Trametinib is used to treat various cancers (such as
skin, thyroid, lung, solid tumors, brain). It belongs to a class of drugs
known as kinase inhibitors. Trametinib works by slowing or stopping the
growth of cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking trametinib and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually once daily. Take this medication on an empty stomach, at
least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. If you vomit, do not take
another dose to catch up. Take your next dose at the regular
time.
If you are using the tablets, swallow the tablets whole.
Do not crush or break the tablets.
If your child is using the liquid form of this
medication, read the Instructions for Use before you start giving
trametinib and each time you get a refill. Gently swirl the bottle for 30
seconds to mix the solution prior to each dose. Learn how to carefully
measure the dose using the bottle adapter and oral syringe provided. Do not
use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you have
any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
The liquid form may also be given through a tube into
the stomach (nasogastric or gastric tube). If you are giving this
medication through a nasogastric or gastric tube, ask your health care
professional for detailed instructions on how to give it.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on
weight.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets.
Dizziness, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, stomach pain,
dry/itchy skin, acne, and dry mouth may occur. Weight gain may also occur
in children. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or
ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva
substitute.
Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur. Brush
your teeth carefully/gently, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol,
and rinse your mouth often with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt.
It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are
high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling
ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain)
- signs of lung disease (such as cough, shortness of breath,
rapid breathing)
- signs of skin infection (such as red/peeling/warm skin)
- signs of muscle damage (such as muscle
pain/tenderness/weakness, unusual tiredness)
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
- easy bleeding/bruising
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- eye pain/swelling/redness
- vision changes (such as blurred vision, loss of vision, blind
spots/shadows in the center of your vision, sensitivity to
light)
- signs of bleeding in the brain (such as severe headache,
weakness on one side of the body, vision problems, trouble speaking,
seizures, or confusion)
- signs of serious stomach/intestinal problems (such as severe
stomach/abdominal pain, black/bloody stools, vomit that contains blood or
looks like coffee grounds, diarrhea with blood/mucus)
- sudden pain/swelling/redness (usually in the leg)
- chest pain
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- trouble breathing
Trametinib may make your blood sugar rise, which can
cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms
of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. If you already have
diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the
results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes
medication, exercise program, or diet.
Although this medication is used to treat certain skin
cancers, it may rarely cause new skin cancer or other cancers. Tell your
doctor right away if you notice unusual skin changes (such as skin
sores/lumps, warts, change in the size/color of a mole, skin bump that
bleeds or does not heal). Your doctor should check your skin before
starting treatment, every 2 months during treatment, and for up to 6 months
after stopping this medication.
Trametinib can commonly cause a rash that is usually not
serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash
that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if
you develop any rash.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- fever
- swollen lymph nodes
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking trametinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- high blood pressure
- heart disease (heart failure)
- lung problems
- bleeding/blood problems
- diabetes
- eye problems
- stomach/intestinal problems (such as diverticulitis)
This drug may make you dizzy or blur your vision.
Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you
can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are
using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially swelling of the arms/legs and loss of
appetite.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using trametinib. Trametinib
may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before
you start this medication. Women using this medication should ask about
reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 4 months after the
last dose. Men (including those who have had a vasectomy) using this
medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during
treatment and for 4 months after the last dose. If you or your partner
becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and
benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for 4 months after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as heart imaging, blood
pressure, blood sugar, skin checks, weight monitoring in children) should
be done before you start taking this medication and while you are taking
it. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is within 12 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your
next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store the liquid form of this medication in the original
bottle at room temperature or in the refrigerator away from light and
moisture. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle upright and tightly closed when
not in use. Discard any unused liquid medication 35 days after it has been
mixed by your pharmacist.
Different brands of the tablet form of this medication
have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on
how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.