported in clinical trials, both with another BRAF inhibitor (chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia and non-cutaneous SCC of the head and neck) as well as with dabrafenib monotherapy (pancreatic adenocarcinoma, bile duct adenocarcinoma) and with dabrafenib in combination with the MEK inhibitor, trametinib (colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer).

Prior to initiation of treatment patients should undergo a head and neck examination with minimally visual inspection of oral mucosa and lymph node palpation, as well as chest/abdomen computerised tomography (CT) scan. During treatment patients should be monitored as clinically appropriate which may include a head and neck examination every 3 months and a chest/abdomen CT scan every 6 months. Anal examinations and pelvic examinations are recommended before and at the end of treatment or when considered clinically indicated. Complete blood cell counts and blood chemistry should be performed as clinically indicated.

The benefits and risks should be considered before administering dabrafenib in patients with a prior or concurrent cancer associated with RAS mutations. No dose modification of trametinib is required when taken in combination with dabrafenib.

Following discontinuation of dabrafenib, monitoring for non-cutaneous secondary/recurrent malignancies should continue for up to 6 months or until initiation of another anti-neoplastic therapy. Abnormal findings should be managed according to clinical practices.

Haemorrhage

Haemorrhagic events, including major haemorrhagic and fatal haemorrhages, have occurred in patients taking the combination of dabrafenib with trametinib (see section 4.8). Please refer to the trametinib SmPC (see section 4.4) for additional information.

Visual impairment

In clinical trials ophthalmologic reactions, including uveitis, iridocyclitis and iritis, have been reported in patients treated with dabrafenib as monotherapy and in combination with trametinib. Patients should be routinely monitored for visual signs and symptoms (such as change in vision, photophobia and eye pain) while on therapy.

No dose modifications are required as long as effective local therapies can control ocular inflammation. If uveitis does not respond to local ocular therapy, withhold dabrafenib until resolution of ocular inflammation and then restart dabrafenib reduced by one dose level. No dose modification of trametinib is required when taken in combination with dabrafenib following diagnosis of uveitis.

Cases of biocular panuveitis or biocular iridocyclitis suggestive of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome have been reported in patients treated with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib. Withhold dabrafenib until resolution of ocular inflammation and consider consulting an ophthalmologist. Systemic corticosteroid treatment may be necessary.

RPED and RVO may occur with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib. Please refer to the trametinib SmPC (see section 4.4). No dose modification of dabrafenib is required when taken in combination with trametinib following diagnosis of RVO or RPED.

Pyrexia

Fever has been reported in clinical trials with dabrafenib as monotherapy and in combination with trametinib (see section 4.8). In 1% of patients in clinical trials with dabrafenib monotherapy, serious non-infectious febrile events were identified (defined as fever accompanied by severe rigors, dehydration, hypotension and/or acute renal insufficiency of pre-renal origin in patients with normal baseline renal function) (see section 4.8). The onset of these serious non-infectious febrile events was typically within the first month of dabrafenib as monotherapy. Patients with serious non-infectious febrile events responded well to dose interruption and/or dose reduction and supportive care.

The incidence and severity of pyrexia are increased with combination therapy. In the combination therapy arm of study MEK115306 in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, pyrexia was reported in 57% (119/209) of patients with 7% Grade 3, as compared to the dabrafenib monotherapy arm with 33% (69/211) of patients reporting pyrexia, 2% Grade 3. In the Phase II study BRF113928 in patients with advanced NSCLC the incidence and severity of pyrexia were increased slightly when dabrafenib was used in combination with trametinib (48%, 3% Grade 3) as compared to dabrafenib monotherapy (39%, 2% Grade 3). In the Phase III study BRF115532 in the adjuvant treatment of melanoma, the incidence and severity of pyrexia were higher in the dabrafenib in combination with trametinib arm (67%; 6% Grade 3/4) as compared to the placebo arm (15%; <1% Grade 3).

For patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma who received dabrafenib in combination with trametinib and developed pyrexia, approximately half of the first occurrences of pyrexia happened within the first month of therapy and approximately one-third of the patients had 3 or more events.

