MEKINIST
Used for Cancer
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Manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals
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MEKINIST Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Warnings & Dosing
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.
What to do if you missed your MEKINIST dose
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
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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.
Things to know
Is mekinist considered chemotherapy?
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What is the generic name for mekinist?
What is the half life of mekinist?
How effective is trametinib?
What is mekinist used for?
How much does MEKINIST cost?
Is MEKINIST a targeted therapy?
What kind of drug is MEKINIST?
What are the ocular side effects of MEKINIST?
Is trametinib a chemotherapy drug?
Does Mekinist need to be refrigerated?
How is mekinist administered?
How effective is mekinist?
What are the side effects of Tafinlar and Mekinist?
Does Tafinlar cause hair loss?
How long can you keep a MEKINIST out of the fridge?
Is MEKINIST covered by Medicare?
What class of drug is MEKINIST?
How much does TAFINLAR cost in the US?
What is the success rate of trametinib?
Does trametinib cause weight gain?
Is trametinib toxic to lung?
How much does dabrafenib and trametinib cost?
How much does trametinib cost?
How long is the treatment for trametinib?
Can you drink alcohol on trametinib?
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