provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Mekinist Coupon - Mekinist 2mg tablet

Mekinist

trametinib
Used for Melanoma
Used for Melanoma

Mekinist (trametinib) is a targeted therapy that’s taken with another medication called Tafinlar (dabrafenib). It’s used to treat many types of cancer that have a certain mutation known as a BRAF mutation. Mekinist (trametinib) is a tablet that you take by mouth once daily. This medication can cause side effects such as diarrhea, rash, and high blood sugar.

Last reviewed on July 21, 2023
basics-icon

What is Mekinist (trametinib)?

What is Mekinist (trametinib) used for?

  • Melanoma with certain BRAF mutations

    • Melanoma that has spread (metastatic) or can’t be removed by surgery, used by itself or with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

    • Advanced melanoma, given after surgery and used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

  • Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

  • Metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

  • Solid tumors with a certain BRAF mutation that have spread or can’t be removed by surgery, used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

  • Low-grade glioma (LGG) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

How Mekinist (trametinib) works

Mekinist (trametinib) is a kinase inhibitor known as a MEK inhibitor. The MEK protein is part of a whole chain of proteins that work to help cells grow. By blocking MEK, this medication helps stop tumor growth.

Mekinist (trametinib) is taken together with an anticancer medication called Tafinlar (dabrafenib) that specifically targets another protein in this chain (the BRAF protein). When the BRAF protein is mutated, the cancer can grow uncontrollably and spread more quickly. By blocking two different proteins in this pathway, Mekinist (trametinib) and Tafinlar (dabrafenib) work together to stop the growth and spread of cancer better.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMekinist
Drug ClassMEK inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Mekinist (trametinib)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

The following side effects were reported in adults taking Mekinist (trametinib). Side effects might differ depending on the cancer you have and in children.
  • High blood sugar (up to 71%)
  • Higher liver enzymes in the blood (up to 64%)
  • Fever (up to 63%)
  • Tiredness (up to 59%)
  • Rash (up to 57%)
  • Nausea (up to 45%)
  • Headache (up to 39%)
  • Chills (up to 37%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 43%)
  • Vomiting (up to 33%)
  • Dry skin (up to 31%)
  • Lower appetite (up to 29%)
  • Bleeding (up to 29%)
  • Cough (up to 29%)
  • Muscle or joint pain (up to 28%)
  • Swelling in legs (up to 28%)
  • Constipation (up to 27%)
  • Stomach pain (up to 26%)
  • High blood pressure (up to 26%)
  • Trouble breathing (up to 20%)

Other Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Bleeding: nosebleed, blood in stool, sudden and severe headache
  • Serious gut problems: sudden stomach pain, fever, blood in stool
  • Blood clots: swelling or warm, red skin in one arm or one leg; sudden trouble breathing; chest pain
  • Serious eye problems: sudden and severe eye pain, sudden vision loss
  • Serious lung problems: sudden cough, fever, trouble breathing, tightness in chest
  • Serious skin reactions: painful blisters, skin wounds, peeling skin, fever, muscle aches
  • Serious blood problems: fever, severe tiredness, trouble breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bleeding from the rectum or bloody stools

bleeding gums

blemishes on the skin

blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

bloody nose

blurred vision

chest discomfort or pain

cracked, dry, or scaly skin

coughing up blood

decreased urine output

diarrhea

difficulty with breathing or swallowing

dilated neck veins

extreme tiredness or weakness

fast, slow, irregular, or pounding heartbeat

headache

increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding

irregular breathing

lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

nervousness

nosebleeds

paralysis

pimples

pounding in the ears

prolonged bleeding from cuts

rapid weight gain

rash

red or black, tarry stools

red or dark brown urine

redness, swelling, or pain of the skin

scaling of the skin on the hands and feet

tightness in the chest

tingling of the hands and feet

ulceration of the skin

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain or loss

Less common

Cough

fever

Rare

Change in vision

seeing flashes or sparks of light

seeing floating spots before the eyes, or a veil or curtain across part of your vision

stomach cramps, pain, or tenderness

watery or bloody diarrhea

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, pus at the root of the hair

canker sores

change in taste

dark urine

dry eyes

dry mouth

dry skin

itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin

loosening of the fingernails

loss of taste

muscle cramp, pain, stiffness, or spasm

redness or soreness around the fingernails

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

thirst

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Mekinist (trametinib)

thumbs-up

Pros

Recommended treatment option for certain people with melanoma, NSCLC, ATC, and low-grade glioma that have the BRAF mutation