Therapy (dabrafenib when used as monotherapy, and both dabrafenib and trametinib when used in combination) should be interrupted if the patient's temperature is ≥38°C (see section 5.1). In case of recurrence, therapy can also be interrupted at the first symptom of pyrexia. Treatment with anti-pyretics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen/paracetamol should be initiated. The use of oral corticosteroids should be considered in those instances in which anti-pyretics are insufficient. Patients should be evaluated for signs and symptoms of infection. Therapy can be restarted once the fever resolves. If fever is associated with other severe signs or symptoms, therapy should be restarted at a reduced dose once fever resolves and as clinically appropriate (see section 4.2).

LVEF reduction/Left ventricular dysfunction

Dabrafenib in combination with trametinib has been reported to decrease LVEF (see section 4.8). Please refer to the trametinib SmPC for additional information (see section 4.4). No dose modification of dabrafenib is required when taken in combination with trametinib.

Renal failure

Renal failure has been identified in <1% of patients treated with dabrafenib alone and in ≤1% of patients treated with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib. Observed cases were generally associated with pyrexia and dehydration and responded well to dose interruption and general supportive measures. Granulomatous nephritis has been reported (see section 4.8). Patients should be routinely monitored for serum creatinine while on therapy. If creatinine increases, dabrafenib may need to be interrupted as clinically appropriate. Dabrafenib has not been studied in patients with renal insufficiency (defined as creatinine >1.5 x ULN) therefore caution should be used in this setting (see section 5.2).

Hepatic events

Hepatic adverse events have been reported in clinical trials with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib (see section 4.8). It is recommended that patients receiving treatment with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib have liver function monitored every four weeks for 6 months after treatment initiation with trametinib. Liver monitoring may be continued thereafter as clinically indicated. Please refer to the trametinib SmPC for additional information.

Hypertension

Elevations in blood pressure have been reported in association with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib, in patients with or without pre-existing hypertension (see section 4.8). Please refer to the trametinib SmPC for additional information.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis

Cases of pneumonitis or ILD have been reported in clinical trials with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib. Please refer to the trametinib SmPC section 4.4 for additional information. If dabrafenib is being used in combination with trametinib then therapy with dabrafenib may be continued at the same dose.

Rash

Rash has been observed in about 24% of patients in clinical trials when dabrafenib is used in combination with trametinib (see section 4.8). The majority of these cases were Grade 1 or 2 and did not require any dose interruptions or dose reductions. Please refer to the trametinib SmPC section 4.4 for additional information.

Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis has been reported in patients taking dabrafenib in combination with trametinib (see section 4.8). Please refer to the trametinib SmPC section 4.4 for additional information.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis has been reported in <1% of patients treated with dabrafenib as monotherapy and in combination with trametinib in unresectable or metastatic melanoma clinical trials and about 4% of patients treated with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib in the NSCLC clinical trial. One of the events occurred on the first day of dabrafenib dosing of a metastatic melanoma patient and recurred following re-challenge at a reduced dose. In the adjuvant treatment of melanoma trial, pancreatitis was reported in <1% (1/435) of patients receiving dabrafenib in combination with trametinib, and no patients receiving placebo. Unexplained abdominal pain should be promptly investigated to include measurement of serum amylase and lipase. Patients should be closely monitored when restarting dabrafenib after an episode of pancreatitis.

Deep vein thrombosis/Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis can occur when dabrafenib is used in combination with trametinib. If patients develop symptoms of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or arm or leg swelling, they should immediately seek medical care. Permanently discontinue trametinib and dabrafenib for life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions

Cases of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported during treatment with dabrafenib/trametinib combination therapy. Before initiating treatment, patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms and monitored closely for skin reactions. If signs and symptoms suggestive of SCARs appear, dabrafenib and trametinib should be withdrawn.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Colitis and gastrointestinal perforation, including fatal outcome, have been reported in patients taking dabrafenib in combination with trametinib (see section 4.8). Please refer to the trametinib SmPC for additional information (see section 4.4).

