The Basics
Binimetinib (brand name- Mektovi) is an FDA-approved treatment for certain types of skin cancers that have spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery. It is used along with encorafenib (Braftovi) as a part of a treatment regimen.
Binimetinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about binimetinib.
How should I take binimetinib (Mektovi)?
Binimetinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. Take binimetinib at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take binimetinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or more often than your doctor prescribes. If you vomit after taking the medication, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.
Be sure to tell your doctor how you feel during your treatment with binimetinib. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of binimetinib or Mektovi?
Common side effects
- fatigue (tiredness)
- nausea
- diarrhea (loose stools)
- vomiting (emesis)
- abdominal pain (bellyache)
- constipation
- fever
- vision changes or eye pain, swelling, or redness
- sore throat
- chills
- cough
- other signs of infection
- swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower leg
- muscle pain
- yellow eyes or skin
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- pain or discomfort in right upper stomach area
Serious side effects
- unusual weakness
- dark red or brown urine
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- black, tarry, or bloody stools
- coughing up blood
- sudden onset of difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- leg pain, warmth, or swelling
- fast, pounding heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- dark urine
Binimetinib or Mektovi may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking binimetinib or Mektovi
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor about methods of birth control that will work for you.
While you are on binimetinib or Mektovi
- If you become pregnant while taking binimetinib, call your doctor immediately. Binimetinib may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are taking binimetinib and for 3 days after your final dose.
I forgot a dose. What should I do?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is within 6 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
How should I safely store and dispose of binimetinib or Mektovi?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
You should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Brand names
- Mektovi®
Last Revised – 03/11/2023, FDA-updated- 06/27/2018, SG
Get 24×7 support for binimetinib (Mektovi)
Don’t go through your cancer journey alone. Use Ankr to:
(1) find the best treatment for your cancer, and
(2) get advanced warning to cut side effects by upto 52%