Mektovi (binimetinib) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

What are the most common side effects of Mektovi?

The most common side effects of Mektovi 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.

• Tiredness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Bone or muscle pain
• Eye problems (see below)
• Constipation
• Shortness of breath
• Rash
• Cough

There may be other side effects of Mektovi 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 Mektovi?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Mektovi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Mektovi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Mektovi 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. Mektovi can cause a new cancer, especially skin cancers, to develop or cause a previously treated cancer to recur. 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 Mektovi.

Heart Problems. Mektovi may cause your heart muscle to become enlarged, thickened, or stiffened and not work as well, also known as cardiomyopathy. This may also increase your risk of heart failure. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your heart before starting and while taking Mektovi. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of cardiomyopathy or heart failure.

• Shortness of breath, coughing, or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
• Swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, or hands
• Unusually fast weight gain or bloating
• Unusual tiredness
• A heartbeat that flutters or feels fast or pounding
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

Blood Clots. Mektovi may cause a blood clot in your veins, called venous thromboembolism (VTE). A blood clot that travels to your lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. A blood clot in your legs or arms is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Stop taking Mektovi and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of a blood clot.

• Chest pain or pressure
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat
• Fast breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
• Red, warm, or pale skin in your arm or leg

Severe Eye Problems. Mektovi may cause eye problems, such as damaged or blocked blood vessels in your eye (retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion) and eye inflammation (uveitis). Keep all scheduled eye exams while taking Mektovi. 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

Lung Inflammation. Mektovi can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. This can be serious and life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing. You may also have a cough, fever, or chest pain.

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Mektovi. Keep all appointments for blood work before starting and while taking Mektovi. 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. Mektovi 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
• Stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting

Severe Bleeding. Mektovi 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 Mektovi.

• Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
• Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
• Red or black stools (looks like tar)
• Coughing up blood or blood clots
• Feeling weak, dizzy, or having headaches