Vemurafenib
Vemurafenib is an oral targeted therapy that inhibits mutated forms of the BRAF protein, which is involved in cell growth signaling. It is primarily used to treat melanoma and certain other cancers that test positive for the BRAF V600E mutation. By blocking this specific genetic mutation, vemurafenib helps slow or stop cancer cell proliferation.
Vemurafenib is a targeted oral therapy for BRAF V600E-mutated melanoma and related cancers that works by inhibiting mutated BRAF kinase activity.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01EC01
- RxNorm
- 1147220
- Generic
- Vemurafenib
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Zelboraf
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
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Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E mutation, and may be used in other BRAF V600E-mutated cancers as determined by genetic testing.
Vemurafenib is a small molecule inhibitor that blocks the activity of mutated BRAF serine-threonine kinase (including V600E), along with other kinases like CRAF and ARAF, thereby interrupting cancer cell signaling pathways that promote growth and survival.
Requires confirmed BRAF mutation testing before initiation. Common side effects include skin reactions, photosensitivity, joint pain, and fatigue. May cause new skin cancers (squamous cell carcinoma) which require monitoring. Drug interactions are possible, particularly with other medications metabolized through similar pathways.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy