It's normal to feel a little nervous and anxious when you or a loved one is about to start a new cancer treatment. Especially if you can't even pronounce the name of the medication. That's why this is a simple, friendly way to talk about the drug you've been prescribed, Binimetinib.
What is Binimetinib?
Simply put, Binimetinib is a drug that controls the growth of cancer cells . It comes in the form of tablets . It is most commonly used to treat skin cancer and certain types of lung cancer .
Here's how it works: Certain proteins in our bodies tell cancer cells to "grow more and spread faster." Binimetinib works by blocking that signaling protein, slowing or stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells. You may see this drug under the brand name MEKTOVI.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is extremely important that your doctor is aware of your complete health history . Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Bleeding disorders: Do you have a blood clotting problem or a bleeding disorder?
- Blood clots: Have you had blood clots in your legs or lungs before?
- Eye diseases: Do you have any eye disease or vision impairment?
- Heart disease: Do you have or are you being treated for heart disease?
- High blood pressure: Do you take medication for high blood pressure?
- Kidney or Liver disease: Do you have any kidney or liver disease?
- Lung Diseases: Are there other lung diseases that are not like asthma?
- Muscle injury: Are there any muscle injuries or related diseases?
- Allergies:Are you allergic to binimetinib or any other medicine, food, or dye?
- If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant: This is very important . If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should tell your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Be sure to inform your child if you are breastfeeding.
How should I use this medicine?
The most important thing is to take only the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the time prescribed.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- Try to take the medicine at the same time every day.
- This can be taken before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice for any reason. If you experience side effects, your doctor will either change your dosage or tell you to stop taking the medication for a while.
Important: You will receive a special leaflet (MedGuide) with detailed information about your medicine when you are prescribed it. Read it carefully before each dose.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Oh, did you forget to take your medicine? Don't worry. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 6 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Just take the next dose at the scheduled time. Don't take two doses at once to make up for the missed one.
If you vomit after taking the medicine, skip that dose. Take the next dose at the scheduled time.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when taking medication
Your doctor will check you regularly while you are taking this medicine.
- Blood tests: You will need to have regular blood tests to see how the medicine is affecting your body.
- Vision changes: If you notice any changes in your vision (such as blurred vision, black spots), tell your doctor immediately .
- Muscle pain: If you experience severe muscle pain, weakness, or dark brown/yellow urine, inform your doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is a very important point.
- While taking binimetinib and for 30 days after stopping the medicationPregnancy should be avoided because this medicine can cause serious birth defects in the unborn child.
- Before starting the medication, you will be tested to make sure you are not pregnant.
- You need to use a highly effective form of birth control while taking the pill and for 30 days after stopping. Talk to your doctor about the method that is right for you.
- Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine and for 3 days after stopping.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Binimetinib can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding | Black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, small red/purple spots on the skin, and unexplained bruising. |
| Blood clot | Leg pain, swelling or warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Eye problems | Blurred vision, loss of vision, blurred vision, black spots, eye pain, redness. |
| Heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet or hands, sudden weight gain, extreme fatigue. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Muscle injury | Unusual fatigue, muscle pain, dark yellow/brown urine, decreased urine output. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Fatigue | Lifeless body. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Vomiting | Vomiting. |
| Stomach pain | Abdominal pain. |
This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Binimetinib is a cancer treatment. Therefore, use it exactly as your doctor tells you, without any changes.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially heart, liver, and eye diseases).
- Watch out for serious side effects (bleeding, vision changes, difficulty breathing, severe muscle pain). If you experience any of these, tell your doctor immediately.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication and for 30 days after stopping. It is essential to use a highly effective form of birth control.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Binimetinib, MEKTOVI, cancer medicine, skin cancer, lung cancer, side effects, cancer medicine Sri Lanka
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