What is Encorafenib and binimetinib used for?

melanoma with a BRAF gene change; non-small cell lung cancer with a BRAF gene change.

What are the common side effects of Encorafenib and binimetinib?

Feeling tired. Nausea or vomiting. Diarrhea or constipation. Belly pain. Joint or muscle pain. Blurry vision. Skin changes, like dry skin, rash, or thickened skin.

When should I call my care team while taking Encorafenib and binimetinib?

Any change in your vision, eye pain, or red eyes; New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, or swelling in your legs; Pain, swelling, or redness in one leg or arm; Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or coughing up blood; Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly; Bad muscle pain or weakness, or dark brown urine.

Encorafenib and binimetinib

Say it: en-koh-RAF-eh-nib and bih-nih-MEH-tih-nib · Brand names: Braftovi, Mektovi

Encorafenib and binimetinib are two targeted pills taken together to block a growth signal in cancers with a BRAF gene change.

What it is

Some cancers have a change in a gene called BRAF. This change turns on a signal path that makes cells grow. Encorafenib blocks BRAF, and binimetinib blocks a protein further down the same path called MEK.

Often used for

melanoma with a BRAF gene change
non-small cell lung cancer with a BRAF gene change

How you get it

Both are taken by mouth, with or without food. Encorafenib is a capsule taken once a day, and binimetinib is a pill taken twice a day. People usually take them for as long as they work. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

Feeling tired. Rest when you need to and take short walks when you can.
Nausea or vomiting. Eat small, bland meals and ask about nausea medicine.
Diarrhea or constipation. Drink plenty of fluids.
Belly pain. Tell your team if it is bad or does not go away.
Joint or muscle pain. Ask your team what pain medicine is safe for you.
Blurry vision. Be careful driving and tell your team about vision changes.
Skin changes, like dry skin, rash, or thickened skin. Use moisturizer and sunscreen.

Call your care team right away if you have

Any change in your vision, eye pain, or red eyes
New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, or swelling in your legs
Pain, swelling, or redness in one leg or arm
Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or coughing up blood
Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly
Bad muscle pain or weakness, or dark brown urine

Before you start, tell your team

If you have heart, eye, liver, or bleeding problems
If you use hormonal birth control, since encorafenib can make it work less well
If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works

Good to know

New skin cancers can happen. You will have skin checks during and after treatment.
It can weaken the heart. You will have a heart ultrasound before and during treatment.
Eye problems can happen. You will have eye exams.
You will have blood tests for your liver and muscle enzymes.
This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for a while after.

At home

Take them at about the same times each day.
Swallow the pills whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or split them unless your team says it is OK.
If you miss a dose or throw up after a dose, ask your team what to do. Do not take an extra dose on your own.
Store the pills at room temperature in their original container, away from children and pets.
Wash your hands after touching the pills. Ask your team if others in your home should take special care.

Questions to ask

How long will I take this medicine?
What tests will I need, and how often?
Are any of my other medicines, foods, or supplements a problem with this medicine?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Which side effects should I call you about right away, and which can wait?

Side effect guides

Sources

Quick answers

What is Encorafenib and binimetinib?: Encorafenib and binimetinib are two targeted pills taken together to block a growth signal in cancers with a BRAF gene change. Brand names: Braftovi, Mektovi.
What is Encorafenib and binimetinib used for?: melanoma with a BRAF gene change; non-small cell lung cancer with a BRAF gene change.
How is Encorafenib and binimetinib given?: Both are taken by mouth, with or without food. Encorafenib is a capsule taken once a day, and binimetinib is a pill taken twice a day. People usually take them for as long as they work. Your schedule may be different.
What are the common side effects of Encorafenib and binimetinib?: Feeling tired. Nausea or vomiting. Diarrhea or constipation. Belly pain. Joint or muscle pain. Blurry vision. Skin changes, like dry skin, rash, or thickened skin.
When should I call my care team while taking Encorafenib and binimetinib?: Any change in your vision, eye pain, or red eyes; New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, or swelling in your legs; Pain, swelling, or redness in one leg or arm; Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or coughing up blood; Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly; Bad muscle pain or weakness, or dark brown urine.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.