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Drugs A–Z

Trametinib

Trametinib is a prescription medicine. The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Brand names
Mekinist
Taken
Oral
Label
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, revised May 7, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
Generic
No · details

What it is used for

MEKINIST is a kinase inhibitor indicated as a single agent for the treatment of BRAF-inhibitor treatment-naïve patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.1 , 2.1 ) MEKINIST is indicated, in combination with dabrafenib, for: the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.1 , 2.1 ) the adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and involvement of lymph node(s), following complete resection. ( 1.2 , 2.1 ) the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with BRAF V600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.3 , 2.1 ) the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and with no satisfactory locoregional treatment options. ( 1.4 , 2.1 ) the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with unresectable or metastatic solid tumors with BRAF V600E mutation who have progressed following prior treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s). ( 1.5 , 2.1 ) the treatment of pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with low-grade glioma (LGG) with a BRAF V600E mutation who require systemic therapy. ( 1.6 , 2.1 ) Limitations of Use : MEKINIST is not indicated for treatment of patients with colorectal cancer because of known intrinsic resistance to BRAF inhibition. ( 1.7 , 12.1 ) 1.1 BRAF V600E or V600K Mutation-Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma MEKINIST ® is indicated, as a single agent in BRAF-inhibitor treatment-naïve patients or in combination with dabrafenib, for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] .

1.2 Adjuvant Treatment of BRAF V600E or V600K Mutation-Positive Melanoma MEKINIST is indicated, in combination with dabrafenib, for the adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test, and involvement of lymph node(s), following complete resection [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. 1.3 BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic NSCLC MEKINIST is indicated, in combination with dabrafenib, for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with BRAF V600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] . 1.4 BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer MEKINIST is indicated, in combination with dabrafenib, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and with no satisfactory locoregional treatment options [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] . 1.5 BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Solid Tumors MEKINIST is indicated, in combination with dabrafenib, for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with unresectable or metastatic solid tumors with BRAF V600E mutation who have progressed following prior treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] . This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response [see Clinical Studies (14.6)] . Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s). 1.6 BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Low-Grade Glioma MEKINIST is indicated, in combination with dabrafenib, for the treatment of pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with low-grade glioma (LGG) with a BRAF V600E mutation who require systemic therapy [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] .

1.7 Limitations of Use MEKINIST is not indicated for treatment of patients with colorectal cancer because of known intrinsic resistance to BRAF inhibition [see Indications and Usage (1.5), Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)] .

Forms and strengths

MEKINIST tablets: 0.5 mg tablets: Yellow, ovaloid, biconvex, unscored film-coated tablets with beveled edges and with the Novartis logo debossed on one side and ‘TT’ on the other side. 2 mg tablets: Pink, round, biconvex, unscored film-coated tablets with beveled edges and with the Novartis logo debossed on one side and ‘LL’ on the other side. MEKINIST for oral solution: White to almost white powder containing 4.7 mg of trametinib per bottle. Each mL of reconstituted strawberry-flavored trametinib solution contains 0.05 mg of trametinib. MEKINIST Tablets: 0.5 mg, 2 mg ( 3 ) MEKINIST for Oral Solution: 4.7 mg ( 3 )

Who should not take it (contraindications)

None. None. ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

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)] . […]

Side effects (adverse reactions)