Sarcoidosis

Cases of sarcoidosis have been reported in patients treated with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib, mostly involving the skin, lung, eye and lymph nodes. In the majority of the cases, treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib was maintained. In case of a diagnosis of sarcoidosis, relevant treatment should be considered. It is important not to misinterpret sarcoidosis as disease progression.

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

In post-marketing experience, haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has been observed in patients treated with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib. Caution should be taken when dabrafenib is administered in combination with trametinib. If HLH is confirmed, administration of dabrafenib and trametinib should be discontinued and treatment for HLH initiated.

Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS)

The occurrence of TLS, which may be fatal, has been associated with the use of dabrafenib in combination with trametinib (see section 4.8). Risk factors for TLS include high tumour burden, pre‑existing chronic renal insufficiency, oliguria, dehydration, hypotension and acidic urine. Patients with risk factors for TLS should be closely monitored and prophylactic hydration should be considered. TLS should be treated promptly, as clinically indicated.

Potentiation of radiation toxicity

Cases of radiation recall and radiation sensitisation have been reported in patients treated with radiation either prior, during or subsequent to treatment with dabrafenib as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib. Most cases were cutaneous in nature, but some cases involved other locations including the spinal cord (see sections 4.5 and 4.8). Dabrafenib should be used with caution when given concomitantly or sequentially with radiation treatment.

Effects of other medicinal products on dabrafenib

Dabrafenib is a substrate of CYP2C8 and CYP3A4. Potent inducers of these enzymes should be avoided when possible as these agents may decrease the efficacy of dabrafenib (see section 4.5).

Effects of dabrafenib on other medicinal products

Dabrafenib is an inducer of metabolising enzymes which may lead to loss of efficacy of many commonly used medicinal products (see examples in section 4.5). A drug utilisation review (DUR) is therefore essential when initiating dabrafenib treatment. Concomitant use of dabrafenib with medicinal products that are sensitive substrates of certain metabolising enzymes or transporters (see section 4.5) should generally be avoided if monitoring for efficacy and dose adjustment is not possible.

Concomitant administration of dabrafenib with warfarin results in decreased warfarin exposure. Caution should be exercised and additional International Normalised Ratio (INR) monitoring is recommended when dabrafenib is used concomitantly with warfarin and at discontinuation of dabrafenib (see section 4.5).

Concomitant administration of dabrafenib with digoxin may result in decreased digoxin exposure. Caution should be exercised and additional monitoring of digoxin is recommended when digoxin (a transporter substrate) is used concomitantly with dabrafenib and at discontinuation of dabrafenib (see section 4.5).

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Effect of other medicinal products on dabrafenib

Dabrafenib is a substrate for the metabolising enzymes CYP2C8 and CYP3A4, while the active metabolites hydroxy-dabrafenib and desmethyl-dabrafenib are CYP3A4 substrates. Medicinal products that are strong inhibitors or inducers of CYP2C8 or CYP3A4 are therefore likely to increase or decrease, respectively, dabrafenib concentrations. Alternative agents should be considered during administration with dabrafenib when possible. Dabrafenib should be used with caution if strong inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, gemfibrozil, nefazodone, clarithromycin, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, atazanavir) are co-administered with dabrafenib. Co-administration of dabrafenib with potent inducers (e.g. rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)) of CYP2C8 or CYP3A4 should be avoided.

Administration of ketoconazole (a CYP3A4 inhibitor) 400 mg once daily, with dabrafenib 75 mg twice daily, resulted in a 71% increase in dabrafenib AUC and a 33% increase in dabrafenib Cmax relative to administration of dabrafenib 75 mg twice daily alone. Co-administration resulted in increases in hydroxy- and desmethyl-dabrafenib AUC (increases of 82% and 68%, respectively). A decrease of 16% in AUC was noted for carboxy-dabrafenib.

Administration of gemfibrozil (a CYP2C8 inhibitor) 600 mg twice daily, with dabrafenib 75 mg twice daily, resulted in a 47% increase in dabrafenib AUC but did not alter dabrafenib Cmax relative to administration of dabrafenib 75 mg twice daily alone. Gemfibrozil had no clinically relevant effect on the systemic exposure to dabrafenib metabolites (≤13%).

