Mekinist

Generic name: trametinib [ tra-ME-ti-nib ]
Drug class: Multikinase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Sep 28, 2023.

What is Mekinist?

Mekinist is used alone or in combination with dabrafenib (Tafinlar) to treat certain types of melanoma (a type of skin cancer).

Mekinist is also used in combination with dabrafenib to prevent the return of a certain type of melanoma after surgery. Mekinist is also used in combination with dabrafenib to treat certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and thyroid cancer.

Mekinist is also used in combination with dabrafenib to treat certain types of solid tumors in adults and children 6 years of age older and to treat a certain type of glioma (a certain type of cancerous brain tumor) in children 1 year of age or older.

Trametinib belongs to a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. Mekinist works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop the spread of cancer cells.

Mekinist is often given when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, when surgery is not an option, or to keep the cancer from coming back after surgery.

Your doctor will make sure you have the correct tumor type to be treated with Mekinist.

Mekinist side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Mekinist (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Some people taking Mekinist have developed a perforation (a hole or tear) or swelling in the stomach or intestines. Call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain, bleeding, diarrhea, fever, or nausea.

Mekinist may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• unusual bruising or bleeding, new signs of infection (fever, weakness, cough, diarrhea, problems urinating);

• a skin rash;

• cough, feeling short of breath;

• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

• high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;

• signs of eye problems - eye pain or swelling, vision changes, seeing halos around lights, seeing color "dots" in your vision;

• signs of bleeding inside the body - weakness, dizziness, headache, red or pink urine, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• signs of a blood clot - chest pain, sudden cough or trouble breathing, pain or swelling in an arm or leg, pale skin, cold feeling in an arm or leg; or

• signs of a heart problem - shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), pounding heartbeats, swelling in your feet or ankles.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common Mekinist side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, constipation;

• fever, chills, tiredness, stomach pain;

• headache;

• bleeding;

• increased blood pressure;

• muscle, bone, or joint pain;

• cough, shortness of breath;

• swelling in your arms, face, and legs; or

• rash, acne, dry skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Using Mekinist with dabrafenib may increase your risk of developing a certain type of skin cancer. Ask your doctor about your specific risk. Tell your doctor if you notice new skin symptoms such as redness, warts, sores that will not heal, or a mole that has changed in size or color.

Your healthcare provider should check your skin before you start treatment, and every two months while taking Mekinist to look for any new skin cancers.

Your healthcare provider may continue to check your skin for six months after you stop treatment.

Before taking this medicine

To make sure Mekinist is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, high blood pressure;

• diabetes;

• lung or breathing problems;

• a stomach or intestinal disorder;

• eye problems (especially with your retina);

• bleeding problems, blood clot; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Using Mekinist may increase your risk of developing other cancers. Ask your doctor about this risk.

Trametinib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using Mekinist.

• If you are a woman, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use birth control while using Mekinist and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

• If you are a man, use condoms during treatment if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 4 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.

Do not breastfeed while using Mekinist, and for at least 4 months after your last dose.

How should I take Mekinist?

Take Mekinist exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Take once per day on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

If you vomit shortly after taking Mekinist, do not take another dose. Take your next dose as scheduled

Follow all instructions for the oral suspension before preparing your first dose. Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). The oral suspension can also be given through a feeding tube. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.

You will need frequent medical tests to help determine if it is safe for you to keep receiving Mekinist. Your dose or medication schedule may be changed based on the results. Make sure to not miss any follow-up appointment.

Check your skin regularly during treatment and up to 6 months after taking Mekinist. Tell your doctor if you notice any new skin change such as redness, sores that will not heal, a new wart, or a mole that has changed in size or color.

Store the tablet in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Keep the medicine in the original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative. Do not store tablets in a pill box.

Store the mixed oral suspension at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw the oral suspension away after 35 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Mekinist?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect Mekinist?

Other drugs may interact with trametinib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: trametinib.
Inactive ingredients: Tablets - tablet core: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
tablet coating: hypromellose, iron oxide red (2 mg tablets), iron oxide yellow (0.5 mg tablets), polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80 (2 mg tablets), and titanium dioxide.
Oral solution: betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium, citric acid monohydrate, dibasic sodium phosphate, methylparaben, potassium sorbate, sucralose, and strawberry flavor.

Manufacturer

Distributed by: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936, USA.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Mekinist only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2025 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 9.01.