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 myalgia. ( 6.1 ) NSCLC: pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry skin, decreased appetite, edema, rash, chills, hemorrhage, cough, and dyspnea. ( 6.1 ) Adult patients with solid tumors: pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, rash, chills, headache, hemorrhage, cough, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, myalgia, arthralgia, and edema. ( 6.1 ) Pediatric patients with solid tumors: pyrexia, rash, vomiting, fatigue, dry skin, cough, diarrhea, dermatitis acneiform, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, hemorrhage, constipation, and paronychia. ( 6.1 ) Pediatric patients with LGG: pyrexia, rash, headache, vomiting, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, dry skin, nausea, hemorrhage, abdominal pain, and dermatitis acneiform. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at 1-888-669-6682 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adult Safety Pools The pooled safety population described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflects exposure to MEKINIST 2 mg orally, once daily as a single agent in 329 patients with various solid tumors enrolled in METRIC, MEK113583, and MEK111054. Among these 329 patients who received MEKINIST as a single agent, 33% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 9% were exposed for greater than one year. The pooled safety population described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflects exposure to MEKINIST 2 mg orally, once daily, administered in combination with dabrafenib 150 mg orally, twice daily, in 1087 patients enrolled in COMBI-d, COMBI-v, COMBI-AD, and BRF113928 with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, adjuvant melanoma, or NSCLC. Among these 1087 patients who received MEKINIST administered with dabrafenib, 70% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 21% were exposed for greater than one year. Pediatric Safety Pool The pediatric pooled safety population described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflects exposure to weight-based MEKINIST orally, once daily administered in combination with dabrafenib in 166 pediatric patients across two trials: a multi-center, open-label, multi-cohort study in pediatric patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive glioma requiring systemic therapy (Study G2201; n = 123) and a multi-center, open-label, multi-cohort study in pediatric patients with refractory or recurrent solid tumors with MAPK pathway activation (Study X2101; n = 43) [see Clinical Studies (14.6, 14.7)] . Among 166 patients who received MEKINIST administered with dabrafenib, 85% were exposed for 6 months and 69% were exposed for greater than one year. The most common (> 20%) adverse reactions were pyrexia (66%), rash (54%), headache (40%), vomiting (38%), musculoskeletal pain (36%), fatigue (31%), dry skin (31%), diarrhea (30%), nausea (26%), epistaxis and other bleeding events (25%), abdominal pain (24%), and dermatitis acneiform (23%). The most common (> 2%) Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities were decreased neutrophil count (20%), increased alanine aminotransferase (3.1%), and increased aspartate aminotransferase (3.1%). Unresectable or Metastatic BRAF V600E or V600K Mutation-Positive Melanoma MEKINIST as a Single Agent The safety of MEKINIST was evaluated in the METRIC study, a randomized, open-label trial of patients with BRAF V600E or V600K mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma who received MEKINIST (N = 211) 2 mg orally once daily or chemotherapy (N = 99) (either dacarbazine 1000 mg/m 2 every 3 weeks or paclitaxel 175 mg/m 2 every 3 weeks) [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] . Patients with abnormal LVEF, history of acute coronary syndrome within 6 months, or current evidence of Class II or greater congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association) were excluded. The median duration of treatment with MEKINIST was 4.3 months. In this study, 9% of patients who received MEKINIST experienced adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of trial medication. The most frequent adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of MEKINIST were decreased LVEF, pneumonitis, renal failure, diarrhea, and rash. Adverse reactions led to dose reductions in 27% of patients treated with MEKINIST. Rash and decreased LVEF were the most frequent reasons cited for dose reductions of MEKINIST. Table 6 and Table 7 present adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, of MEKINIST as a single agent in the METRIC study. Table 6. Select Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 10% of Patients Who Received MEKINIST and at a Higher Incidence (≥ 5%) Than in the Chemotherapy Arm or ≥ 2% (Grades 3 or 4) Adverse Reactions in the METRIC Study a NCI CTCAE version 4.0. b Grade 4 adverse reactions limited to rash (n = 1) in trametinib arm and diarrhea (n = 1) in chemotherapy arm. c Includes stomatitis, aphthous stomatitis, mouth ulceration, and mucosal inflammation. d Includes abdominal pain, lower abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, and abdominal tenderness. e Includes lymphedema, edema, and peripheral edema. f Includes epistaxis, gingival bleeding, hematochezia, rectal hemorrhage, melena, vaginal hemorrhage, hemorrhoidal hemorrhage, hematuria, and conjunctival hemorrhage. Adverse Reactions MEKINIST Chemotherapy N = 211 N = 99 All Grades a (%) Grades 3 and 4 b (%) All Grades a (%) Grades 3 and 4 b (%) Skin and subcutaneous tissue Rash 57 8 10 0 Acneiform dermatitis 19 < 1 1 0 Dry skin 11 0 0 0 Pruritus 10 2 1 0 Paronychia 10 0 1 0 Gastrointestinal Diarrhea 43 0 16 2 Stomatitis c 15 2 2 0 Abdominal pain d 13 1 5 1 Vascular Lymphedema e 32 1 4 0 Hypertension 15 12 7 3 Hemorrhage f 13 < 1 0 0 Table 7. Laboratory Abnormalities Occurring at a Higher Incidence in Patients Who Received MEKINIST in the METRIC Study [Between-Arm Difference of ≥ 5% (All Grades) or ≥ 2% (Grades 3 or 4) a ] Abbreviations: ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase. a Only Grade 3 adverse reactions were reported in either treatment arm. […]

Drug 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.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults

Lactation : Do not breastfeed. ( 8.2 ) Females and Males of Reproductive Potential : May impair fertility. Counsel patients on pregnancy planning and prevention. ( 8.3 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)] and findings from animal reproduction studies, MEKINIST can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There is insufficient data in pregnant women exposed to MEKINIST to assess the risks. Trametinib was embryotoxic and abortifacient in rabbits at doses greater than or equal to those resulting in exposures approximately 0.3 times the human exposure at the recommended adult clinical dose (see Data) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In reproductive toxicity studies, administration of trametinib to rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in decreased fetal weights at doses greater than or equal to 0.031 mg/kg/day [approximately 0.3 times the human exposure at the recommended adult dose based on area under the curve (AUC)]. In rats, at a dose resulting in exposures 1.8-fold higher than the human exposure at the recommended adult dose, there was maternal toxicity and an increase in post-implantation loss. In pregnant rabbits, administration of trametinib during the period of organogenesis resulted in decreased fetal body weight and increased incidence of variations in ossification at doses greater than or equal to 0.039 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.08 times the human exposure at the recommended adult dose based on AUC). In rabbits administered trametinib at 0.15 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.3 times the human exposure at the recommended adult dose based on AUC) there was an increase in post-implantation loss, including total loss of pregnancy, compared with control animals.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of trametinib in human milk, or the effects of trametinib on the breastfed child or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with MEKINIST and for 4 months following the last dose.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating MEKINIST. Contraception Based on data from animal studies and its mechanism of action, MEKINIST can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 )]. Females Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with MEKINIST and for 4 months after the last dose. Males To avoid potential drug exposure to pregnant partners and female partners of reproductive potential, advise male patients (including those who have had vasectomies) with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with MEKINIST and for 4 months after the last dose. Infertility Females Advise female patients of reproductive potential that MEKINIST may impair fertility. Increased follicular cysts and decreased corpora lutea were observed in female rats at dose exposures equivalent to 0.3 times the human exposure at the recommended adult dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)] .