Administration of rifampin (a CYP3A4/CYP2C8 inducer) 600 mg once daily, with dabrafenib 150 mg twice daily, resulted in a decrease in repeat-dose dabrafenib Cmax (27%) and AUC (34%). No relevant change in AUC was noted for hydroxy-dabrafenib. There was an increase in AUC of 73% for carboxy-dabrafenib and a decrease in AUC of 30% for desmethyl-dabrafenib.

Co-administration of repeat doses of dabrafenib 150 mg twice daily and the pH-elevating agent rabeprazole 40 mg once daily resulted in a 3% increase in AUC and a 12% decrease in dabrafenib Cmax. These changes in dabrafenib AUC and Cmax are considered not clinically meaningful. Medicinal products that alter the pH of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract (e.g. proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists, antacids) are not expected to reduce the bioavailability of dabrafenib.

Effect of dabrafenib on other medicinal products

Dabrafenib is an enzyme inducer and increases the synthesis of drug-metabolising enzymes including CYP3A4, CYP2Cs and CYP2B6 and may increase the synthesis of transporters. This results in reduced plasma levels of medicinal products metabolised by these enzymes and may affect some transported medicinal products. The reduction in plasma concentrations can lead to lost or reduced clinical effect of these medicinal products. There is also a risk of increased formation of active metabolites of these medicinal products. Enzymes that may be induced include CYP3A in the liver and gut, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and UGTs (glucuronide conjugating enzymes). The transport protein P-gp may also be induced as well as other transporters, e.g. MRP-2. Induction of OATP1B1/1B3 and BCRP is not likely based on the observations from a clinical study with rosuvastatin.

In vitro, dabrafenib produced dose-dependent increases in CYP2B6 and CYP3A4. In a clinical drug interaction study, Cmax and AUC of oral midazolam (a CYP3A4 substrate) decreased by 47% and 65%, respectively with co-administration of repeat-dose dabrafenib.

Administration of dabrafenib 150 mg twice daily and warfarin resulted in a decrease in AUC of S- and R- warfarin of 37% and 33%, respectively, compared to administration of warfarin alone. Cmax of S- and R-warfarin increased 18% and 19%.

Interactions with many medicinal products eliminated through metabolism or active transport is expected. If their therapeutic effect is of large importance to the patient, and dose adjustments are not easily performed based on monitoring of efficacy or plasma concentrations, these medicinal products are to be avoided or used with caution. The risk for liver injury after paracetamol administration is suspected to be higher in patients concomitantly treated with enzyme inducers.

The number of affected medicinal products is expected to be large, although the magnitude of the interaction will vary. Groups of medicinal products that can be affected include, but are not limited to:

• Analgesics (e.g. fentanyl, methadone)

• Antibiotics (e.g. clarithromycin, doxycycline)

• Anti-cancer agents (e.g. cabazitaxel)

• Anticoagulants (e.g. acenocoumarol, warfarin, see section 4.4)

• Antiepileptics (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, valproic acid)

• Antipsychotics (e.g. haloperidol)

• Calcium channel blockers (e.g. diltiazem, felodipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil)

• Cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin, see section 4.4)

• Corticosteroids (e.g. dexamethasone, methylprednisolone)

• HIV antivirals (e.g. amprenavir, atazanavir, darunavir, delavirdine, efavirenz, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, tipranavir)

• Hormonal contraceptives (see section 4.6)

• Hypnotics (e.g. diazepam, midazolam, zolpidem)

• Immunosuppressants (e.g. cyclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus)

• Statins metabolised by CYP3A4 (e.g. atorvastatin, simvastatin)

Onset of induction is likely to occur after 3 days of repeat dosing with dabrafenib. Upon discontinuation of dabrafenib offset of induction is gradual, concentrations of sensitive CYP3A4, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, UDP glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) and transporter substrates (e.g. P-gp or MRP-2) may increase and patients should be monitored for toxicity and dose of these agents may need to be adjusted.

