9 mins read

Overview: Mekinist is used to treat certain types of cancer or tumors. Common side effects include rashes, diarrhea, and swelling of the arms or legs. Call your health care provider right away if you get severe diarrhea, a fever, rash, vision changes, chest pain, or shortness of breath. These could be signs of a serious side effect. Keep all appointments with your health care provider before, during, and after taking Mekinist. Mekinist comes as a tablet or a liquid that is swallowed.

Uses

What is Mekinist used for?

Mekinist (trametinib) is commonly used to treat the following types of cancer in certain people.

Your health care provider can do a test to see if your cancer should be treated with Mekinist.

Mekinist may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Mekinist work (mechanism of action)?

Mekinist is a targeted cancer medicine. It works by targeting specific abnormal proteins in certain cancer cells. By blocking the action of these proteins, Mekinist can help slow or stop cancer cells from growing.

How is Mekinist supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Mekinist

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5 mg and 2 mg oral tablets
  • 0.05 mg/mL oral solution (after it is mixed by a pharmacist)

How should I store Mekinist?

Oral Tablet. Mekinist tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place. Keep the tablets in the original bottle and protect them from moisture and light. The bottle contains a desiccant packet to help keep the tablets dry, which should be left in the bottle. Do not throw the packet away. Do not put the tablets in a pillbox.

Oral Liquid. Mekinist liquid should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Store it in a cool, dry place, and do not freeze it. Keep it in its original bottle and carton and away from direct moisture and light. Store the bottle upright with the cap tightly closed. There should be a “discard after” date noted on your label by the pharmacist. Throw away any medicine that is left over after this date.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Mekinist?

The most common side effects of Mekinist are listed below. These side effects may vary, depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Rash (see below)
  • Diarrhea
  • Swelling of the arms or legs (lymphedema)
  • Fever or chills (see below)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Fluid retention
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Decreased appetite or stomach pain
  • Dry skin
  • Bleeding (see below)
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Constipation

There may be other side effects of Mekinist that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Mekinist?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Mekinist are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Mekinist may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. It is also sometimes called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking Mekinist and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightness
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Cancer. Mekinist can cause a new cancer, especially skin cancers, to develop or cause a previously treated cancer to recur (come back). Tell your health care provider about any new symptoms that you may get. Also tell your health care provider right away about any changes to your skin, such as changes to moles or new sores, bumps, or warts. Keep all appointments with your health care provider before, during, and after taking Mekinist.

Severe Bleeding. Mekinist can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some people with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your health care provider right away if you have unusual bleeding or any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking Mekinist.

  • Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
  • Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
  • Red or black poop (looks like tar)
  • Coughing up blood or blood clots
  • Feeling weak, dizzy, or having headaches

Inflamed Intestines and Gut Tears. Mekinist can increase your risk of having inflamed intestines (colitis) and tears (perforation) in your gut. Stop taking Mekinist and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fever
  • Black or tarry poop
  • Stomach pain or tenderness
  • Upset stomach
  • Feeling faint
  • Bleeding 
  • Diarrhea or pooping more often than usual

Heart Problems. Mekinist may cause your heart muscle to become enlarged, thickened, or stiffened, and not work as well, also known as cardiomyopathy. This may also increase your risk of heart failure. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your heart before starting and while taking Mekinist. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of cardiomyopathy or heart failure.

  • Shortness of breath, coughing, or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, or hands
  • Unusually fast weight gain or bloating 
  • Unusual tiredness
  • A heartbeat that flutters or feels fast or pounding
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

Blood Clots. Mekinist may cause a blood clot in your veins, called a venous thromboembolism (VTE). A blood clot that travels to your lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. A blood clot in your legs or arms is called a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Stop taking Mekinist and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of a blood clot.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Fast breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Red, warm, or pale skin in your arm or leg

Severe Eye Problems. Mekinist may cause severe eye problems, such as blocked blood vessels in your eye (retinal vein occlusion) and detachment of your retina. Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Flashes of light in your vision
  • Lots of new “floaters,” or small flecks or threads in your vision
  • Eye redness, itchiness, or pain
  • Swollen or itchy eyelids
  • Feeling like you have something in your eye
  • Eye dryness, watering, or discharge
  • Vision changes, such as blurry vision or sensitivity to light

Lung Inflammation. Mekinist can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing. You may also have a cough, fever, or chest pain. 

Severe Fever. Mekinist can commonly cause a fever, but it can sometimes cause a severe fever and other serious problems, including low blood pressure (hypotension), chills, kidney damage, and dehydration. Contact your health care provider right away if you have a fever so they can make sure that Mekinist is safe for you to keep taking.

Rash and Severe Skin Reactions. Mekinist can commonly cause a rash, but it can also cause severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS.

  • Painful skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Mekinist?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Mekinist.

  • Mekinist
  • Trametinib
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Mekinist.

What should I know about Mekinist before using it?

Do not take Mekinist unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Mekinist with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Mekinist out of the reach of children.

You should take Mekinist at least one hour before a meal or at least two hours after a meal.

Mekinist may be given with another medicine. Talk with your health care provider about any risk of side effects with that medicine and your treatment.

If you throw up (vomit) after taking Mekinist, do not take another dose. Take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

Keep all appointments, including for bloodwork and heart and blood pressure checks, before starting and while you are taking Mekinist. This helps your health care provider know if this medicine is safe for you. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any new or unusual symptoms.

Mekinist may make it hard for you to get pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.

If you are taking Mekinist tablets, do not crush, chew, or cut them. The tablets should be swallowed whole.

If you are taking Mekinist liquid, read and follow the instructions to prepare, measure, and take a dose. Make sure you understand how to prepare and use it properly. Use the measuring device that comes with the product to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. If you have any questions, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Mekinist?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Mekinist is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

  • Heart problems
  • Blood clots or bleeding problems
  • Eye problems
  • Breathing or lung problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Stomach problems, including intestine inflammation
  • Diabetes or high blood sugar
  • High blood pressure

Pregnancy. Mekinist may harm an unborn baby. Your health care provider will likely make sure you are not pregnant before you start taking Mekinist. If you are able to get pregnant, you should use effective birth control while taking Mekinist and for at least four months after your last dose. If you are able to get a partner pregnant, you should use condoms during sex while taking Mekinist and for at least four months after your last dose. You need to use condoms even if you have had a vasectomy in the past. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Mekinist passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed while taking Mekinist and for four months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Mekinist?

For more information about Mekinist, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.us.tafinlarmekinist.com or call them at 888-669-6682.

Interactions

Does Mekinist interact with foods or drinks?

Mekinist should be taken at least one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Mekinist, but both Mekinist and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. Heavy drinking can also slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Mekinist interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Mekinist may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Mekinist?

If you or someone else has used too much Mekinist, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Mekinist?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.