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Trametinib

Also sold as: Mekinist

Protein Kinase InhibitorsPrescription OnlyGeneric Available

Related Medications

Important: Only drugs listed as "Exact Equivalents" (FDA AB-rated) are confirmed interchangeable. All other listings are for informational reference only and do NOT indicate that drugs can be substituted without a physician's explicit guidance.
Same Pharmacologic Class

These drugs share a pharmacologic classification but are NOT interchangeable. Listing here does not imply clinical equivalence. A physician must evaluate each drug individually for the patient's specific condition.

Classification: Protein Kinase Inhibitors (source: RxClass/NLM)

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Drug Information

Mechanism of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action 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)] .

Indications & Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE 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 indicate

Dosage & Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 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 solid tumors other than melanoma and NSCLC is not currently available. Low-Grade Glioma Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with MEKINIST and dabrafenib [see Clinical Studies (14.7)] . An FDA-approved test for the detection of BRAF V600E mutation in LGG is not currently available. 2.2 Recommended Dosage MEKINIST Tablets Adult Patients The recommended dosage for MEKINIST tablets in adult patients is 2 mg orally taken once daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] . Pediatric Patients The recommended dosage for MEKINIST tablets in pediatric patients who weigh at least 26 kg is based on body weight (Table 1) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] . A recommended dosage of MEKINIST tablets has not been established in patients who weigh less than 26 kg. Table 1. Recommended Dosage for MEKINIST Tablets in Pediatric Patients (Weight-based) Body Weight Recommended Dosage 26 to 37 kg 1 mg orally once daily 38 to 50 kg 1.5 mg orally once daily 51 kg or greater 2 mg orally once daily MEKINIST for Oral Solution Adult and Pediatric Patients The recommended dosage for MEKINIST for oral solution for adult and pediatric patients is based on body weight (Table 2) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] . Table 2. Recommended Dosage for MEKINIST for Oral Solution in Adult and Pediatric Patients (Weight-based) Body Weight Recommended Dosage Total Volume of Oral Solution Once Daily (Trametinib Content) 8 kg 0.3 mg (6 mL) 9 kg 0.35 mg (7 mL) 10 kg 0.35 mg (7 mL) 11 kg 0.4 mg (8 mL) 12 to 13 kg 0.45 mg (9 mL) 14 to 17 kg 0.55 mg (11 mL) 18 to 21 kg 0.7 mg (14 mL) 22 to 25 kg 0.85 mg (17 mL) 26 to 29 kg 0.9 mg (18 mL) 30 to 33 kg 1 mg (20 mL) 34 to 37 kg 1.15 mg (23 mL) 38 to 41 kg 1.25 mg (25 mL) 42 to 45 kg 1.4 mg (28 mL) 46 to 50 kg 1.6 mg (32 mL) ≥ 51 kg 2 mg (40 mL) Duration of Treatment The recommended duration of treatment for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma or solid tumors, metastatic NSCLC, or locally advanced or metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer is until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The recommended duration of treatment in the adjuvant melanoma setting is until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity for up to 1 year. The recommended duration of treatment for pediatric patients with LGG is until disease progression or until unacceptable toxicity. Combination Therapy with Dabrafenib Refer to the dabrafenib prescribing information for recommended dabrafenib dosing information. 2.3 Administration Take MEKINIST at the same time each day, approximately 24 hours apart. Do not take a missed dose of MEKINIST within 12 hours of the next dose of MEKINIST. If vomiting occurs after MEKINIST administration, do not take an additional dose. Take the next dose at its scheduled time. MEKINIST Tablets Take MEKINIST tablets on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Do not crush or break MEKINIST tablets. MEKINIST for Oral Solution MEKINIST powder for oral solution must be reconstituted by a pharmacist or other healthcare provider prior to dispensing to the patient. MEKINIST for oral solution is intended for administration by a caregiver. Prior to use of the oral solution, ensure caregivers receive training on proper dosing and administration of MEKINIST for oral solution. When administering MEKINIST for oral solution as a single agent, take the oral solution with a low-fat meal or on an empty stomach [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . When coadministering with dabrafenib, ta

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 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

Drug Interactions

7 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.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Verify with Primary Sources

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