Taken by mouth (not an injection that requires needles)

Works in a more specific, targeted way than traditional chemotherapy

Liquid solution available for young children with low-grade glioma or solid tumors who require exact doses

thumbs-down

Cons

Must take with a second medication

Must take on an empty stomach

Requires regular blood tests to check for side effects

Can cause fever

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Mekinist (trametinib)

pharmacist
  • You should take Mekinist (trametinib) on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). The medication might not work as well if you take it with food.

    • Contact your provider if you have a fever, even if you don’t have other symptoms such as tiredness or chills. A fever that happens while you’re taking Mekinist (trametinib) can be serious.

      • If you also have diabetes, contact your provider if your blood sugar level is higher than what’s typical for you. Taking Mekinist (trametinib) and Tafinlar (dabrafenib) can sometimes raise your blood sugar levels. For this reason, your provider will keep track of your blood sugar levels more closely during treatment.

        • Women who are taking Mekinist (trametinib) should avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose. We don’t know whether Mekinist (trametinib) is found in breast milk and whether it affects breastfed babies, but there’s a possible risk of harm to a baby.

          • If you have leftover medication, ask your provider how to dispose of it. They might allow you or a family member to bring it to their office or clinic for proper disposal.

            Tips for the Mekinist (trametinib) tablets:

            • Don’t crush or break the tablets.

              • Store the tablets in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the medication in its original bottle; don’t put the tablets into a pill box.

                Tips for the Mekinist (trametinib) oral solution:

                • Store the solution in the original bottle at room temperature (at no more than 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Don’t refrigerate the medication.

                  • Make sure to only use the oral dosing syringe that comes with the packaging to measure out doses; household spoons might not be accurate.

                    • Don’t use any extra solution 35 days after it was mixed (this date should be written on the bottle by the pharmacist). Ask your provider how to best discard any leftover medication.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Mekinist (trametinib)

                      Why does Mekinist (trametinib) have to be taken with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)?
                      Mekinist (trametinib) works by blocking a specific protein found in cancer cells called MEK that’s important for tumor growth. By blocking this protein, cancer cells can’t grow or spread as well. But there are other proteins in cancer cells, such as BRAF, that also help the tumor grow. While Mekinist (trametinib) blocks MEK, Tafinlar (dabrafenib) blocks BRAF. Taking two medications that block different proteins involved in tumor growth at the same time helps kill cancer cells better.
                      What should I do if I have a fever while taking Mekinist (trametinib)?
                      Call your provider or seek medical attention if you have a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit that happens with or without chills, sweating, or other flu-like symptoms. We don’t know exactly why it happens, but some people who take Mekinist (trametinib) can experience this serious reaction. Sometimes, you can have complications from the reaction, such as dehydration and kidney problems. For this reason, your provider should examine you when you have a fever to make sure you get the treatment you need for the reaction. You might need to stop taking Mekinist (trametinib) temporarily or even permanently in some cases.
                      Does Mekinist (trametinib) cause nausea?
                      Some people experience nausea while taking Mekinist (trametinib), but it’s usually mild. Your provider might give you an antiemetic medication like ondansetron (Zofran) or prochlorperazine to help prevent or manage nausea. Contact your provider if you have severe nausea while taking Mekinist (trametinib).
                      Can children take Mekinist (trametinib)?
                      It depends on the type of cancer your child has. Mekinist (trametinib) is approved for children 1 year of age and older with a type of brain tumor called low-grade glioma. It’s also used for children 6 years and older with certain solid tumors. But Mekinist (trametinib) isn’t safe for children who haven’t been prescribed the medication by a provider. Contact your child’s provider if you have questions about your child taking Mekinist (trametinib).
                      How long should I take Mekinist (trametinib) for?
                      How long you take Mekinist (trametinib) depends on many factors, such as which type of cancer you have, how well the medication is working for you, and whether you’re having any side effects. Your provider will regularly follow up with you while you’re taking Mekinist (trametinib). They’ll determine how well the medication is working for you based on your scan results and symptoms. Let your provider know if you experience any side effects during treatment, such as fever, rash, diarrhea, or headache. Your provider will decide whether you can continue taking the medication or need to pause or stop treatment depending on how severe your side effects are. Don’t stop taking Mekinist (trametinib) without first discussing it with your provider.
                      GoodRxEducationalIcon

                      How to save using GoodRx

                      Compare Prices
                      1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                      Select your free coupon
                      2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                      Show coupon to your pharmacist
                      3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                      Get free couponLearn more
                      warings-icon

                      What are the risks and warnings for Mekinist (trametinib)?

