mekinist
Pharmaranks rates Mekinist 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Mekinist (Trametinib Dimethyl Sulfoxide) is a kinase inhibitor used to treat Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma, Melanoma.
Trametinib Dimethyl Sulfoxide · by Novartis
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Trametinib Dimethyl Sulfoxide
- Drug class
- Kinase Inhibitor
- Form
- Powder, Tablet
- Strength
- Trametinib Dimethyl Sulfoxide EQ 0.5MG · Trametinib Dimethyl Sulfoxide EQ 1MG **Federal Register Determination That Product was not Discontinued or Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness reasons** · Trametinib Dimethyl Sulfoxide EQ 2MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- non-small-cell lung carcinoma, melanoma
- Manufacturer
- Novartis
- FDA application
- NDA204114
What is Mekinist?
From the FDA label:Trametinib dimethyl sulfoxide is a kinase inhibitor. The chemical name is acetamide, N-[3-[3-cyclopropyl-5-[(2-fluoro-4- iodophenyl)amino]-3,4,6,7-tetrahydro-6,8-dimethyl- 2,4,7-trioxopyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidin-1(2H)-yl]phenyl]-, compound with 1,1’-sulfinylbis[methane] (1:1). It has a molecular formula C 26 H 23 FIN 5 O 4 •C 2 H 6 OS with a molecular mass of 693.53 g/mol. Trametinib dimethyl sulfoxide has the following chemical structure: Trametinib dimethyl sulfoxide is a white to almost white powder. It is practically insoluble in the pH range of 2 to 8 in aqueous media. MEKINIST (trametinib) tablets for oral use are supplied as 0.5 mg and 2 mg tablets for oral administration. Each 0.5 mg tablet contains 0.5635 mg trametinib dimethyl sulfoxide equivalent to 0.5 mg of trametinib non-solvated parent. Each 2 mg tablet contains 2.254 mg trametinib dimethyl sulfoxide equivalent to 2 mg of trametinib non-solvated parent. The inactive ingredients of MEKINIST tablets are: Tablet Core: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Coating: hypromellose, iron oxide red (2 mg tablets), iron oxide yellow (0.5 mg tablets), polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80 (2 mg tablets), and titanium dioxide. MEKINIST (trametinib) for oral solution is a white or almost white powder…
How to use
Mekinist is sold in more than one form (Powder and Tablet), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application NDA204114 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.
The recommended dosage of MEKINIST in adult patients is 2 mg orally once daily. The recommended dosage for MEKINIST in pediatric patients is based on body weight. ( 2 ) 2.1 Patient Selection Melanoma Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E or V600K mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with MEKINIST as a single agent or in combination with dabrafenib [see Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2)] . Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of BRAF V600 mutations in melanoma is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics . NSCLC Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with MEKINIST and dabrafenib [see Clinical Studies (14.3)] . Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of BRAF V600E mutations in NSCLC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics . ATC Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with MEKINIST and dabrafenib [see Clinical Studies (14.4)] . Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of BRAF V600E mutations in ATC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics . Solid Tumors Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with MEKINIST and dabrafenib [see Clinical Studies (14.6)] . An FDA-approved test for the detection of BRAF V600E mutation in…
Side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: New Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1)] Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Colitis and Gastrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Venous Thromboembolic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5. 4 )] Cardiomyopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5. 5 )] Ocular Toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions (5. 6 )] Interstitial Lung Disease/Pneumonitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5. 7 )] Serious Febrile Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5. 8 )] Serious Skin Toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions (5. 9 )] Hyperglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5. 10 )] Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5. 12 )] There are additional adverse reactions associated with dabrafenib. Refer to the dabrafenib prescribing information for additional information. Most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) for MEKINIST as a single agent include rash, diarrhea, and lymphedema. ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) for MEKINIST in combination with dabrafenib include: Unresectable or metastatic melanoma: pyrexia, nausea, rash, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, hypertension, and peripheral edema. ( 6.1 ) Adjuvant treatment of melanoma: pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, headache, rash, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, arthralgia, and…
Warnings
Important safety information
