Mektovi (binimetinib)

Mektovi generic

Mektovi is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Mektovi uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Mektovi to treat certain conditions. Mektovi may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Mektovi for melanoma

Mektovi is FDA approved for use in adults to treat melanoma that is:

• metastatic (has spread to other areas of the body) or unresectable (cannot be removed by surgery)
• BRAF-positive, meaning the cancer has certain gene mutations (abnormal changes)

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Symptoms may include:

• a new mole or spot on the skin
• a mole that changes in size, color, or shape
• a skin sore that does not heal

Before prescribing Mektovi, your doctor will check if your cancer is BRAF-positive. Specifically, they’ll test your tumor tissue for mutations called BRAF V600E or V600K. Mektovi is prescribed in combination with another medication called encorafenib (Braftovi).

You can learn more about melanoma at our cancer hub.

Mektovi for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Mektovi is FDA approved for use in adults to treat non-small cell lung cancer that is:

• metastatic (has spread to other areas of the body)
• BRAF-positive, meaning the cancer has certain gene mutations (abnormal changes)

Symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer may include:

• cough
• coughing up blood or bloody mucus
• difficulty breathing
• chest pain

Before prescribing Mektovi, your doctor will check whether your cancer is BRAF-positive. Specifically, they’ll test your blood or tumor tissue for a specific mutation called BRAF V600E.

You can learn more about this condition at our hub for lung cancer.

Mektovi and children

It is not known if Mektovi is safe or effective in children. The drug is FDA approved for certain adults only.

Common questions about Mektovi

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Mektovi.

Is it safe to take Mektovi with Braftovi?

Yes. There are no known interactions between Mektovi and encorafenib (Braftovi).

Mektovi is prescribed in combination with Braftovi. Braftovi is a brand-name oral capsule that contains the active ingredient encorafenib. In clinical trials, this drug combination was shown to be safe and effective for treating certain types of cancer.

As with other medications, side effects may occur while taking Mektovi and Braftovi. To monitor your safety, you and your doctor will closely watch for side effects during your treatment. You’ll have regular eye exams, blood tests, and other tests to check for side effects.

Talk with your doctor about your risk of side effects from these medications.

How does Mektovi work?

Mektovi is a type of targeted therapy. These therapies work by acting on specific targets that can help cancer cells grow and spread.

More specifically, Mektovi is a MEK* inhibitor. MEK proteins help regulate how cells grow and survive. Blocking these proteins may slow or stop cancer cells from growing.

Mektovi is prescribed in combination with encorafenib (Braftovi), another targeted therapy. These drugs target two different proteins that are involved in cell growth. Studies have shown that the anti-cancer effects of these drugs are greater when combined compared to either drug alone.

Mektovi is used to treat certain cancers that are BRAF-positive. This means the cancer has gene mutations (abnormal changes) that lead to abnormal BRAF proteins. These proteins send ongoing signals to cancer cells, causing them to grow and spread uncontrollably. Braftovi works by blocking BRAF proteins, which stops them from sending these signals.

The drug combination is designed to help slow the growth of cancer and may decrease tumor size.

*MEK stands for mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase.

Will Mektovi cure melanoma?

No. Mektovi may help some people live longer without their melanoma getting worse. Some people may experience their tumors shrinking while taking Mektovi. However, these results do not necessarily mean the melanoma is cured. There currently isn’t a cure for melanoma.

In Mektovi’s clinical trials, some people had a complete response, while others had a partial or no response. With a complete response, no signs of cancer can be detected. With a partial response, the size of your tumor decreases.

Also, keep in mind that individual results can vary. Your experience may be different than the results seen in clinical trials. Talk with your doctor about what to expect with Mektovi treatment.

Mektovi dosage

The Mektovi dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• other medical conditions you may have, such as liver problems
• how well your body tolerates Mektovi treatment

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Mektovi comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in one strength of 15 milligrams (mg).

Dosage for melanoma

Mektovi is prescribed to treat melanoma in certain adults. For this use, the recommended dose is 45 mg. You’ll take this dose twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.

You’ll continue taking this dosage for as long as you and your doctor determine Mektovi is safe and effective for you. However, if you develop certain side effects, your doctor may pause your treatment or reduce your dosage. This depends on how severe the side effects are and how long it takes for the side effects to ease or go away.

For this use, Mektovi is prescribed in combination with encorafenib (Braftovi). If your doctor recommends stopping Braftovi, you’ll also stop Mektovi.

Dosage for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Mektovi is prescribed to treat non-small cell lung cancer in certain adults. For this use, the recommended dose is 45 mg. You’ll take this dose twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.

You’ll continue taking this dosage for as long as you and your doctor determine Mektovi is safe and effective for you. However, if you develop certain side effects, your doctor may pause your treatment or reduce your dosage. This depends on how severe the side effects are and how long it takes for the side effects to ease or go away.

For this use, Mektovi is prescribed in combination with encorafenib (Braftovi). If your doctor recommends stopping Braftovi, you’ll also stop Mektovi.

About taking Mektovi

Below you’ll find information about key dosage issues.