8.4 Pediatric Use BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Solid Tumors and LGG The safety and effectiveness of MEKINIST in combination with dabrafenib have been established in pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with unresectable or metastatic solid tumors with BRAF V600E mutation who have progressed following prior treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options; or with LGG with BRAF V600E mutation who require systemic therapy. Use of MEKINIST in combination with dabrafenib for these indications is supported by evidence from studies X2101 and G2201 that enrolled 171 patients (1 to < 18 years of age) with BRAF V600 mutation-positive advanced solid tumors, of which 4 (2.3%) patients were 1 to < 2 years of age, 39 (23%) patients were 2 to < 6 years of age, 54 (32%) patients were 6 to < 12 years of age, and 74 (43%) patients were 12 to < 18 years of age [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14.6, 14.7)] . The safety and effectiveness of MEKINIST in combination with dabrafenib have not been established for these indications in pediatric patients less than 1 year old. The safety and effectiveness of MEKINIST as a single agent in pediatric patients have not been established. Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data In a repeat-dose toxicity study in juvenile rats, decreased bone length and corneal dystrophy were observed at doses resulting in exposures as low as 0.3 times the human exposure at the recommended adult dose based on AUC. Additionally, a delay in sexual maturation was noted at doses resulting in exposures as low as 1.6 times the human exposure at the recommended adult dose based on AUC.

8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 214 patients with melanoma who received single agent MEKINIST in the METRIC study, 27% were aged 65 years and older and 4% were over 75 years old [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] . This study of single agent MEKINIST in melanoma did not include sufficient numbers of geriatric patients to determine whether they respond differently from younger adults. Of the 994 patients with melanoma who received MEKINIST plus dabrafenib in the COMBI-d, COMBI-v, and COMBI-AD studies [see Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2)] , 21% were aged 65 years and older and 5% were aged 75 years and older. No overall differences in the effectiveness of MEKINIST plus dabrafenib were observed in geriatric patients as compared to younger adults across these melanoma studies. The incidences of peripheral edema (26% vs. 12%) and anorexia (21% vs. 9%) increased in geriatric patients as compared to younger adults in these studies. Of the 93 patients with NSCLC who received MEKINIST in Study BRF113928, there were insufficient numbers of geriatric patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adults [see Clinical Studies (14.4)] . Of the 26 patients with ATC who received MEKINIST in Study BRF117019, 77% were aged 65 years and older and 31% were aged 75 years and older [see Clinical Studies (14.4)] . This study in ATC did not include sufficient numbers of younger adults to determine whether they respond differently compared to geriatric patients.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild (bilirubin ≤ upper limit of normal (ULN) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > ULN or bilirubin > 1x to 1.5x ULN and any AST) hepatic impairment. A recommended dosage of MEKINIST has not been established for patients with moderate (bilirubin > 1.5x to 3x ULN and any AST) or severe (bilirubin > 3x to 10x ULN and any AST) hepatic impairment. Consider the risk-benefit profile of MEKINIST related to dosing prior to determining whether to administer MEKINIST to patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, 3 patients who received a starting dose of 1.5 mg orally once daily and two patients who received a starting dose of 2 mg orally once daily did not experience dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) during the first cycle of therapy. In patients with severe hepatic impairment, 3 patients who received a starting dose of 1 mg orally once daily did not experience DLTs during the first cycle; one patient who received a starting dose of 1.5 mg orally once daily experienced a DLT (grade 3 acneiform rash). Compared to patients with normal hepatic function, there was no increase in exposure of trametinib in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

How it works

Trametinib is a reversible inhibitor of mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (MEK1) and MEK2 activation and of MEK1 and MEK2 kinase activity. MEK proteins are upstream regulators of the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway, which promotes cellular proliferation. BRAF V600E mutations result in constitutive activation of the BRAF pathway which includes MEK1 and MEK2. Trametinib inhibits cell growth of various BRAF V600 mutation-positive tumors in vitro and in vivo. Trametinib and dabrafenib target two different kinases in the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. Use of trametinib and dabrafenib in combination resulted in greater growth inhibition of BRAF V600 mutation-positive tumor cell lines in vitro and prolonged inhibition of tumor growth in BRAF V600 mutation-positive tumor xenografts compared with either drug alone. In the setting of BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer, induction of EGFR-mediated MAPK pathway re-activation has been identified as a mechanism of intrinsic resistance to BRAF inhibitors [see Indications and Usage (1.7)] .

Is there a generic Trametinib?

No. The FDA has not approved a generic version yet.

Brand-name versions

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 0002ad27-779d-42ab-83b5-bc65453412a1.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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