What is COTELLIC used for?

COTELLIC is used to treat adults with certain types of melanoma (with BRAF mutations) when used with vemurafenib, or to treat histiocytic neoplasms on its own.

Can I take COTELLIC with food?

Yes, you can take COTELLIC either with or without food.

What should I do if I miss a dose of COTELLIC?

If you miss a dose, simply take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

Does COTELLIC increase the risk of skin cancer?

Yes, COTELLIC can cause new skin cancers, so you should have your skin checked regularly by a doctor.

Should I avoid the sun while taking COTELLIC?

Yes, you should avoid sun exposure and use protective clothing and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) because the drug can cause severe skin sensitivity to light.

Can COTELLIC harm my baby?

Yes, COTELLIC can cause fetal harm, so effective contraception is necessary during treatment.

What eye problems should I watch for with COTELLIC?

You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your vision or experience eye pain.

Can I breastfeed while taking COTELLIC?

No, you should not breastfeed while taking COTELLIC and should wait at least 2 weeks after the last dose before nursing.

cobimetinib | CAS 934660-93-2 | BSMCAPRUBJMWDF

Loading compound...

Kinase inhibitor

COTELLIC (cobimetinib) is a kinase inhibitor used to treat certain types of cancer. It is used for adults with specific types of melanoma when combined with another medicine called vemurafenib, or as a single medicine for patients with histiocytic neoplasms.

How it worksCOTELLIC works by blocking specific proteins called MEK1 and MEK2. These proteins help cancer cells grow and multiply, so blocking them can help stop the cancer.

Brand names:Cotellic

Used for

Unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations (used with vemurafenib)Histiocytic neoplasms (used as a single agent)

Conditions

melanomahistiocytic neoplasms

Class

kinase inhibitorMEK inhibitorKinase inhibitorIntegumentary systemGastrointestinal systemCardiovascular systemHepatic systemOcular system

How to take

FormsOral tablets

RoutesOral

The standard dose is 60 mg taken by mouth once every day for the first 21 days of a 28-day cycle.

You can take COTELLIC with or without food. If you miss a dose or vomit right after taking it, take your next dose at the regular time.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose or vomit after taking it, resume with your next scheduled dose.

Key warnings

·Monitor for new skin cancers (both on and under the skin).
·Watch for signs of unusual or severe bleeding.
·Heart health must be monitored, as this drug may increase the risk of heart muscle damage.
·Report any changes in vision or eye pain immediately.
·Liver function tests are required during treatment.
·Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sun protection.
·This medicine can cause harm to an unborn baby.

Do not use if

·None listed

Side effects

Common

DiarrheaNauseaVomitingSkin sensitivity to sunlightFatigueDry skinMuscle pain or weakness

Serious

·New types of skin cancer
·Severe bleeding
·Heart muscle problems (cardiomyopathy)
·Severe skin rashes
·Vision changes or eye problems
·Liver problems
·Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)

Seek help if

·new skin lesions
·unusual severe bleeding
·signs of heart dysfunction
·severe skin changes
·vision changes
·signs of liver dysfunction
·muscle pain or weakness

Interactions

·Avoid taking COTELLIC with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers or inhibitors.
·Examples of drugs to avoid include carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, and St. John's Wort.
·If you must take a moderate CYP3A inhibitor for a short time, your doctor may need to reduce your COTELLIC dose.

FoodTaking COTELLIC with a high-fat meal does not appear to change how the medicine is absorbed.

Special populations

PregnancyCOTELLIC can cause serious harm to a fetus. Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.

BreastfeedingDo not breastfeed while taking COTELLIC. It is recommended to wait at least 2 weeks after your last dose before breastfeeding.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of COTELLIC have not been established in children.

GeriatricThere is not enough information to know if older adults (65+) respond differently to this medicine than younger patients.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Skin lesions
·Bleeding
·Heart function (LVEF)
·Vision
·Liver enzymes
·Creatine phosphokinase (CPK)

Questions to ask

·What are the risks of heart damage with COTELLIC?
·How often should my liver function be tested?
·Should I have an eye exam before starting this medication?
·What birth control should I use while on COTELLIC?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetSteady-state reached by 9 days

Half-lifeApproximately 44 hours

Bioavailability46%

Protein binding95%

MetabolismCYP3A oxidation and UGT2B7 glucuronidation

Excretion76% in feces, 17.8% in urine

Practical

OverdoseThere is no specific information provided regarding overdose for COTELLIC.

Ingredients

Allergens

lactose

Inactive

microcrystalline celluloselactose monohydratecroscarmellose sodiummagnesium stearatepolyvinyl alcoholtitanium dioxidepolyethylene glycol 3350talc

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.