When you or someone close to you is prescribed a new cancer drug, it's normal to feel a little apprehensive and curious. "What will happen with this?", "How will I use this?" are a lot of questions that come to mind. So, today we'll talk about this specific anti-cancer drug called Binimetinib. Having a clear understanding of this will be a great strength for you during this treatment journey.
What is Binimetinib?
Simply put, Binimetinib is a "targeted therapy." That is, instead of affecting every cell in the body like older chemotherapy, this drug targets specific proteins in cancer cells and stops them from growing. It's like picking out a criminal in a crowded place and catching them.
This medicine is mainly used to treat a type of skin cancer called Melanoma . It is also known as MEKTOVI in the market. It is important to remember that this is not like a regular painkiller, but a very powerful, specialized medicine.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
When talking to your doctor, it is very important to give a complete description of your health condition. Because, before starting this medicine, the doctor needs to be aware of certain conditions in your body. If you have any of the following, be sure to tell them about it.
- Bleeding disorders: If you have a blood clotting disorder or other bleeding disorder.
- Eye problems: vision impairment, cataracts, or other eye diseases.
- Heart disease: If you have had a previous heart attack, have weak heart function, or have other heart disease.
- High Blood Pressure: If you have high blood pressure.
- History of blood clots: If you have previously had conditions such as blood clots in the veins.
- Kidney disease: Any disease of the kidneys.
- Liver disease: Any disease that affects the function of the liver.
- Lung-related diseases: Respiratory diseases such as asthma.
- Muscle problems: Muscle pain or weakness.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to binimetinib or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: This is extremely important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant , or suspect you are pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.
How should I use the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple, but it is important to follow the instructions exactly.
- Swallow this pill whole with a glass of water.
- You can take this before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset or nausea after taking the medicine, taking it with a meal can help control it.
- Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- The most important thing is, do not stop taking your medication for any reason without your doctor's advice.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, do not share it with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Missing a dose of medication can happen to anyone. If this happens, here's what to do:
- Take your medicine as soon as you remember.
- However, if you remember your missed dose and it is less than 6 hours until your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Just take your next dose at the scheduled time.
- Never take two doses of medicine at once (double dose).
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
It's a good idea to pay a little more attention to your body while taking this medicine.
- Regular medical checkups: Your doctor will ask you to keep coming to the clinic. They will also order blood tests at that time. These check how the medicine is affecting your body and whether organs like the liver and kidneys are working properly.
- Eyesight: If you notice any changes in your eyesight (blurred vision, changes), tell your doctor immediately.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (very important): This is something to especially keep in mind.
- Avoid becoming pregnant for any reason while taking this medicine.
- Avoid getting pregnant for at least 30 days (one month) after stopping the pill.
- This medicine can cause serious harm to the baby in the womb.
- Also, avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for 3 days after stopping.
Potential Side Effects
Like any medicine, Binimetinib can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common. The important thing is to be aware of these symptoms and take action quickly if necessary.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics and details |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of bleeding | Black or tarry stools, red or dark brown urine, vomiting a substance that looks like coffee grounds, red spots on the skin, unusual bleeding from the gums or nose. |
| Symptoms of a Blood Clot | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden severe headache, pain, swelling and warmth in a leg, difficulty speaking, sudden numbness in a face, arm or leg. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual tiredness. |
| Symptoms of muscle damage | Dark urine, difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine, unusual tiredness, pelvic pain. |
| Symptoms of worsening heart disease | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the legs and feet. |
| Other | Blurred vision, coughing, fainting, or seizures. |
| Things that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting. |
| Other | Dizziness. |
Take-Home Message
- Binimetinib is a targeted therapy for melanoma. This is a medication that should only be taken under the supervision of your doctor.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine without advice.
- If you experience any serious symptoms such as severe skin rash, difficulty breathing, vision changes, or unusual bleeding, seek medical advice immediately.
- You should definitely avoid getting pregnant while taking this medication and for one month after stopping it.
- Never be afraid to ask your doctor about any questions you have, no matter how small.
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