What Is Mekinist?

Mekinist is a medication used to treat several types of cancer in patients who have one of two specific gene mutations that are called BRAF V600E and BRAF V600K. Mekinist works by inhibiting the MEK1 and MEK2 kinase enzymes’ activity. These enzymes normally promote the cells’ rapid reproduction. Mekinist also activates the BRAF pathway, which inhibits melanoma cell growth.

The generic name of Mekinist is trametinib. It is manufactured by Novartis and was first approved by the FDA in 2013.

Mekinist is currently only available as a brand-name medication, and it comes in oral tablets of 0.5 mg and 2 mg.

How To Take Mekinist

Upon confirmation of BRAF V600E or BRAF V600K mutations, Mekinist is taken as follows (please refer to the indicated use mentioned above for a full diagnosis description):

• Melanoma (as a single agent or in combination with Tafinlar): 2 mg once daily.
• Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (in combination with Tafinlar): 2 mg once daily.
• Solid tumors that cannot be surgically removed or that are metastatic (in combination with Tafinlar): 2 mg once daily.
• Anaplastic thyroid cancer that is locally advanced or metastatic (in combination with Tafinlar): 2 mg once daily.

Mekinist should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Doses should be taken about 24 hours apart, whether taken as a single agent or in combination with Tafinlar.

Missed doses should NOT be taken within 12 hours of the next dose.

If taken as a combination with Tafinlar, Mekinist should either be taken with the morning or evening dose of Tafinlar.