Mektovi (binimetinib) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain types of cancers in adults. Mektovi comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken twice per day. The dosage can vary, depending on certain factors.
Mektovi is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be taken with encorafenib (Braftovi) to treat the following types of cancers in adults:
- melanoma that’s unresectable (can’t be removed by surgery) or metastatic (has spread to other body parts)
- non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that’s metastatic
Specifically, Mektovi is prescribed to treat cancers that have a BRAF V600E or V600K gene mutation (atypical changes).
Mektovi belongs to a drug class called MEK inhibitors. Mektovi isn’t available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Mektovi, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Mektovi, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Mektovi provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Mektovi, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Below is information about Mektovi’s form, strength, and dosages.
Mektovi form
Mektovi comes as an oral tablet.
Mektovi strength
Mektovi comes in one strength of 15 milligrams (mg).
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for melanoma
Doctors may prescribe Mektovi to treat melanoma that is unresectable or metastatic. The drug is typically taken with encorafenib (Braftovi).
The typical dosage of Mektovi is 45 mg (three 15-mg tablets) taken twice per day.
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Dosage for metastatic NSCLC
Mektovi is also approved to help treat metastatic NSCLC. It’s taken with encorafenib (Braftovi). The typical dosage of Mektovi is 45 mg (three 15-mg tablets) taken twice per day.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.
Long-term treatment
Mektovi is meant to be taken 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.
Before you start taking Mektovi, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
The Mektovi dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- how your body responds to Mektovi
- side effects you may have with Mektovi
- your liver function
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Mektovi dosage.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may need to lower your Mektovi dosage if you have liver damage. They may also lower your dosage or stop your treatment if you have certain side effects, depending on how severe they are.
Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take and any health conditions you may have.
Mektovi comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. The drug’s prescribing information doesn’t say whether to crush, chew, or split the tablets. You may take your dose with or without food.
It may be helpful to take your Mektovi doses at the same times each day, approximately 12 hours apart. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Mektovi can work effectively.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have questions about how to take Mektovi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Mektovi in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
If you miss a dose of Mektovi, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s 6 hours or less until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose to make up for it. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you do not take more Mektovi than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Mektovi
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Mektovi. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Mektovi.
Is the dosage of Mektovi similar to the dosage of Mekinist?
Not really. Mektovi comes as an oral tablet that you take twice per day. Mekinist (trametinib) comes as an oral tablet or liquid solution that you take once per day.
The dose in milligrams for each drug also differs because they have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Mektovi to start working?
Mektovi starts to work after your first dose, but it may take weeks or months to find out if the drug is effective for you. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Mektovi treatment.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Mektovi for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Mektovi without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Mektovi that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.