In vitro, dabrafenib is a mechanism based inhibitor of CYP3A4. Therefore, transient inhibition of CYP3A4 may be observed during the first few days of treatment.

Effects of dabrafenib on substance transport systems

Dabrafenib is an in vitro inhibitor of human organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1 (OATP1B1), OATP1B3 and BCRP. Following co-administration of a single dose of rosuvastatin (OATP1B1, OATP1B3 and BCRP substrate) with repeat-dose dabrafenib 150 mg twice daily in 16 patients, Cmax of rosuvastatin increased 2.6-fold whereas the AUC was only minimally changed (7% increase). The increased Cmax of rosuvastatin is unlikely to have clinical relevance.

Combination with trametinib

Co-administration of repeat dosing of trametinib 2 mg once daily and dabrafenib 150 mg twice daily resulted in no clinically meaningful changes in trametinib or dabrafenib Cmax and AUC with increases of 16 and 23%, respectively, in dabrafenib Cmax and AUC. A small decrease in trametinib bioavailability, corresponding to a decrease in AUC of 12%, was estimated when trametinib is administered in combination with dabrafenib, a CYP3A4 inducer, using a population pharmacokinetic analysis.

When dabrafenib is used in combination with trametinib refer to the guidance for medicinal product interactions found in sections 4.4 and 4.5 of dabrafenib and trametinib SmPC.

Effect of food on dabrafenib

Patients should take dabrafenib as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib at least one hour prior to or two hours after a meal due to the effect of food on dabrafenib absorption (see section 5.2).

Radiation treatment

Potentiation of radiation treatment toxicity has been reported in patients receiving dabrafenib as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).

Paediatric population

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in females

Women of childbearing potential must use effective methods of contraception during therapy and for 2 weeks following discontinuation of dabrafenib and 16 weeks following the last dose of trametinib when given in combination with dabrafenib. Dabrafenib may decrease the efficacy of oral or any systemic hormonal contraceptives and an effective alternative method of contraception should be used (see section 4.5).

Pregnancy

There are no data from the use of dabrafenib in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity and embryo-foetal developmental toxicities, including teratogenic effects (see section 5.3). Dabrafenib should not be administered to pregnant women unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the foetus. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking dabrafenib, the patient should be informed of the potential hazard to the foetus. Please see trametinib SmPC (see section 4.6) when used in combination with trametinib.

Breast-feeding

It is not known whether dabrafenib is excreted in human milk. Because many medicinal products are excreted in human milk, a risk to the breast-feeding child cannot be excluded. A decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or discontinue dabrafenib, taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

Fertility

There are no data in humans for dabrafenib as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib. Dabrafenib may impair male and female fertility as adverse effects on male and female reproductive organs have been seen in animals (see section 5.3). Male patients taking dabrafenib as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib should be informed of the potential risk for impaired spermatogenesis, which may be irreversible. Please see trametinib SmPC (see section 4.6) when used in combination with trametinib.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Dabrafenib has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. The clinical status of the patient and the adverse reaction profile of dabrafenib should be borne in mind when considering the patient's ability to perform tasks that require judgement, motor or cognitive skills. Patients should be made aware of the potential for fatigue and eye problems to affect these activities.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The safety of dabrafenib monotherapy is based on the integrated safety population from five clinical trials, BRF113683 (BREAK-3), BRF113929 (BREAK-MB), BRF113710 (BREAK-2), BRF113220, and BRF112680, which included 578 patients with BRAF V600 mutant unresectable or metastatic melanoma treated with dabrafenib 150 mg twice daily. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥15%) reported with dabrafenib were hyperkeratosis, headache, pyrexia, arthralgia, fatigue, nausea, papilloma, alopecia, rash, and vomiting.

