On July 13, 2026, Bimetinb (binimetinib), manufactured by TongMeng Pharmaceutical (Lao) Co., Ltd. (TLPH), received official marketing approval from the Food and Drug Department (FDD) under the Ministry of Health of Laos.

1. Basic Information

• Brand Name: Bimetini 15 mg / 45 mg film-coated tablets

  
  

• Active Ingredient: Binimetinib (a MEK inhibitor)

  
  

• Manufacturer: Tongmeng (Lao) Pharmaceutical and Food Co., Ltd, Vientiane, Lao PDR

  
  

2. Indications

Used in adults in combination with encorafenib to treat:

• Melanoma or Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) that:

  
  

• Has a specific BRAF gene mutation.

  
  

• Has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) or cannot be surgically removed.

  
  

3. Before Taking Bimetini

Contraindications

• Allergy to binimetinib or any excipients.

  
  

• History of retinal vein occlusion (not recommended).

  
  

Warnings & Precautions

Inform your doctor if you have/have had:

• Heart disease, bleeding disorders, eye problems (glaucoma), muscle disorders, high blood pressure, blood clots, liver problems, or other cancers.

  
  

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Not recommended. May cause fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose.

  
  

• Children & Adolescents: Not recommended under 18 years (not studied).

  
  

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, especially:

• Antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin).

  
  

• Anti-epileptics (e.g., phenobarbital, carbamazepine).

  
  

• HIV medications (e.g., indinavir, atazanavir).

  
  

• St. John’s Wort, duloxetine, theophylline.

  
  

4. Dosage & Administration

• Recommended Dose: 45 mg twice daily (one 45 mg tablet OR three 15 mg tablets), approximately 12 hours apart (total daily dose: 90 mg).

  
  

• Administration:

  
  

• Swallow whole with water (with or without food).

  
  

• If unable to swallow: Disperse 15 mg tablets in a small amount of water, orange juice, or apple juice. Consume immediately. Rinse the glass and drink the rinse. Discard if not used within 30 minutes.

  
  

• Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered. If <6 hours remain until next dose, skip it. Do not double dose.

  
  

• Vomiting: If vomiting occurs after taking a dose, do not retake. Continue with the next scheduled dose.

  
  

• Stopping: Only stop on your doctor’s advice.

  
  

5. Serious Side Effects – Seek Immediate Medical Help

Contact your doctor/nurse immediately if you experience:

6. Common Side Effects (with Encorafenib)

• Very Common (>1 in 10): Anemia, headache, dizziness, bleeding, vision impairment, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, constipation, itching, hair loss, rash, joint/back/limb pain, fever, swelling (hands/feet), fatigue, abnormal liver/kidney/blood tests.

  
  

• Common (up to 1 in 10): Skin papillomas, allergic reactions, taste changes, conjunctivitis, skin cracking, kidney issues, photosensitivity.

  
  

• Uncommon (up to 1 in 100): Basal cell carcinoma, facial weakness/paralysis, pancreatitis.

  
  

7. Monitoring & Follow-up

• Regular Checks: Heart function, blood pressure, liver enzymes, creatine kinase (CK), eye exams (every 2 months during treatment + 6 months post-treatment), skin exams (including head/neck/mouth/genitals), periodic CT scans.

  
  

• Driving/Operating Machinery: Avoid if you experience vision problems or other side effects affecting concentration/reaction time.

  
  

8. Storage & Disposal

• Storage: Store at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from moisture. Use before expiry date (EXP).

  
  

• Disposal: Do not flush or discard in household waste. Return unused medicine to your pharmacist.

  
  

9. Other Important Information

• Prescription-only medicine. Do not share with others.

  
  

• Essentially sodium-free (<1 mmol sodium per tablet).

  
  

• Contains lactose. Inform your doctor if you are lactose intolerant.

  
  

• Report any side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.