Key facts about Cotellic
What is Cotellic?
Cotellic is the brand name for cobimetinib oral tablets.
What dosages is Cotellic available in?
Cotellic is available as a 20 mg oral tablet.
What is Cotellic used for?
Cotellic is a MEK inhibitor that is used to treat:
- Melanoma with certain BRAF mutations that has spread (metastatic) or can’t be removed by surgery, used together with Zelboraf (vemurafenib)
- Histiocytic neoplasms
How does Cotellic work?
Cotellic is a kinase inhibitor known as a MEK inhibitor. MEK is a protein in the body that’s important for cell growth. Cotellic works by blocking the MEK protein. When the medication blocks MEK, cancer cells can’t grow and spread as well. For people with melanoma with a BRAF mutation, Cotellic is taken with Zelboraf (vemurafenib). The BRAF protein also helps cells grow, and cells can grow too quickly when there’s a BRAF mutation. By blocking two different proteins, Cotellic and vemurafenib (Zelboraf) work together to stop the growth and spread of cancer better.
How do I take Cotellic?
The usual dose is 60 mg by mouth once a day for 3 weeks. Then, you’ll take 1 week off from the medication. This is considered one treatment cycle. Repeat the treatment cycle (3 weeks of treatment, followed by 1 week off) for as long as you’re taking the medication.
Is it safe for me to take Cotellic?
Cotellic is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Cotellic Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Cotellic:
- Higher creatinine levels in blood
- Higher liver enzymes in blood
- Higher creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels in blood
- Other blood test abnormalities
- Diarrhea
- Skin that’s sensitive to the sun
- Nausea
- Fever
- Vomiting
Cotellic Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Cotellic. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Bleeding: blood in urine, blood in stool, vaginal bleeding, sudden and severe headache
- Serious eye problems: sudden and severe eye pain, sudden vision loss
- Serious muscle problems: severe muscle pain or stiffness, dark red or brown urine, sudden muscle weakness
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Cotellic
The following medications may interact with Cotellic:
- Avoid concomitant administration of Cotellic with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers or inhibitors
Who makes Cotellic?
Genentech, Inc.
Is Cotellic safe in pregnancy?
Cotellic can harm your unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Cotellic and for 2 weeks after the final dose of Cotellic.
Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant during treatment with Cotellic.
