What is Mekinist? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

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Mekinist overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Mekinist

Generic Names:

  • Mekinist

Uses:

  • Treats melanoma (skin cancer), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Mekinist used for?

Mekinist is a cancer medication that slows the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Mekinist is used alone or along with other medications to treat melanoma.

What form(s) does Mekinist come in?

  • Tablet

What are common Mekinist dosages?

  • Bottle 30 Tablets

  • Tablet 0.5MG

Mekinist images - What does Mekinist look like?

  • Mekinist
    30 tablets bottle

  • Mekinist
    90ml of 0.05mg/ml bottle

  • Mekinist
    0.5mg tablet

How to take Mekinist

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If your next dose is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your regular dosing time. If your missed dose is more than 12 hours until the time you normally take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

  • Store the medicine in the refrigerator in the original bottle. Do not freeze. Keep away from moisture and light.

  • Store the medicine in the refrigerator in the original bottle. Do not freeze. Keep away from moisture and light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If your next dose is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your regular dosing time. If your missed dose is more than 12 hours until the time you normally take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Store the medicine in the refrigerator in the original bottle. Do not freeze. Keep away from moisture and light.

  • Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

  • Store the medicine in the refrigerator in the original bottle. Do not freeze. Keep away from moisture and light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Mekinist

Mekinist contraindications - Who shouldn't take Mekinist?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to trametinib, or if you are pregnant.

Mekinist warnings

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 4 months after your last dose.

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 4 months after the last dose.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, blood clots, diabetes, eye problems, heart disease, low or high blood pressure, lung disease or breathing problems, or stomach or bowel problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk for other cancers (skin and non-skin cancer)Bleeding problems or blood clotsStomach and bowel perforation (tear or hole)Heart problems (including heart failure)Eye or vision problemsInterstitial lung disease or pneumonitisFever (which may be serious)Severe skin rash or infectionsHigh blood sugar

  • This medicine could cause infertility in women. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Mekinist interactions & what to avoid when taking Mekinist

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Birth control pills may not work as well to prevent pregnancy when used with this medicine. Use a second form of birth control along with your pills. Use birth control during treatment and for 4 months after your last dose.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart or lung disease, breathing problems, high blood pressure, or eye problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Eye or vision problemsHeart problems (including heart failure)High blood pressureLung or breathing problemsSevere skin rash or infections

  • This medicine could cause infertility in women. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Mekinist side effects - How does Mekinist make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Bleeding gums, coughing up blood, unusual nosebleeds, red or dark brown urine, or red or black, tarry stools

  • Blurred vision, changes in vision

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, cough, cold sweat, or bluish-colored skin

  • Increased hunger or thirst

  • Fever, chills, change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Severe headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness

  • Redness, swelling, peeling, or tenderness of the hands or feet

  • Severe rash, redness, or acne

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

  • Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

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