Binimetinib (bin-i-ME-ti-nib)

Treats melanoma (skin cancer) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Brand Name(s):

Mektovi

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is 6 hours or less until your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at your regular time.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 30 days after your last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 3 days after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, lung disease or breathing problems, eye problems, blood clots, high blood pressure, or muscle problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk for other cancers (skin and non-skin cancer)
  • Heart problems (including heart failure)
  • Increased risk of blood clots or bleeding
  • Eye or vision problems
  • Lung or breathing problems, including interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis
  • Liver problems
  • Severe muscle weakness
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bleeding gums, coughing up blood, unusual nosebleeds, red or dark-brown urine, or red or black, tarry stools
• Blurred vision or changes in vision
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, cough, cold sweat, or bluish-colored skin
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Severe muscle weakness, fever

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea
• Dizziness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088