The safety of dabrafenib in combination with trametinib has been evaluated in the integrated safety population of 1 076 patients with BRAF V600 mutant unresectable or metastatic melanoma, Stage III BRAF V600 mutant melanoma following complete resection (adjuvant treatment) and advanced NSCLC treated with dabrafenib 150 mg twice daily and trametinib 2 mg once daily. Of these patients, 559 were treated with the combination for BRAF V600 mutant melanoma in two randomised Phase III clinical trials, MEK115306 (COMBI-d) and MEK116513 (COMBI-v), 435 were treated with the combination in the adjuvant treatment of Stage III BRAF V600 mutant melanoma after complete resection in a randomised Phase III study BRF115532 (COMBI-AD) and 82 were treated with the combination for BRAF V600 mutant NSCLC in a multi-cohort, non-randomised Phase II study BRF113928 (see section 5.1).

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) for dabrafenib in combination with trametinib were: pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, chills, headache, diarrhoea, vomiting, arthralgia and rash.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Adverse reactions associated with dabrafenib obtained from clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance are tabulated below for dabrafenib monotherapy (Table 3) and dabrafenib in combination with trametinib (Table 4). Adverse reactions are listed below by MedDRA system organ class and ranked by frequency using the following convention: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1 000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10 000 to <1/1 000), very rare (<1/10 000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 3 Adverse reactions with dabrafenib monotherapy

System organ class

Frequency (all grades)

Adverse reactions

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)

Very common

Papilloma

Common

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Seborrhoeic keratosis

Acrochordon (skin tags)

Basal cell carcinoma

Uncommon

New primary melanoma

Immune system disorders

Uncommon

Hypersensitivity

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Very common

Decreased appetite

Common

Hypophosphataemia

Hyperglycaemia

Nervous system disorders

Very common

Headache

Common

Peripheral neuropathy (including sensory and motor neuropathy)

Eye disorders

Uncommon

Uveitis

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Very common

Cough

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very common

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Common

Constipation

Uncommon

Pancreatitis

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Very common

Hyperkeratosis

Alopecia

Rash

Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome

Common

Dry skin

Pruritus

Actinic keratosis

Skin lesion

Erythema

Photosensitivity

Uncommon

Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis

Panniculitis

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Very common

Arthralgia

Myalgia

Pain in extremity

Renal and urinary disorders

Uncommon

Renal failure, acute renal failure

Nephritis

General disorders and administration site conditions

Very common

Pyrexia

Fatigue

Chills

Asthenia

Common

Influenza-like illness

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications

Common

Potentiation of radiation toxicity

Table 4 Adverse reactions with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib

System organ class

Frequency (all grades)

Adverse reactions

Infections and infestations

Very common

Nasopharyngitis

Common

Urinary tract infection

Cellulitis

Folliculitis

Paronychia

Rash pustular

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)

Common

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomaa

Papillomab

Seborrhoeic keratosis

Uncommon

New primary melanomac

Acrochordon (skin tags)

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Common

Neutropenia

Anaemia

Thrombocytopenia

Leukopenia

Immune system disorders

Uncommon

Hypersensitivityd

Sarcoidosis

Rare

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Very common

Decreased appetite

Common

Dehydration

Hyponatraemia

Hypophosphataemia

Hyperglycaemia

Not known

Tumour lysis syndrome

Nervous system disorders

Very common

Headache

Dizziness

Common

Peripheral neuropathy (including sensory and motor neuropathy)

