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Cobimetinib Treatment: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Cancer Care
Summary of Key Points
Cobimetinib is a prescription medication used to treat certain cancers, including melanoma and other solid tumors. It works by inhibiting specific proteins that contribute to cancer cell growth. Cobimetinib is often used in combination with other cancer therapies. Patients should be aware of potential side effects and consult their healthcare provider before making any changes to their treatment plan. Our telemedicine services are available for immediate consultation.
Names of Medication
US Brand Name: Cotellic (Cobimetinib)
The generic name refers to the active ingredient, while the brand name is the name given by the manufacturer. In this case, Cobimetinib is the generic name.
Pharmacologic Category
MEK Inhibitors
Kinase Inhibitors
Cobimetinib Dosage
Cobimetinib is prescribed for various cancers, and the dosing schedule may vary depending on the specific condition being treated. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and consult them before making any changes to your dosage. You can also schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers for personalized guidance.
Cobimetinib for Melanoma (in combination with Vemurafenib)
Dosage: 60 mg orally once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle.
Frequency: Once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Dosage: 60 mg orally once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle.
Frequency: Once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Colorectal Cancer
Dosage: 60 mg orally once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle.
Frequency: Once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Thyroid Cancer
Dosage: 60 mg orally once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle.
Frequency: Once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Pancreatic Cancer
Dosage: 60 mg orally once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle.
Frequency: Once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Ovarian Cancer
Dosage: 60 mg orally once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle.
Frequency: Once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Breast Cancer
Dosage: 60 mg orally once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle.
Frequency: Once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Endometrial Cancer
Dosage: 60 mg orally once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle.
Frequency: Once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Dosage: 60 mg orally once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle.
Frequency: Once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Head and Neck Cancer
Dosage: 60 mg orally once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle.
Frequency: Once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.
Length of Treatment: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Tablet: 20 mg
Administration Instructions for Cobimetinib
Cobimetinib should be taken by mouth, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew it. Take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers.
Contraindications for Cobimetinib Treatment
A contraindication is a specific situation where a medication should not be used because it may be harmful. For Cobimetinib, certain conditions or factors make it unsafe. If any of these apply to you, inform your healthcare provider before starting Cobimetinib.
Allergy to Cobimetinib: If you have a known allergy to Cobimetinib or any of its ingredients, taking this medication could cause a severe allergic reaction, including rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Severe liver disease: Cobimetinib is processed by the liver. If you have severe liver disease, taking Cobimetinib could lead to toxic levels of the drug in your body, increasing the risk of serious side effects.
Heart problems: Cobimetinib can affect the heart’s electrical activity, potentially leading to abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). If you have a history of heart problems, Cobimetinib may not be safe for you.
Eye problems: Cobimetinib can cause serious eye issues, including retinal detachment. If you have a history of eye conditions, taking Cobimetinib could worsen your vision or lead to permanent damage.
Drug to Drug Interactions with Cobimetinib
Some medications can interact with Cobimetinib, either increasing the risk of side effects or reducing its effectiveness. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Below are some known drug interactions with Cobimetinib:
Strong CYP3A inhibitors: Medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and clarithromycin (Biaxin) can raise Cobimetinib levels in your body, which may increase the likelihood of side effects.
Strong CYP3A inducers: Drugs like rifampin (Rifadin), phenytoin (Dilantin), and carbamazepine (Tegretol) can lower Cobimetinib levels, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
Other cancer treatments: Certain chemotherapy drugs, such as vemurafenib (Zelboraf), are often used in combination with Cobimetinib. However, these combinations can also heighten the risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider will carefully monitor your treatment if you are receiving multiple cancer therapies.
Cobimetinib in Pregnancy
Is Cobimetinib Safe During Pregnancy?
Cobimetinib is not considered safe during pregnancy, as it can harm an unborn baby, potentially leading to birth defects or miscarriage. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to avoid using Cobimetinib. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least two weeks after the last dose. If you become pregnant while taking Cobimetinib, contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss your options.
Cobimetinib While Breastfeeding
Is Cobimetinib Safe While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding while taking Cobimetinib is not recommended. The drug may pass into breast milk and could pose a risk to a nursing infant. It is advised to avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for at least two weeks after your last dose. If you are currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, speak with your healthcare provider about alternative options.
Estimated Cost of Cobimetinib Treatment
The cost of Cobimetinib can vary depending on your location and pharmacy. Without insurance, the estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Cobimetinib using a GoodRx coupon is approximately $17,000 to $18,000. Prices may fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to check with your pharmacy or use a discount service like GoodRx to find the best available price.
Possible Alternatives to Cobimetinib
If Cobimetinib is not the right treatment for you, there may be other options available. Below are some alternatives for various types of cancer. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. You can also schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers to discuss your options.
- Melanoma: Other targeted therapies, such as dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and trametinib (Mekinist), may be considered. Immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or nivolumab (Opdivo) are also potential options.
- Non-small cell lung cancer: Alternatives include targeted therapies like osimertinib (Tagrisso) or immunotherapy options such as atezolizumab (Tecentriq).
- Colorectal cancer: Chemotherapy regimens like FOLFOX or targeted therapies such as bevacizumab (Avastin) may be used.
- Thyroid cancer: Radioactive iodine therapy or targeted therapies like lenvatinib (Lenvima) may be alternatives.
- Pancreatic cancer: Chemotherapy options such as gemcitabine (Gemzar) or FOLFIRINOX may be considered.
- Ovarian cancer: PARP inhibitors like olaparib (Lynparza) or chemotherapy regimens may be alternatives.
- Breast cancer: Hormonal therapies like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, as well as other targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin), may be considered.
- Endometrial cancer: Hormonal therapies or chemotherapy may be alternatives, depending on the stage and type of cancer.
- Renal cell carcinoma: Targeted therapies like sunitinib (Sutent) or immunotherapy options such as nivolumab (Opdivo) may be used.
- Head and neck cancer: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy options like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) may be alternatives.
Recent Updates on Cobimetinib Research
Recent research on Cobimetinib has focused on its use in combination with other cancer therapies to improve outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma and other cancers. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the effectiveness of Cobimetinib in combination with immunotherapy drugs like atezolizumab (Tecentriq) for treating various cancers, including colorectal and non-small cell lung cancer. Early results suggest that these combinations may enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer, potentially leading to improved survival rates.
Additionally, researchers are exploring the potential of Cobimetinib in treating cancers that have become resistant to other forms of therapy. While these studies are still in the early stages, they offer hope for expanding the use of Cobimetinib in the future. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial or learning more about the latest research, speak with your healthcare provider or schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our specialists.
