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Binimetinib Tablets

Binimetinib treats melanoma by stopping cancer cells from growing. Melanoma is an invasive form of skin cancer. This medication comes as a tablet that you can take by mouth with a glass of water as directed. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.

What is this medication?

BINIMETINIB (BIN i ME ti nib) treats skin cancer and lung cancer. It works by blocking a protein that causes cancer cells to grow and multiply. This helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): MEKTOVI

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Bleeding disorder
  • Blood clots
  • Eye disease
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Lung disease
  • Muscle injury
  • Vision problems
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to binimetinib, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Your care team may change your dose or tell you to stop taking this medication if you get side effects. Do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your care team tells you to.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can unless it is less than 6 hours before the next dose. If it is less than 6 hours before the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time. If you vomit a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the dose.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

You may need blood work while taking this medication.

Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.

Your care team may tell you to stop taking this medication if you develop muscle problems. If your muscle problems do not go away after stopping this medication, contact your care team.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 30 days after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 30 days after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 3 days after the last dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Blurry vision, vision loss, seeing wavy or bent objects or blind spots with dark, light, or flashing spots
  • Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge with blurry or decreased vision
  • Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Muscle injury—unusual weakness or fatigue, muscle pain, dark yellow or brown urine, decrease in amount of urine

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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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