Dabrafenib and trametinib side effect.

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I have been taking dabrafenib and trametinib since February this year. I have been getting an excellent response for my subcutaneous melanoma. 

I had swollen lower legs and cellulitis at the beginning, but since then no side effects until 3 weeks ago.

I started getting a blocked nose. Not too bad, breathing steam and using saline spray relieved the symptoms. 

Nothing seems to work now though, and my nose is completely blocked.

Is this a side effect and what can I do to relieve the blocked nose and pressure in my face.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

David

  • Hello David,

    Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Helen, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

    Welcome to the online community.

    It was good to read how effective your dabrafenib and trametinib has been in treating your melanoma. That’s excellent news.

    I was sorry to learn, however, that you have a blocked nose which is causing pressure in your face.

    If you take a look at the information I have linked for you, you will see that swelling of the nasal passages and the back of throat can be a side effect of the treatment; your nose may feel stuffy or blocked, and you may have a sore throat.

    However, rather than assume this is the case and suggest a remedy, I would like to encourage you to speak to your specialist team – either your skin cancer nurse specialist, or the team that dispense your medication, to discuss your symptoms.

    It’s important to let them know what you are experiencing so that they can make an appropriate diagnosis and offer specific help and advice. 

    This way you can be kept safe and the team that are caring for you are aware and informed about your response to your drugs.  

    I hope this information is useful and you feel a little better very soon.

    Best wishes, Helen

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    Ref HM/KMcD