Key facts about Mekinist
What is Mekinist?
Mekinist is the brand name for trametinib and is available as an oral tablet and solution.
What dosages is Mekinist available in?
Mekinist is available as a 0.5 mg and 2 mg oral tablet and a 4.7 mg oral solution.
What is Mekinist used for?
Mekinist is a MEK inhibitor and is used for the following:
- Melanoma with certain BRAF mutations
- Melanoma that has spread (metastatic) or can’t be removed by surgery, used by itself or with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)
- Advanced melanoma, given after surgery and used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)
- Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)
- Metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)
- Solid tumors with a certain BRAF mutation that have spread or can’t be removed by surgery, used with
- Tafinlar (dabrafenib)
- Low-grade glioma (LGG) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)
How does Mekinist work?
Mekinist is a kinase inhibitor known as a MEK inhibitor. The MEK protein is part of a whole chain of proteins that work to help cells grow. By blocking MEK, this medication helps stop tumor growth. Mekinist is taken together with an anticancer medication called Tafinlar (dabrafenib) that specifically targets another protein in this chain (the BRAF protein). When the BRAF protein is mutated, the cancer can grow uncontrollably and spread more quickly. By blocking two different proteins in this pathway, Mekinist and Tafinlar (dabrafenib) work together to stop the growth and spread of cancer better.
How do I take Mekinist?
Mekinist is dosed as follows:
- Adults: The typical dose is 2 mg by mouth once a day
- Children: The dose depends on your child’s body weight. The typical dose ranges from 0.3 mg to 2 mg by mouth once a day
Is it safe for me to take Mekinist?
Mekinist is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Mekinist Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Mekinist:
- High blood sugar
- Higher liver enzymes in the blood
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Rash
- Nausea
- Headache
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dry skin
- Lower appetite
- Bleeding
- Cough
- Muscle or joint pain
- Swelling in legs
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- High blood pressure
- Trouble breathing
Mekinist Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Mekinist. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Bleeding: nosebleed, blood in stool, sudden and severe headache
- Serious gut problems: sudden stomach pain, fever, blood in stool
- Blood clots: swelling or warm, red skin in one arm or one leg; sudden trouble breathing; chest pain
- Serious eye problems: sudden and severe eye pain, sudden vision loss
- Serious lung problems: sudden cough, fever, trouble breathing, tightness in chest
- Serious skin reactions: painful blisters, skin wounds, peeling skin, fever, muscle aches
- Serious blood problems: fever, severe tiredness, trouble breathing
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Mekinist
The following medications may interact with Mekinist:
- Mekinist is indicated for use in combination with dabrafenib. Refer to the dabrafenib prescribing information
- for additional risk information that applies to combination use treatment
Who makes Mekinist?
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Is Mekinist safe in pregnancy?
Mekinist can harm your unborn baby.
Females who are able to become pregnant: Your healthcare provider will do a test to see if you are pregnant before starting treatment with Mekinist. You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Mekinist and for 4 months after your last dose of Mekinist. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you during this time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you might be pregnant during treatment with Mekinist.
Males (including those who have had a vasectomy) with a female partner who is able to become pregnant: Use condoms during sexual intercourse during treatment with Mekinist and for at least 4 months after your last dose of Mekinist.