Eye disorders

Common

Vision blurred

Visual impairment

Uveitise

Uncommon

Chorioretinopathy

Retinal detachment

Periorbital oedema

Cardiac disorders

Common

Ejection fraction decreased

Atrioventricular blockf

Uncommon

Bradycardia

Not known

Myocarditis

Vascular disorders

Very common

Hypertension

Haemorrhageg

Common

Hypotension

Lymphoedema

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Very common

Cough

Common

Dyspnoea

Uncommon

Pneumonitis

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very common

Abdominal painh

Constipation

Diarrhoea

Nausea

Vomiting

Common

Dry mouth

Stomatitis

Uncommon

Pancreatitis

Colitis

Rare

Gastrointestinal perforation

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Very common

Dry skin

Pruritus

Rash

Erythemai

Common

Dermatitis acneiform

Actinic keratosis

Night sweats

Hyperkeratosis

Alopecia

Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome

Skin lesion

Hyperhidrosis

Panniculitis

Skin fissures

Photosensitivity

Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis

Not known

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms

Dermatitis exfoliative generalised

Tattoo-associated skin reactions

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Very common

Arthralgia

Myalgia

Pain in extremity

Muscle spasmsj

Renal and urinary disorders

Uncommon

Renal failure

Nephritis

General disorders and administration site conditions

Very common

Fatigue

Chills

Asthenia

Oedema peripheral

Pyrexia

Influenza-like illness

Common

Mucosal inflammation

Face oedema

Investigations

Very common

Alanine aminotransferase increased

Aspartate aminotransferase increased

Common

Blood alkaline phosphatase increased

Gamma-glutamyltransferase increased

Blood creatine phosphokinase increased

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications

Common

Potentiation of radiation toxicity

The safety profile from MEK116513 is generally similar to that of MEK115306 with the following exceptions: 1) The following adverse reactions have a higher frequency category as compared to MEK115306: muscle spasm (very common); renal failure and lymphoedema (common); acute renal failure (uncommon); 2) The following adverse reactions have occurred in MEK116513 but not in MEK115306: cardiac failure, left ventricular dysfunction, interstitial lung disease (uncommon); 3) The following adverse reaction has occurred in MEK116513 and BRF115532 but not in MEK115306 and BRF113928: rhabdomyolysis (uncommon).

a Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cu SCC): SCC, SCC of the skin, SCC in situ (Bowen's disease) and keratoacanthoma

b Papilloma, skin papilloma

c Malignant melanoma, metastatic malignant melanoma, and superficial spreading melanoma stage III

d Includes drug hypersensitivity

e Includes cases of biocular panuveitis or biocular iridocyclitis suggestive of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome

f Atrioventricular block, atrioventricular block first degree, atrioventricular block second degree, atrioventricular block complete

g Bleeding from various sites, including intracranial bleeding and fatal bleeding

h Abdominal pain upper and abdominal pain lower

i Erythema, generalised erythema

j Muscle spasms, musculoskeletal stiffness

Description of selected adverse reactions

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

For dabrafenib monotherapy in study MEK115306, cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (including those classified as keratoacanthoma or mixed keratoacanthoma subtype) occurred in 10% of patients and approximately 70% of the events occurred within the first 12 weeks of treatment with a median time to onset of 8 weeks. In the integrated safety population for dabrafenib in combination with trametinib, 2% of patients developed cuSCC and the events occurred later than with dabrafenib monotherapy with a median time to onset of 18-31 weeks. All patients receiving dabrafenib as monotherapy or in combination with trametinib who developed cuSCC continued on treatment without dose modification.

New primary melanoma

New primary melanomas have been reported in clinical trials with dabrafenib as monotherapy and in combination with trametinib in melanoma studies. Cases were managed with excision and did not require treatment modification (see section 4.4). No new primary melanoma was reported from the Phase II NSCLC study (BRF113928).

Non-cutaneous malignancy

Activation of MAP kinase signalling in BRAF wild-type cells which are exposed to BRAF inhibitors may lead to increased risk of non-cutaneous malignancies, including those with RAS mutations (see section 4.4). Non-cutaneous malignancies were reported in 1% (6/586) of patients in the integrated safety population of dabrafenib monotherapy, and <1% (8/1 076) of patients in the integrated safety population of dabrafenib in combination with trametinib. In the Phase III study BRF115532 (COMBI‑AD) in the adjuvant treatment of melanoma, 1% (5/435) of patients receiving dabrafenib in combination with trametinib as compared to <1% (3/432) of patients receiving placebo developed non-cutaneous malignancies. During the long‑term (up to 10 years) off‑treatment follow‑up, 9 additional patients reported non-cutaneous malignancies in the combination arm and 4 in in the placebo arm. Cases of RAS-driven malignancies have been seen with dabrafenib as monotherapy and in combination with trametinib. Patients should be monitored as clinically appropriate.

Haemorrhage

Haemorrhagic events, including major haemorrhagic events and fatal haemorrhages, have occurred in patients taking dabrafenib in combination with trametinib. Please refer to the trametinib SmPC.

