Cobimetinib is used to treat a type of skin cancer
(melanoma). It is also used to treat a certain group of blood cancers
(histiocytic neoplasms). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of
cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking cobimetinib and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily for 21 days, then stopping the
medication for 7 days. This is one cycle of treatment. Keep taking the
medication this way as directed by your doctor.
If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take another
dose at that time. Take your next dose at the regular time.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response
to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your
doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including
prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets.
Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur. Brush
your teeth carefully/gently, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol,
and rinse your mouth often with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt.
It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are
high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- unusual skin changes (such as skin sores/lumps, warts, change
in the size/color of a mole)
- easy bleeding/bruising (such as bleeding of the gums)
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- black/bloody stools
- vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds
- blood in the urine
- muscle pain/tenderness/weakness
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
- signs of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling
ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain)
- vision changes (such as blurred vision, vision loss, seeing
halos)
- signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- signs of bleeding in the brain (such as severe headache,
weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, trouble speaking,
seizures, confusion)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking cobimetinib, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- bleeding problems
- high blood pressure
- heart disease (heart failure)
- eye problems
- liver disease
This drug may cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you are sure you
can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use
sunscreen/lip balm and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your
doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin
blisters/redness.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using cobimetinib.
Cobimetinib may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth
control while using this medication and for 2 weeks after the last dose. If
you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and
benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of cobimetinib
from your body, which may affect how cobimetinib works. Examples include
azole antifungals (such as itraconazole), efavirenz, rifamycins (such as
rifampin), St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as
carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as BRAF testing,
heart/liver function, skin/eye exams, CPK/creatinine levels, complete blood
count, blood mineral levels, blood pressure) should be done before you
start taking this medication and while you are taking it. Keep all medical
and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is important to take this medication as scheduled. If
you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for instructions. Do not
double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.