New Primary Malignancies, Cutaneous and Non-Cutaneous : Can occur when MEKINIST is used with dabrafenib. Monitor patients for new malignancies prior to, or while on therapy, and following discontinuation of treatment. ( 5.1 ) Hemorrhage : Major hemorrhagic events can occur. Monitor for signs and symptoms of bleeding. ( 5.2 ) Colitis and Gastrointestinal Perforation : Colitis and gastrointestinal perforation can occur in patients receiving MEKINIST. ( 5.3 ) Venous Thromboembolic Events : Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) can occur in patients receiving MEKINIST. ( 5.4 , 2.4 ) Cardiomyopathy : Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before treatment, after one month of treatment, then every 2 to 3 months thereafter. ( 5.5 , 2.4 ) Ocular Toxicities : Perform ophthalmological evaluation for any visual disturbances. For Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO), permanently discontinue MEKINIST. ( 5.6 , 2.4 ) Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis : Withhold MEKINIST for new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms. Permanently discontinue MEKINIST for treatment-related ILD or pneumonitis. ( 5.7 , 2.4 ) Serious Febrile Reactions : Can occur when MEKINIST is used with dabrafenib. ( 5.8 , 2.4 ) Serious Skin Toxicities : Monitor for skin toxicities and for secondary infections. Permanently discontinue MEKINIST for intolerable Grade 2 or for Grade 3 or 4 rash not improving within 3 weeks despite interruption of MEKINIST. Permanently discontinue for severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). ( 5.9 , 2.4 ) Hyperglycemia : Monitor serum glucose levels in patients with preexisting diabetes or hyperglycemia. ( 5.10 ) Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) : Interrupt treatment for suspected HLH. Discontinue treatment if HLH is confirmed. ( 5.12 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.13 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 New Primary Malignancies Cutaneous Malignancies MEKINIST Administered with Dabrafenib (Adult) : In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] , cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cuSCCs) and keratoacanthomas occurred in 2% of patients. Basal cell carcinoma and new primary melanoma occurred in 3% and < 1% of patients, respectively. MEKINIST Administered with Dabrafenib (Pediatric) : In the pooled safety population, new primary melanoma occurred in < 1% of patients. Perform dermatologic evaluations prior to initiation of MEKINIST when used with dabrafenib, every 2 months while on therapy, and for up to 6 months following discontinuation of the combination. Non-Cutaneous Malignancies Based on its mechanism of action, dabrafenib may promote growth and development of malignancies with activation of RAS through mutation or other mechanisms; refer to the prescribing information for dabrafenib. In the pooled safety population of MEKINIST administered with dabrafenib, non-cutaneous malignancies occurred in 1% of patients. Monitor patients receiving MEKINIST and dabrafenib closely for signs or symptoms of non-cutaneous malignancies. No dose modification is required for MEKINIST in patients who develop non-cutaneous malignancies. 5.2 Hemorrhage Hemorrhages, including major hemorrhage defined as symptomatic bleeding in a critical area or organ, can occur with MEKINIST. Fatal cases have been reported. MEKINIST Administered with Dabrafenib (Adult) : In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] , hemorrhagic events occurred in 17% of patients; gastrointestinal hemorrhage occurred in 3% of patients; intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 0.6% of patients; fatal hemorrhage occurred in 0.5% of patients. The fatal events were cerebral hemorrhage and brainstem hemorrhage. MEKINIST Administered with Dabrafenib (Pediatric) : In the pooled safety population, hemorrhagic events occurred in 25% of patients; the most common type of bleeding was epistaxis (16%). Serious events of bleeding occurred in 3.6% of patients and included gastrointestinal hemorrhage (1.2%), cerebral hemorrhage (0.6%), uterine hemorrhage (0.6%), post-procedural hemorrhage (0.6%), and epistaxis (0.6%). Permanently discontinue MEKINIST for all Grade 4 hemorrhagic events and for any Grade 3 hemorrhagic events that do not improve. Withhold MEKINIST for Grade 3 hemorrhagic events; if improved, resume MEKINIST at the next lower dose level. 5.3 Colitis and Gastrointestinal Perforation Colitis and gastrointestinal perforation, including fatal outcomes, have been reported in patients taking: MEKINIST Monotherapy and Administered with Dabrafenib (Adult) : In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] , colitis occurred in < 1% of patients and gastrointestinal perforation occurred in < 1% of patients. MEKINIST Administered with Dabrafenib (Pediatric) : In the pooled safety population, colitis events occurred in < 1% of patients. Monitor patients closely for colitis and gastrointestinal perforations. 5.4 Venous Thromboembolic Events MEKINIST Administered with Dabrafenib (Adult) : In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] , deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) occurred in 2% of patients. MEKINIST Administered with Dabrafenib (Pediatric) : In the pooled safety population, embolism events occurred in < 1% of patients. Advise patients to immediately seek medical care if they develop symptoms of DVT or PE, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or arm or leg swelling. Permanently discontinue MEKINIST for life-threatening PE. Withhold MEKINIST for uncomplicated DVT and PE for up to 3 weeks; if improved, MEKINIST may be resumed at a lower dose level [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] . 