Mekinist: A Comprehensive Guide

Mekinist (trametinib) is a cancer drug developed by Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation. The FDA first approved this drug on May 29, 2013 [1]. It is a targeted therapy that can treat some specific types of cancer, and it can limit the growth and spread of cancer cells. Mekinist has shown remarkable clinical trial results and is being praised for its potential in cancer treatment. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Mekinist, including how it works, its dosage and treatment, and its potential benefits and risks.

What Is Mekinist?

Mekinist (trametinib) is a targeted cancer therapy medicine that is used to treat certain types of cancers. It belongs to a class of medicine called kinase inhibitors. It blocks the action of an abnormal protein that signals the cancer cells to multiply. Therefore, the growth of cancer cells stops or slows down. 

The FDA approved Mekinist for the treatment of certain types of cancers, including melanoma, lung and thyroid cancer, and certain types of tumors. Mekinist is often used in combination with other medicines.

What Is Mekinist Used to Treat?

Mekinist is a brand-name medication. It is FDA-approved to treat certain types of cancers. They include [3]:

Melanoma: Mekinist is used to treat melanoma (skin cancer) that is caused by a specific gene mutation (BRAF V600E or V600K mutation) and which cannot be surgically removed or has spread to other parts of the body. It is often used in combination with another medicine called dabrafenib.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): This is a type of lung cancer that causes symptoms like a persistent cough, chest pain, and fatigue. Mekinist, in combination with dabrafenib, is used to treat NSCLC patients with a specific mutation (BRAF V600E) whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body. 

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC): ATC is a type of thyroid cancer that can cause symptoms like difficulty breathing. Mekinist, in combination with dabrafenib, is used to treat ATC patients with a specific mutation (BRAF V600E) whose cancer is advanced or has spread, and there are no other good treatment options.

Solid Tumors: Mekinist, in combination with dabrafenib, can be used to treat solid tumors in adults and children (1 year or older) with BRAF V600E mutation whose cancer has worsened after previous treatment and there are no other satisfactory options.

Low-Grade Glioma (LGG): This is a type of brain tumor that can cause symptoms like headache, vision problems, and severe vomiting in children. Mekinist, in combination with dabrafenib, can be used to treat LGG with BRAF V600E mutation in children 1 year or older.

How Does Mekinist Work?

Mutations in the BRAF gene (particularly BRAF V600E or V600K) cause uncontrollable cell growth in some cancers, including melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Mekinist works by blocking the activity of the mutant BRAF gene. This action slows or stops the growth of cancer cells. Mekinist, when used alone or in combination with other medications such as dabrafenib, can successfully reduce tumor size and control cancer progression [3].

Side Effects of Mekinist

Mekinist is an FDA-approved medicine for the treatment of certain cancers. Like any medication, it can have side effects. Some of the side effects can be severe. Side effects of Mekinist are as follows [2]:

Mild Side Effects

Mild side effects include the following:

• Fever
• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Joint and muscle aches
• Swelling of the face, arms, and legs

These mild side effects may only last a few days to a few weeks. However, if these side effects do not go away or become worse, consult your doctor.

Serious Side Effects

The serious side effects include the following:

Risk of New Cancers: When this medication is used in combination with dabrafenib, there is a risk of developing some types of skin cancers. So, it is important to check your skin regularly. If you find changes in your skin, such as new warts, sores, or moles that change in size or color, immediately report them to your doctor.

Heart Problems: Mekinist can cause severe heart problems such as cardiomyopathies or a severe increase in blood pressure. Symptoms of cardiomyopathies include an irregular or fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Eye Problems: This medication can cause severe eye problems. It can even lead to blindness. Symptoms of eye problems include blurred vision, seeing colorful dots, and eye pain.

Intestinal Inflammation or Tears: Mekinist can cause inflammation or tears in your stomach. This can be life-threatening. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, and nausea.

Bleeding Problems: This medication can cause severe bleeding, especially in the brain or stomach. It can be fatal. Inform your doctor and seek medical attention if you experience red or black tarry stools, stools that are bright red or look like coffee grounds, headache, weakness, or coughing up blood.

Blood Clots: Mekinist can cause blood clots in the arms and legs. These clots can travel to the lungs and be fatal. Symptoms include chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, and leg pain or swelling.

Please note that the list of side effects provided here doesn’t contain all the possible side effects. Consult your doctor immediately if you encounter any severe side effects.

Dosing

Mekinist is available as an oral tablet that comes in two strengths: 0.5 mg and 2 mg. It is also available as an oral powder. Your pharmacist can mix the powder with water that you can swallow. 

The recommended dose for adult patients is 2 mg, taken orally once daily. 

The recommended dose for children is based on their body weight. 

Take Mekinist at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Try to take the medicine at the same time each day. If you vomit after taking the medication, do not take an additional dose. Just take the next dose at the scheduled time.

Cost

Mekinist costs about $16,700 for a supply of 30 2 mg oral tablets [4]. However, the actual cost depends on your location, insurance coverage, treatment plan, and the pharmacy you visit. 

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Mekinist:

Is Mekinist a type of chemotherapy?

No. Mekinist belongs to a class of medication known as kinase inhibitors [3]. It doesn’t work like typical chemotherapy medications. Instead, it works by blocking specific proteins that promote the growth of cancer cells.

Does it cure cancer?

No. Mekinist cannot cure cancer. But it can help you manage the disease by slowing the progression of your cancer. 

Does Mekinist cause hair loss?

No. The prescribing information of Mekinist doesn’t include hair loss as a side effect. However, when it was administered in children in combination with dabrafenib for the treatment of low-grade glioma, hair loss was seen as a side effect [3]. In other cases, hair loss is not mentioned as a side effect. 

Can I use Mekinist during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

According to studies, Mekinist can cause fetal harm to the unborn baby when given to a pregnant lady [3]. Thus, it is advised that men and women with reproductive potential should use effective contraceptive methods during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose. 

No available data suggests the presence of Mekinist in human milk. However, considering the potential danger that it poses to the newborn, it is advised that women should not breastfeed during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.