Mektovi (Binimetinib)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Mektovi Used For?
Mektovi is an anti-cancer medicine that belongs to a group of medicines called MEK inhibitors. It is always used in combination with another cancer medicine called encorafenib (BRAFTOVI).
Primary Uses
Mektovi is used in combination with encorafenib to treat adult patients with: 1) Melanoma (a type of skin cancer) that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery, and 2) Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body. Both cancers must have a specific change (mutation) in a gene called BRAF.
How It Works
Mektovi targets a protein called MEK which promotes cancer cell growth. When used with BRAFTOVI (which targets the changed BRAF protein), it further slows down or stops the growth of your cancer. Before starting treatment, your doctor will test you to confirm you have the BRAF mutation.
Important: Your doctor will test you before treatment to confirm you have the specific BRAF mutation needed for this medicine to work effectively.
How to Take Mektovi
Always take Mektovi exactly as your doctor has prescribed. The medicine comes as tablets that should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is 45 mg (three 15 mg tablets or one 45 mg tablet) twice daily, taken about 12 hours apart. This equals a total daily dose of 90 mg. You can take Mektovi with or without food. If you vomit after taking the tablets, do not take an additional dose – just take your next scheduled dose.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose and it’s less than 6 hours late, take it as soon as you remember. If the missed dose is more than 6 hours late, skip that dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Then continue with your normal schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Continue taking Mektovi for as long as your doctor tells you to.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and stomach pain
- Vision problems
- Joint pain and muscle pain
- Headache and dizziness
- Fever
- Skin rash and itching
- Dry skin and hair loss
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal blood test results
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Changes in taste
- Swelling of hands or feet
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Heart problems (feeling dizzy, tired, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat)
- Blood clots (chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, leg pain or swelling)
- Serious bleeding (unusual bleeding, blood in vomit/stool/urine)
- Eye problems (blurred vision, vision loss, eye pain or swelling)
- Muscle breakdown (muscle pain, dark urine)
- Severe high blood pressure
- Lung problems (cough, shortness of breath)
- Other skin cancers
- Tumor lysis syndrome (nausea, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, seizures)
- Severe allergic reactions
- Liver problems
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions you should know about before taking Mektovi.
Who Should Not Take Mektovi
Do not use Mektovi if you are allergic to binimetinib or any of the ingredients. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives. Also not recommended if you have a history of retinal vein occlusion (blockage in the vein draining the eye).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: heart problems, high blood pressure, muscle problems, blood clots, liver problems, lung or breathing problems, bleeding problems, eye problems including glaucoma, or if you’ve had a different type of cancer than melanoma or NSCLC. Also mention if you have lactose intolerance, as Mektovi contains lactose.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Mektovi is not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause permanent harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant must use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose. Mektovi is also not recommended while breastfeeding, as it’s unknown if it passes into breast milk.
Serious Warning: Mektovi may cause progression of certain other types of cancers when taken with BRAFTOVI. Your doctor will monitor you regularly.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Mektovi and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Important: Keep a list of all medicines you take to show your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist when getting new medicines.
- Any prescription medicines
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Vitamins and supplements
- Medicines that may increase bleeding risk
Alcohol & Driving
Mektovi can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol interactions with Mektovi. Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Mektovi affects you. The medication can affect your ability to drive or use machines. If you experience vision problems or other side effects that may affect your ability, avoid driving or using machines.
Storage
Keep Mektovi tablets in their original pack until it’s time to take them. Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children. If your doctor tells you to stop taking the medicine or it has expired, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of leftover medicine properly.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Mektovi, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Mektovi can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
If you vomit after taking the tablets, do not take an additional dose. Simply take your next scheduled dose as planned.
Continue taking Mektovi for as long as your doctor tells you to. Do not stop taking the medicine or lower the dose without checking with your doctor first.
If the missed dose is less than 6 hours late, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 6 hours late, skip that dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Never take a double dose.
Yes, your doctor will run regular tests to check your heart function, blood pressure, liver function, muscle condition, and examine your eyes and skin for any problems during treatment.
Be careful before driving until you know how Mektovi affects you. The medication can affect your ability to drive, especially if you experience vision problems or other side effects.
Yes, women who could become pregnant must use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 1 month after taking the last dose, as Mektovi may cause harm to an unborn baby.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.