Trametinib

Generic name: Trametinib
Brand names: Mekinist
Drug class: Multikinase inhibitors

Usage of Trametinib

Trametinib is used, either alone or in combination with dabrafenib to treat certain types of cancer of the skin, lung, or thyroid.

Trametinib is also used to treat solid tumors in adults and children at least 6 years old.

Trametinib is also used to treat a type of brain tumor called low grade glioma in adults and children at least 1 years old.

Trametinib 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 trametinib.

Trametinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Trametinib side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (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 trametinib 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.

Trametinib 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 side effects of trametinib 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.

    Before taking Trametinib

    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 trametinib 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 trametinib.

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

    Relate drugs

    How to use Trametinib

    Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

    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 trametinib, 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 trametinib. 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 trametinib. 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.

    Warnings

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

    What other drugs will affect Trametinib

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

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

    The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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