Binimetinib, also known as Mektovi, is a drug used to treat certain types of diseases, particularly melanotic lesions associated with specific gene mutations. It belongs to a class of drugs called MEK inhibitors, which stop the growth and spread of diseased cells by blocking the activity of MEK enzymes. For pregnant and lactating women, the use of Binimetinib requires extreme caution.
Can pregnant and lactating women use Binimetinib?
1. Precautions for pregnant women using Binimetinib
Binimetinib should be avoided during pregnancy. According to animal studies and its mechanism of action, this drug may cause harm to the fetus when given to pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, Binimetinib was shown to have embryotoxic and abortifacient effects when given to rabbits during organogenesis at doses greater than or equal to approximately 5 times that resulted in exposure to about 5 times that of human exposure.
There are currently no available data on the use of this drug during pregnancy, but there may be potential harm to the fetus, and it is recommended that women of childbearing age use effective contraception during treatment with this drug and for at least 30 days after the last dose.
2. Warning for lactating women to use Binimetinib
Binimetinib should also be avoided during breastfeeding. There is currently no information on the use of the drug during breastfeeding. Since Binimetinib is highly bound to plasma proteins and has a half-life of 3.5 hours, the amount in milk may be low. However, the instructions advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 days after the last dose. For patients taking it in combination with encofenib, the instructions recommend stopping breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
It is important for patients to understand the potential risks of the medication in detail and follow the doctor's advice before taking the medication. Doctors should also weigh the pros and cons according to the specific situation of the patient and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
