Cotellic is used to treat certain types of cancer or tumors. Common side effects include diarrhea, sensitivity to sunlight, nausea, and vomiting. Call your health care provider right away if you get a rash, unexplained bleeding, vision changes, or shortness of breath. These could be signs of a serious side effect. Keep all appointments with your health care provider before, during, and after taking Cotellic. Cotellic is a tablet that is swallowed.
Uses
What is Cotellic used for?
Cotellic (cobimetinib) is commonly used to treat certain kinds of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) or histiocytic neoplasms (a group of rare disorders that can cause tumors).
Your health care provider can do a test to see if your cancer should be treated with Cotellic.
Cotellic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does Cotellic work (mechanism of action)?
Cotellic is a targeted cancer medicine. It works by targeting specific abnormal proteins in certain cancer or tumor cells. By blocking these proteins, Cotellic can help slow or stop cancer or tumor cells from growing.
How is Cotellic supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Cotellic
Dosage forms and strengths
- 20 mg oral tablets
How should I store Cotellic?
Cotellic should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Cotellic?
The most common side effects of Cotellic are listed below. These side effects may vary, depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Diarrhea
- Sensitivity to sunlight (see below)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Changes in certain lab tests
- Acne-like bumps on the face, chest, upper back, or scalp
- Infection
- Tiredness
- Fluid retention
- Dry skin
- Rash (see below)
- Itching
- Upset stomach or heartburn
- Kidney or bladder infection
- Shortness of breath
There may be other side effects of Cotellic that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Cotellic?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Cotellic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Cotellic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Cotellic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Cancer. Cotellic can cause a new cancer, especially skin cancers, to develop or cause a previously treated cancer to recur (come back). Tell your health care provider right away about any new symptoms that you may get, including any new warts, sores, or red bumps on your skin that bleed or do not heal, or changes in the size or color of a mole. Keep all appointments with your health care provider before, during, and after taking Cotellic.
Severe Bleeding. Cotellic can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some people with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your health care provider right away if you have unusual bleeding or any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking Cotellic.
- Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
- Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
- Red or black stools (look like tar)
- Coughing up blood or blood clots
- Feeling weak, dizzy, or having headaches
Heart Problems. Cotellic may cause your heart muscle to become enlarged, thickened, or stiffened, and not work as well, also known as cardiomyopathy. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your heart before starting and while taking Cotellic. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, or hands
- Unusual tiredness
- A heartbeat that flutters or feels fast or pounding
Rash or Severe Skin Reactions. Cotellic can commonly cause a rash, and sometimes it can cause severe skin reactions. If you get a rash, call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you get a rash or have any of the following symptoms of a serious skin reaction.
- Painful skin that looks burned and peels off
- Flat rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
- Red, painful, watery eyes
- Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches
Eye Problems. Cotellic may cause eye problems, such as damaged or blocked blood vessels in your eye (retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion) and detachment of your retina. Keep all scheduled eye exams while taking Cotellic. Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Eye redness, itchiness, or pain
- Swollen or itchy eyelids
- Feeling like you have something in your eye
- Eye dryness, watering, or discharge
- Vision changes, such as blurry vision, loss of vision, or sensitivity to light
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Cotellic. Keep all appointments for bloodwork before starting and while taking Cotellic. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine (pee)
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
- Bruising or bleeding
Muscle Problems. Cotellic can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
- Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
- Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
- Dark-colored urine (pee)
- Fever
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are taking Cotellic. This is called photosensitivity. You should avoid being in sunlight. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in sunlight. Exposure to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your health care provider right away if any of these happen.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Cotellic?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Cotellic.
- Cobimetinib
- Cotellic
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Cotellic.
What should I know about Cotellic before using it?
Do not take Cotellic unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Your health care provider will explain how you should take Cotellic. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Cotellic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Cotellic out of the reach of children.
Keep all appointments, including for bloodwork and heart checks, before starting and while you are taking Cotellic. This helps your health care provider know if this medicine is safe for you.
If you throw up (vomit) after taking Cotellic, do not take another dose. Take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time.
Cotellic may make it hard for you to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant. Talk with your health care provider if this is a concern for you.
What should I tell my health care provider before using Cotellic?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Cotellic is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.
- Skin problems or rashes
- Heart problems
- Eye problems
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Muscle problems
- Bleeding problems or take any medicines that increase your risk of bleeding, such as a blood thinner
Other Medicines and Supplements. Cotellic may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Cotellic, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. Cotellic may harm an unborn baby. Your health care provider may make sure you are not pregnant before you start to take Cotellic. If you can get pregnant, you should use effective birth control while taking Cotellic and for two weeks after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Cotellic passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed while taking Cotellic and for two weeks after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Cotellic?
For more information about Cotellic, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.cotellic.com or call them at 877-436-3683.
Interactions
Does Cotellic interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Cotellic and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Cotellic, but both Cotellic and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. Heavy drinking can also slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Does Cotellic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Cotellic.
- An antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin or erythromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
- Any medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
- St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used for depression
- Efavirenz, which is a medicine that is used to treat HIV
- Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
- Fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which are medicines used for fungal infections
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Cotellic. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Cotellic. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Cotellic?
If you or someone else has used too much Cotellic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Cotellic?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take double or extra doses.
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