Mekinist (Trametinib) for Melanoma

Overview
Mekinist is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat people who have unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation, as identified by an FDA-approved test. It also can be combined with dabrafenib, including as adjuvant treatment (after surgery) for those who also have lymph node involvement after complete resection. Mekinist is also known by its drug name, trametinib.

Mekinist is a member of a class of drugs called kinase inhibitors. It’s believed to work by inhibiting MEK1 and MEK2 proteins, which are involved in the growth and development of certain types of cancer cells, including melanoma. By targeting these proteins, Mekinist helps slow or stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Mekinist is generally taken orally (by mouth) once a day. It’s available in tablet and liquid form.

Mekinist should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. 

Side effects
The FDA approved label lists common side effects of Mekinist including rash, diarrhea, and lymphedema (swelling in arms or legs). When combined with dabrafenib, common side effects also may include fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, rash, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, high blood pressure, joint pain, muscle pain, and peripheral edema (swelling of lower limbs). 

Rare but serious side effects of Mekinist may include hemorrhage (heavy bleeding), stomach and intestinal damage, dangerous blood clots, cardiomyopathy (heart function problems), eye damage, lung scarring, high blood sugar, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (high levels of white blood cells), fetal harm, and — when used with dabrafenib — increased risk of new primary cancers. 

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Mekinist — Drugs.com

Mekinist — European Medicines Agency