5.5 Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy, including cardiac failure, can occur with MEKINIST. MEKINIST Administered with Dabrafenib (Adult) : In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] , cardiomyopathy, defined as a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 10% from baseline and below the institutional lower limit of normal (LLN), occurred in 6% of patients. Development of cardiomyopathy resulted in dose interruption or discontinuation of MEKINIST in 3% and < 1% of patients, respectively. Cardiomyopathy resolved in 45 of 50 patients who received MEKINIST administered with dabrafenib. MEKINIST Administered with Dabrafenib (Pediatric) : In the pooled safety population, cardiomyopathy, defined as a decrease in LVEF ≥ 10% from baseline and below the institutional LLN, occurred in 9% of patients. Assess LVEF by echocardiogram or multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan before initiation of MEKINIST as a single agent or with dabrafenib, one month after initiation, and then at 2- to 3-month intervals while on treatment. For an asymptomatic absolute decrease in LVEF of 10% or greater from baseline that is below the institutional LLN, withhold MEKINIST for up to 4 weeks. If improved to normal LVEF value, resume MEKINIST at a lower dose. If no improvement to normal LVEF value within 4 weeks, permanently discontinue MEKINIST. For symptomatic cardiomyopathy or an absolute decrease in LVEF of greater than 20% from baseline that is below the institutional LLN, permanently discontinue MEKINIST [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] . 5.6 Ocular Toxicities Retinal Vein Occlusion In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] of MEKINIST monotherapy, the incidence of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) was 0.6%. In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] of MEKINIST administered with dabrafenib, there were no cases of RVO. RVO may lead to macular edema, decreased visual function, neovascularization, and glaucoma. Urgently (within 24 hours) perform ophthalmological evaluation for patient-reported loss of vision or other visual disturbances. Permanently discontinue MEKINIST in patients with documented RVO [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] . Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachment Retinal…
Who should not take Mekinist
None. None. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
The highest doses of MEKINIST evaluated in clinical trials were 4 mg orally once daily and 10 mg administered orally once daily on 2 consecutive days followed by 3 mg once daily. In seven patients treated on one of these two schedules, there were two cases of RPEDs for an incidence of 28%. Since trametinib is highly bound to plasma proteins, hemodialysis is likely to be ineffective in the treatment of overdose with MEKINIST.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
MEKINIST is indicated for use in combination with dabrafenib. Refer to the dabrafenib prescribing information for additional risk information that applies to combination use treatment.
Drug class
How this class works, per Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Mekinist ranks — best-rated kinase inhibitor for:
Dosage forms
Powder and Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
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Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Mekinist treat?
- Mekinist (Trametinib Dimethyl Sulfoxide) may be used to treat non-small-cell lung carcinoma, melanoma, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Mekinist work?
- Mekinist is a kinase inhibitor. Kinase inhibitors block protein kinases, the enzymes that relay 'grow and divide' signals inside cells. By shutting down the overactive kinase signals that a tumor depends on, they help slow or stop cancer cells from multiplying.
- How is Mekinist rated?
- pharmaranks gives Mekinist a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Mekinist?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Mekinist. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Mekinist?
- Mekinist is marketed by Novartis. You can see Novartis's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Mekinist a brand-name or generic drug?
- Mekinist is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Trametinib Dimethyl Sulfoxide.
- Is Mekinist available over the counter?
- No. Mekinist is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Mekinist come in?
- Mekinist is currently marketed as powder and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Mekinist?
- Mekinist is classified as kinase inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Mekinist FDA-registered?
- Mekinist is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA204114. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Mekinist been recalled by the FDA?
- Mekinist has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Mekinist safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Mekinist a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Mekinist?
- Mekinist's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: New Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1)] Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Colitis and Gastrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Venous Thromboe… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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