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Cobimetinib - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Cobimetinib

Generic Name : Cobimetinib
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Cobimetinib are provided here.

Pronunciation : koe-bi-ME-ti-nib

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Cobimetinib, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Trade Names/Brand Names of Cobimetinib

India :


Cotellic

Overview of Cobimetinib

Cobimetinib is an anti-cancer drug used along with vemurafenib for the treatment of patients with melanoma (cancer of the skin) that cannot be surgically removed or melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body.

Why is Cobimetinib Prescribed? (Indications)

Cobimetinib is a kinase inhibitor used in combination with another drug vemurafenib for treating patients with melanoma that cannot be operated or melanoma that spread to other parts of the body. Protein kinases are the enzymes which change the protein function by adding phosphate (PO4) group to the protein. Kinase inhibitor is an enzyme blocking this function.

When should Cobimetinib not be taken? (Contraindications)

Cobimetinib should not be used in patients:

• If there is a previous history of allergy to cobimetinib.
• If there is no BRAF V600E or V600K mutation in melanoma.

What is the dosage of Cobimetinib?

Cobimetinib is used along with vemurafenib for treating patients with melanoma that cannot be operated or melanoma that spread to other parts of the body.

How should Cobimetinib be taken?

Cobimetinib tablet has to be taken by mouth with or without food.
The recommended daily dose is three tablets (60mg) for the first 21 days of the 28-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Missed a Dose?

If a dose of cobimetinib is missed or in case of vomiting, resume dosing with the next scheduled doses.

What are the warnings and precautions for Cobimetinib?

•Patients should be monitored for any new malignancies(cancer) prior to starting the treatment and up to six months after completing the treatment with cobimetinib.

• Patients should be monitored for any signs and symptoms of bleeding.

• Patients should be monitored for any signs and symptoms of heart problems as the risk of cardiomyopathy is increased in patients receiving cobimetinib along with vemurafenib compared with vemurafenib as a single agent.

• Patients should be monitored for severe skin rashes. Reduce or discontinue cobimetinib in case rashes appear.

• Visual evaluation should be done at regular intervals and for any visual disturbances. Permanently discontinue cobimetinib in case of confirmed retinal vein occlusion.

• Patients are advised to inform any signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis (muscle protein breakdown) like muscle pain, fever, dark urine or confusion.

• Advise patients to avoid sun exposure.

• To help protect against sunburn - wear clothes that protect skin, including head, face, hands, arms, and legs. Sunscreen should be used while going out.

• Advise females of the reproductive age group to use effective contraception when on this medication.

What are the side effects of Cobimetinib?

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea , vomiting, stomatitis (inflammation in the mucosa of mouth)
Eye: Vision impairment, retinal diseases
Cardiovascular: Hypertension, blood loss (hemorrhage)
Skin: Photosensitivity (allergy to sunlight), acne (pimples)
Others: Fever (pyrexia) or chills
Lab abnormalities: liver function tests (AST, ALT), creatine phosphokinase, levels of phosphorous, sodium, potassium, calcium in the blood.
Hemoglobin and lymphocytes through blood test should be monitored regularly.

What are the other precautions for Cobimetinib?

Cobimetinib should not be prescribed to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Cobimetinib should not be used in children.

What are the Drug Interactions of Cobimetinib?

Cobimetinib should not be given with itraconazole (an anti-fungal drug).
Reduce the dose if a patient is taking erythromycin or ciprofloxacin (antibiotics) to 20 mg. Resume to the previous dose of 60mg once these antibiotics are stopped.
Cobimetinib effect may be reduced when taken along with drugs like carbamazepine, efavirenz, phenytoin, rifampin, and St. John’s Wort.

What are the storage conditions for Cobimetinib?

Cobimetinib tablets must be stored at room temperature below 30°C.
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