What is Cotellic: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Jan 25, 2021

Cotellic overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cotellic

Generic Names:

  • Cotellic

Uses:

  • Treats melanoma (skin cancer).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Cotellic used for?

Cotellic is a cancer medicine used with vemurafenib to treat a type of skin cancer called melanoma. Cotellic works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

What form(s) does Cotellic come in

  • Tablet

What are common Cotellic doses?

  • Tablet 20MG

Common Cotellic prescriptions

  • Cotellic
    20mg tablet

How to take Cotellic

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: If you vomit after taking a dose or miss a dose, take your next regular dose at the next scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: If you vomit after taking a dose or miss a dose, take your next regular dose at the next scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cotellic

Cotellic contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to cobimetinib, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Cotellic warnings

  • Oral routeIt is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use birth control during treatment and for 2 weeks after your last dose.

  • Do not breastfeed while you are taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after your last dose.

  • Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, bleeding problems, heart disease, or other skin problems.

  • Tell your doctor if you have the following problems:High risk of other skin cancerHigh risk of bleedingHeart diseaseSerious skin reactionsFluid accumulation in the eye and similar eye problemsLiver problemsRhabdomyolysis (severe muscle problem)

  • This medicine could cause infertility in men or women. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles or feet

Cotellic interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how cobimetinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using carbamazepine, ciprofloxacin, efavirenz, erythromycin, itraconazole, phenytoin, rifampin, or St John's wort.

  • Do not breastfeed while you are taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after your last dose.

  • Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, bleeding problems, heart disease, or other skin problems.

  • Tell your doctor if you have the following problems:High risk of other skin cancerHigh risk of bleedingHeart diseaseSerious skin reactionsFluid accumulation in the eye and similar eye problemsLiver problemsRhabdomyolysis (severe muscle problem)

  • This medicine could cause infertility in men or women. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Cotellic side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Change in size or color of a mole, new wart, a sore or reddish bump that bleeds or does not heal

  • Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles or feet

  • Red or black stools, red or dark brown urine, headache, dizziness, or unusual vaginal bleeding

  • Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, persistent coughing or wheezing

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blurred vision, vision changes, eye pain

  • Severe rash, painful itchy skin that is hot to the touch, or thickened dry wrinkled skin

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea

  • Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

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