For treating cancer.
Brand Name(s): Mekinist
Generic Name: Trametinib
Instructions
Drink the medicine.
Measure the dose of liquid medicine carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine. If you do not have one, please ask your pharmacist for help.
Gently swirl to mix the medicine. Do not shake.
If you are giving this medicine through a tube into the stomach, ask your doctor or pharmacist for specific directions.
Take on empty stomach - 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
To relieve dry mouth, chew gum, suck on hard candy/ice chips, drink extra water, or use a saliva substitute.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
Store in original bottle, tightly closed and upright.
Discard any unused, mixed medicine after 35 days.
If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at the usual time.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours to the next dose, do not take the dose. Return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
This medicine may cause higher blood sugar levels or diabetes. Please follow your doctor's instructions and check your blood sugar level regularly while on this medicine.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Avoid getting medicine on the skin or in the eyes. If this happens, wash the skin with soap and water. For eyes, open eyelid and flush with plenty of water and tell your doctor right away.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
May cause mouth sores. Brush teeth gently. Avoid products containing alcohol. Rinse mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda or salt.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 4 months after stopping treatment.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.
Women must use reliable forms of birth control while using this medicine and for 4 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use reliable birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 4 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- mouth sores or irritation
- nausea and vomiting
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- bleeding or bruising
- chest pain
- coughing
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- eye pain, redness, or itching
- fever or chills
- swelling in the neck or throat
- severe or persistent headache
- fast or irregular heart beats
- high blood sugar
- high blood pressure
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
- sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
- muscle pain or weakness
- shortness of breath
- red, peeling or blistering skin
- change in the size or color of a skin mole
- severe stomach or bowel pain
- bloody or dark, tarry stools
- unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
- blurring or changes of vision
- sudden or unexplained weight gain
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about TRAMETINIB - ORAL
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