MEKINIST
Used for Cancer
Are you tired of high medication costs? Our service offers unbeatable savings on your MEKINIST prescription medication. We provide a range of solutions to help you save up to 100% on your medication costs*. Whether you are insured, uninsured, underinsured, or simply looking to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, we've got you covered.
Manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
Start Saving Today!
Lower the cost of your MEKINIST prescription
MEKINIST key facts
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.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effectsDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my MEKINIST prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your MEKINIST prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient MEKINIST savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient MEKINIST savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for MEKINIST | Canadian Prescription Savings* for MEKINIST | MEKINIST Drug Coupon* | MEKINIST Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of MEKINIST?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for MEKINIST | Canadian Prescription Savings* for MEKINIST | MEKINIST Drug Coupon* | MEKINIST Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the MEKINIST savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the MEKINIST drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for MEKINIST, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the MEKINIST prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, MEKINIST is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed MEKINIST for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the MEKINIST prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the MEKINIST prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for MEKINIST
If you are having trouble paying for your MEKINIST medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for MEKINIST you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- MEKINIST is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers MEKINIST
- If MEKINIST is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for MEKINIST
If you are having trouble paying for your MEKINIST medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for MEKINIST you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers MEKINIST
- If MEKINIST is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for MEKINIST
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your MEKINIST treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for MEKINIST you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for MEKINIST
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT
We are committed to helping everyone, everywhere live healthier lives
The NowPatient virtual care platform provides you with access to trusted health information, affordable treatments, management of chronic health conditions and continuous monitoring for health risks. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.
Download our app today
Your Questions Answered
For your peace of mind, we can answer your questions quickly
What does NowPatient do?
NowPatient is an online pharmacy & telehealth service that is available in the US and UK. Our service is FREE and packed with useful features that can help you save money on the cost of your medications, access virtual treatments, and provide tools that can help improve your overall health.
Get started today and benefit from medication reminders, Get Treated Privately, NHS online pharmacy, GP appointment booking, Rx savings card, Drug Coupons, US drug savings programs, health conditions information, genetic testing, home test kits, BMI Risks, Type 2 Diabetes Risks, pollen meter, air quality monitor, and lots more!
Our service is operated by experienced medical professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom. You can view the online services that we provide by clicking Features.
UK users can safely and securely buy medicines online that treat a wide range of medical conditions. UK customers can also order NHS prescriptions online with the benefit of free tracked delivery.
US customers, regardless of insurance coverage, can enjoy huge savings on prescription medications using our various drug savings programs including drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
Where is NowPatient located?
NowPatient has offices in the United Kingdom and United States.
In the UK, we are located at:
NowPatient
28 Chipstead Valley Road
Coulsdon
Surrey
CR52RA
In the US, we are located at:
NowPatient
8911 North Capital of Texas Highway
Suite 4200 #1263
78759
Austin, TX
How can I contact NowPatient?
To contact NowPatient, please use the contact form available on the Contact Us page.
Alternatively, if you need to speak to us, you can reach us on the following numbers:
UK telephone number – 020 388 51 500
US telephone number – 1-866-967-1977
Who owns NowPatient?
NowPatient is owned and operated by Infohealth Ltd, a licensed online pharmacy with services spanning the UK, US and Rest of the World. Infohealth Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 04004930 and our registered office is at Lynwood House, 373 – 375 Station Road, Harrow, England, HA1 2AW.
Our website is www.nowpatient.com. Our App is called “NowPatient” and can be downloaded from the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play (for Android devices).
Can you tell me more about your NHS online pharmacy?
NowPatient’s Pharmaceutical services in the UK are provided by Infohealth Limited trading as ‘Infohealth Pharmacy’.
Our dispensing pharmacy is regulated and authorized for internet sales by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), registration number 1036487. You can view our license credentials on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Our superintendent pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and effective oversight of medicines supplies is Mr Amish Patel (Registration Number 2042705).
Medicines are not ordinary items of commerce. All medicines or healthcare product sales are made under the supervision of a registered pharmacist who is licensed by the GPhC. At all times, we endeavour to provide a professional and transparent service whose primary goal is to ensure that the best interests of the patient are served.
How do I make a complaint?
From time to time, we accept that our service levels may not be up to your expectations. NowPatient welcomes concerns, compliments and complaints as valuable feedback that will help us learn from your experiences and make improvements. Feedback can be provided via our clear and transparent Complaints Procedures.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s prescribing services for treatments offered?
Our prescribing services are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). We provide the following regulated activity:
• treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
• transport services, triage, and medical advice are provided remotely
• caring for adults over 65 years old
• caring for adults under 65 years old
NowPatient prescribing services are run by Infohealth Limited. The Clinical Safety Officer and nominated individual is Mr Navin Khosla.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s US services?
Our head of US services is Dr. Jamie Winn.
You can lower the cost of your prescription medications using our various savings programs which include drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
We do not provide any prescribing services or dispensing services in the United States.
Is NowPatient legit and can I trust information from NowPatient?
Yes. NowPatient provides trustworthy and accessible clinical, health education and prescription services. We are also trusted by the NHS to deliver clinical and NHS repeat prescription dispensing across the whole of England. In the United States, we work with over 65,000 pharmacies to deliver considerable costs savings for our users.
NowPatient is operated by experienced licensed medical professionals in the United Kingdom and United States. Our Medical Team can be found here.
Our service is trusted by thousands of patients worldwide. You can read their reviews on our Trustpilot:
What are NowPatient’s opening hours?
Our office hours are:
UK – Monday-Friday 9am-6pm GMT
US – Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST
Please note that we are closed at weekends.
In the event of a medical life-threatening emergency please call:
UK – 999
US – 911
In the event of a medical emergency which is not life-threatening please call:
UK – 111