Experiences with Cotellic

[silva68]

My 79-year old mother was diagnosed with Stage 3 metastatic melanoma in the summer of 2017 and started taking Vemurafenib in September 2017. A year later, she is still on Vemurafenib but the cancer cells have completely withdrawn and she is feeling well. She had gone through a full cycle of side effects over the last year (including skin rash, diarrea, joint pains and hair loss), but they have eventually subsided.

The health authority in her country have now approved Cotellic (which wasn’t available a year ago) and it has been added to her prescription. She is slightly concerned that it may lead to the side effects repeating themselves again, or to even some new side effects such as bleeding and kidney problems. I am curious whether anyone here has had any experience with taking both Vemurafenib and Cotellic together and what were the side effects of Cotellic?

Also, has anyone ever been taken off this therapy after successful completion, or do people generally take it for the rest of their lives?

[Catherine Poole]

It usually taken until the patient is free of disease. At her age, I would imagine it would be prudent to give her good quality of life and take her off unless she has disease.

[Catherine Poole]

It usually taken until the patient is free of disease. At her age, I would imagine it would be prudent to give her good quality of life and take her off unless she has disease.

[silva68]

Thank you very much, I appreciate the insight.

[Author]

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