The Mektovi dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- other medical conditions you may have, such as liver problems
- how well your body tolerates Mektovi treatment
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
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Drug forms and strengths
Mektovi comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in one strength of 15 milligrams (mg).
Dosage for melanoma
Mektovi is prescribed to treat melanoma in certain adults. For this use, the recommended dose is 45 mg. You’ll take this dose twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.
You’ll continue taking this dosage for as long as you and your doctor determine Mektovi is safe and effective for you. However, if you develop certain side effects, your doctor may pause your treatment or reduce your dosage. This depends on how severe the side effects are and how long it takes for the side effects to ease or go away.
For this use, Mektovi is prescribed in combination with encorafenib (Braftovi). If your doctor recommends stopping Braftovi, you’ll also stop Mektovi.
Dosage for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
Mektovi is prescribed to treat non-small cell lung cancer in certain adults. For this use, the recommended dose is 45 mg. You’ll take this dose twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.
You’ll continue taking this dosage for as long as you and your doctor determine Mektovi is safe and effective for you. However, if you develop certain side effects, your doctor may pause your treatment or reduce your dosage. This depends on how severe the side effects are and how long it takes for the side effects to ease or go away.
For this use, Mektovi is prescribed in combination with encorafenib (Braftovi). If your doctor recommends stopping Braftovi, you’ll also stop Mektovi.
About taking Mektovi
Below you’ll find information about key dosage issues.
- When to take: You should take Mektovi twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. For example, you can take one dose at 8 a.m. and one dose at 8 p.m. Taking Mektovi on a consistent schedule helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body. This helps the medication work effectively.
- If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose of Mektovi, the instructions depend on how much time is left before your next dose is due. The typical dosage of Mektovi is one dose taken every 12 hours.
- If you miss a dose of Mektovi and your next dose is due more than 6 hours away, go ahead and take the missed dose now.
- If you miss a dose of Mektovi and your next dose is due within the next 6 hours, do not take the missed dose. Just take your regular dose at the next scheduled time.
- If you vomit: If you vomit at any time after taking a dose of Mektovi, you should not take another dose to “make up” for it. Just continue taking your regular dose on your usual schedule.
- Taking Mektovi with food: You can take Mektovi with or without food.
- Crushing, splitting, or chewing Mektovi: The manufacturer of Mektovi does not offer guidance on whether it is safe to crush, split, or chew Mektovi tablets. So it’s best to swallow them whole. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- Length of use: Mektovi is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Mektovi is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
- Length of time to work: Mektovi starts working shortly after you begin treatment. It may take several weeks or months before you and your doctor can determine if the medication is working effectively for you. Your doctor can give you details about when and how often they’ll monitor your condition. This typically involves tests or scans to check the size and location of your tumors.
Overdose
Overdose symptoms
Using more than the recommended dosage of Mektovi can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Mektovi than your doctor recommends.
Do not use more Mektovi than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.
What to do in case you take too much Mektovi
If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