LVEF reduction/Left ventricular dysfunction

Decreased LVEF has been reported in 6% (65/1 076) of patients in the integrated safety population of dabrafenib in combination with trametinib. Most cases were asymptomatic and reversible. Patients with LVEF lower than the institutional lower limit of normal were not included in clinical trials with dabrafenib. Dabrafenib in combination with trametinib should be used with caution in patients with conditions that could impair left ventricular function. Please refer to the trametinib SmPC.

Pyrexia

Fever has been reported in clinical trials with dabrafenib as monotherapy and in combination with trametinib; the incidence and severity of pyrexia are increased with the combination therapy (see section 4.4). For patients who received dabrafenib in combination with trametinib and developed pyrexia, approximately half of the first occurrences of pyrexia happened within the first month of therapy and approximately one-third of the patients had 3 or more events. In 1% of patients receiving dabrafenib as monotherapy in the integrated safety population, serious non-infectious febrile events were identified as fever accompanied by severe rigors, dehydration, hypotension and/or acute renal insufficiency or pre-renal origin in subjects with normal baseline renal function. The onset of these serious non-infectious febrile events was typically within the first month of therapy. Patients with serious non-infectious febrile events responded well to dose interruption and/or dose reduction and supportive care (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).

Hepatic events

Hepatic adverse events have been reported in clinical trials with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib. Please refer to the trametinib SmPC.

Hypertension

Elevations in blood pressure have been reported in association with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib, in patients with or without pre-existing hypertension. Blood pressure should be measured at baseline and monitored during treatment, with control of hypertension by standard therapy as appropriate.

Arthralgia

Arthralgia was reported very commonly in the integrated safety population of dabrafenib monotherapy (25%) and dabrafenib in combination with trametinib (25%) although these were mainly Grade 1 and 2 in severity with Grade 3 occurring uncommonly (<1%) and no Grade 4 occurrences being reported.

Hypophosphataemia

Hypophosphataemia has been reported commonly in the integrated safety population of dabrafenib monotherapy (7%) and of dabrafenib in combination with trametinib (4%). It should be noted that approximately half of these occurrences with dabrafenib monotherapy (4%) and 1% with dabrafenib in combination with trametinib were Grade 3 in severity.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis has been reported in dabrafenib monotherapy and in combination with trametinib. Unexplained abdominal pain should be promptly investigated to include measurement of serum amylase and lipase. Patients should be closely monitored when re-starting dabrafenib after an episode of pancreatitis (see section 4.4).

Renal failure

Renal failure due to pyrexia-associated pre-renal azotaemia or granulomatous nephritis was uncommon; however, dabrafenib has not been studied in patients with renal insufficiency (defined as creatinine >1.5 x ULN). Caution should be used in this setting (see section 4.4).

Special populations

Elderly

Of the total number of patients in the integrated safety population of dabrafenib monotherapy (n=578), 22% were 65 years of age and older, and 6% were 75 years of age and older. Compared with younger subjects (<65), more subjects ≥65 years old had adverse reactions that led to study drug dose reductions (22% versus 12%) or interruptions (39% versus 27%). In addition, older patients experienced more serious adverse reactions compared to younger patients (41% versus 22%). No overall differences in efficacy were observed between these subjects and younger subjects.

In the integrated safety population of dabrafenib in combination with trametinib (n=1 076), 265 patients (25%) were ≥65 years of age, 62 patients (6%) were ≥75 years of age. The proportion of patients experiencing AEs was similar in those aged <65 years and those aged ≥65 years in all clinical trials. Patients ≥65 years were more likely to experience SAEs and AEs leading to permanent discontinuation of medicinal product, dose reduction and dose interruption than those <65 years.

Dabrafenib in combination with trametinib in patients with brain metastases

The safety and efficacy of the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib have been evaluated in a multi-cohort, open-label, Phase II study in patients with BRAF V600 mutant melanoma with brain metastases. The safety profile observed in these patients appears to be consistent with the integrated safety profile of the combination.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

There is no specific treatment for an overdose of dabrafenib. If overdose occurs, the patient should be treated supportively with appropriate monitoring as necessary.