MEKINIST (Trametinib)

What is this medication?

MEKINIST (Trametinib)
Antineoplastic Agent, MEK Inhibitor

MEKINIST (Trametinib) is a kinase inhibitor indicated as a single agent for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test.  MEKINIST is not indicated for treatment of patients with melanoma who have progressed on prior BRAF-inhibitor therapy.

How does this medication work? 

MEKINIST (Trametinib) is a reversible and selective inhibitor of mitogen-activated extracellular kinase (MEK) 1 and 2 activation and kinase activity. Through inhibition of MEK 1 and 2 kinase activity, trametinib causes decreased cellular proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and increased apoptosis.

How should I take this medication? 

Oral: Take 2 mg once daily (usually in combination with dabrafenib); until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

How to Take: Administer at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Administer dose at the same time each day (trametinib doses should be administered ~24 hours apart), whether administered as a single agent or in combination with dabrafenib (when administered in combination with dabrafenib, take the once daily trametinib dose either with the morning or with the evening dabrafenib dose). Confirm BRAF V600 mutation status (in tumor specimens) prior to treatment initiation. 

You Need to Avoid:  Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance so avoid starting any new medications without consulting prescriber.  Do not transfer to pill boxes.  Do not remove desiccant from original container to protect from moisture.

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting MEKINIST (Trametinib), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Trametinib use has been associated with rare but serious adverse events such as bone marrow suppression, cardiac events, dermatologic toxicity, febrile reactions, gastrointestinal events, hemorrhage, hepatotoxicity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, malignancy, ocular toxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and venous thromboembolism.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of medication, try to take it as soon as possible. Do not take a missed dose within 12 hours of the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times. Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).  Protect from light and moisture. Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Edema, hypertension, acneiform eruption, skin rash, xeroderma, hypoalbuminemia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, stomatitis, anemia, hemorrhage, lymphedema, increased serum alanine aminotransferase, increased serum alkaline phosphatase, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for MEKINIST (Trametinib), only common ones.