- Negative serum pregnancy test within 7 days prior to commencement of dosing in premenopausal women. Women of non-childbearing potential may be included without serum pregnancy test if they are either surgically sterile or have been postmenopausal for ≥ 1 year. Women must use an effective method of contraception from 14 days prior to randomization, throughout the treatment period, and for at least 6 months after the last dose of study treatment as directed by their physician. Effective methods of contraception are defined as those which result in a low failure rate (i.e., less than 1% per year) when used consistently and correctly (for example implants, injectables, or intra-uterine devices). At the discretion of the investigator, acceptable methods of contraception may include total abstinence in cases where the lifestyle of the patient ensures compliance. (Periodic abstinence [e.g., calendar, ovulation, symptothermal, postovulation methods] and withdrawal are not acceptable methods of contraception.) Hormonal-based methods (e.g., oral contraceptives) are NOT permitted as contraception due to potential drug-drug interactions with dabrafenib.