• When to take: You should take Mektovi twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. For example, you can take one dose at 8 a.m. and one dose at 8 p.m. Taking Mektovi on a consistent schedule helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body. This helps the medication work effectively.
• If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose of Mektovi, the instructions depend on how much time is left before your next dose is due. The typical dosage of Mektovi is one dose taken every 12 hours.
  • If you miss a dose of Mektovi and your next dose is due more than 6 hours away, go ahead and take the missed dose now.
  • If you miss a dose of Mektovi and your next dose is due within the next 6 hours, do not take the missed dose. Just take your regular dose at the next scheduled time.
• If you vomit: If you vomit at any time after taking a dose of Mektovi, you should not take another dose to “make up” for it. Just continue taking your regular dose on your usual schedule.
• Taking Mektovi with food: You can take Mektovi with or without food.
• Crushing, splitting, or chewing Mektovi: The manufacturer of Mektovi does not offer guidance on whether it is safe to crush, split, or chew Mektovi tablets. So it’s best to swallow them whole. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Length of use: Mektovi is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Mektovi is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
• Length of time to work: Mektovi starts working shortly after you begin treatment. It may take several weeks or months before you and your doctor can determine if the medication is working effectively for you. Your doctor can give you details about when and how often they’ll monitor your condition. This typically involves tests or scans to check the size and location of your tumors.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms

Using more than the recommended dosage of Mektovi can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Mektovi than your doctor recommends.

Do not use more Mektovi than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

What to do in case you take too much Mektovi

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Mektovi side effects

Mektovi can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Mektovi. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Mektovi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Mektovi, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Mektovi. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Mektovi’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Mektovi can include:

• fatigue
• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• muscle pain
• constipation
• mild vision problems, such as blurry vision or sensitivity to light
• edema (fluid retention)
• dry skin
• skin itching
• dizziness
• headache
• hair loss
• mild allergic reaction*

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and Mektovi, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Mektovi aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

• Cardiomyopathy (weakness of the heart muscle, which makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood as well as it usually does). Symptoms can include:
  • heart palpitations
  • new or worsening shortness of breath
  • new or worsening fatigue
  • swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet
• New cancers, such as certain types of skin cancer. Symptoms can include:
  • new growths or lumps
  • new or changing sores on your skin
  • a mole that changes in size, shape, or color
• Blood clots, such as a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that blocks blood flow to your lungs). Symptoms of blood clots can include:
  • sharp, stabbing pain in your chest, especially as you inhale
  • new or worsening shortness of breath
  • rapid or pounding heartbeat
  • pain, swelling, or warmth in your leg or arm
• Serious eye problems, such as retinopathy (disorders of the retina or the layer of tissue at the back of your eye) or uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of your eye). Symptoms can include:
  • trouble seeing, which may start suddenly
  • eye redness
  • eye pain
• Interstitial lung disease (inflammation in your lungs). Symptoms can include new or worsening:
  • chest pain
  • cough
  • trouble breathing
• Liver problems. Signs and symptoms can include:
  • elevated liver enzymes in your blood
  • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
  • lack of appetite
  • abdominal pain
• Increased blood levels of a protein called creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in your blood. This can be a sign of muscle breakdown, which can cause a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis.* Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis can include:
  • muscle pain
  • dark colored urine
  • confusion
  • weakness
  • light-headedness
• Serious bleeding problems. Symptoms can include:
  • coughing up or vomiting blood
  • stools or vomit that look red or black
  • bleeding from your rectum, nose, or any body area
  • dizziness or fainting
• High blood pressure. Symptoms can include:
  • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • dizziness
  • blurred vision or other vision changes
  • heart palpitations
  • difficulty breathing
• Severe allergic reaction.†

* No cases of rhabdomyolysis were seen in clinical trials of Mektovi, but some people experienced increased levels of CPK.
† For details about allergic reaction and Mektovi, see “Allergic reaction” below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Mektovi. This was an uncommon side effect in clinical trials of this drug.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

• swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
• trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Mektovi, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Mektovi interactions

Mektovi is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, foods, or alcohol.

However, this does not mean that interactions will not be recognized in the future. For example, new drugs could be approved that may interact with Mektovi.

Also, keep in mind that Mektovi is prescribed in combination with Braftovi (encorafenib). And Braftovi can interact with other medications, herbs, or supplements. For more information about Braftovi’s interactions, see Braftovi’s prescribing information or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Before starting Mektovi treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol interaction

Alcohol is not known to interact with Mektovi. It’s likely safe for most people to consume alcohol in moderation while taking Mektovi.

However, excessive alcohol use can cause liver problems. Mektovi may cause liver problems. So drinking too much or too often during Mektovi treatment could increase the risk of this side effect.

If you have questions about how much alcohol is safe for you to drink while taking Mektovi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Mektovi cost and coupons

As with all medications, the cost of Mektovi can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Mektovi, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help may be available.

A program called Pfizer Oncology Together is available for Mektovi. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 877-744-5675 or visit the program website.

Generic version: Mektovi is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Similar drugs

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Mektovi, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to Mektovi:

• cobimetinib (Cotellic)
• trametinib (Mekinist)

Things to consider when taking Mektovi

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy, birth control, and breastfeeding.

Mektovi and pregnancy

Mektovi should not be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor can suggest birth control options to use during treatment with Mektovi and for at least 30 days after your last dose.

Mektovi and birth control

Mektovi may not be safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Mektovi.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

For females using Mektovi

If you can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Mektovi. They’ll likely suggest birth control options to use during treatment with Mektovi and for at least 30 days after your last dose.

Also, keep in mind that Mektovi is prescribed in combination with Braftovi. Braftovi can interact with hormonal birth control, which can make certain types of birth control less effective for preventing pregnancy. Your doctor can recommend which types of birth control to use during and after treatment with Mektovi and Braftovi.

For males using Mektovi

The manufacturer of Mektovi hasn’t provided any specific birth control recommendations for males. If your partner can become pregnant, check with your doctor to see if they recommend using birth control (such as condoms) while you’re taking Mektovi.

Mektovi and breastfeeding

Mektovi should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor will recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with Mektovi and for 3 days after your last dose.

Also, keep in mind that Mektovi is prescribed in combination with Braftovi. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Braftovi or for 2 weeks after your last dose.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about feeding your child during or after treatment with Mektovi and Braftovi.