                      Mekinist (trametinib) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      New cancers

                      Some people taking Mekinist (trametinib) together with Tafinlar (dabrafenib) developed a new cancer. In studies, these cancers included different kinds of skin cancer. Your provider will check for new signs and symptoms of cancers while you’re taking Mekinist (trametinib). In particular, they’ll check for skin cancer during treatment and for up to 6 months after you stop therapy. Periodically performing skin checks yourself can be helpful as well.

                      risk-warning

                      Bleeding

                      Mekinist (trametinib), taken with Tafinlar (dabrafenib), can cause bleeding. This can include nosebleeds, bleeding in the gut, and rarely, bleeding in the brain. If you have any unusual bleeding, tell your provider right away. If it’s mild, your provider might pause Mekinist (trametinib) and you might be able to restart it later at a lower dose. But sometimes, the medication must be permanently stopped.

                      risk-warning

                      Gut problems

                      Rarely, Mekinist (trametinib) can cause tears in the gut or swelling in the gut (colitis). Seek medical help right away if you experience sudden or severe stomach pain, severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills. You might have to pause or stop Mekinist (trametinib) while your provider figures out the cause.

                      risk-warning

                      Blood clots

                      A small number of people have developed blood clots while taking Mekinist (trametinib) and Tafinlar (dabrafenib). These blood clots can include those that happen in the arm or leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). More seriously, blood clots have also happened in the lung (pulmonary embolism or PE). Get medical attention as soon as possible if you have sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in one arm or leg. These can be signs that you have a blood clot.

                      risk-warning

                      Heart problems

                      Though uncommon, some people taking Mekinist (trametinib) with Tafinlar (dabrafenib) developed a heart condition where their heart doesn’t pump as well. Some people with this condition might not feel anything. But others might have symptoms like tiredness, trouble breathing, and swelling in the legs. Your provider will monitor how well your heart is pumping through imaging called an echocardiogram (echo). You’ll usually need imaging scans of your heart every 2 to 3 months while you’re taking Mekinist (trametinib). If the scans show that your heart isn’t pumping as well as it should or if you experience related symptoms while you’re taking Mekinist (trametinib), you might need to pause or stop the medication.

                      risk-warning

                      Eye problems

                      While rare, treatment with Mekinist (trametinib) can cause eye problems, such as blood clots in the eye veins or retinal detachment. Your provider might refer you to an ophthalmologist while you’re taking Mekinist (trametinib). Tell your provider right away if you have any vision changes during treatment so they can check your eyes for any problems.

                      risk-warning

                      Lung problems

                      Rarely, some people taking Mekinist (trametinib) have developed a serious lung problem called interstitial lung disease (ILD). Talk to your provider as soon as possible if you experience sudden or worsening cough, trouble breathing, and fever. You might have to pause or stop Mekinist (trametinib) while your provider figures out what’s going on.

                      risk-warning

                      Serious fever

                      People taking Mekinist (trametinib) have developed a serious reaction with fever. Sometimes, fever is the only symptom; other times, people also experience chills, low blood pressure, and dehydration. If you have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, contact your provider right away. You’ll probably need to stop taking the medication until your fever goes away. If you’re able to restart the medication, your provider might recommend you take medications to lower your temperature, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), to prevent serious fevers.

                      risk-warning

                      Serious skin problems

                      Rashes are common and aren’t usually serious for people taking Mekinist (trametinib) with Tafinlar (dabrafenib). But rarely, this medication can also cause severe skin reactions (with or without infections) that can be life-threatening, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Tell your provider right away if you develop painful blisters, skin wounds, or peeling skin, as these are signs of a serious skin reaction that need immediate medical attention.

                      risk-warning

                      High blood sugar

                      • Risk factors: Diabetes

                        Some people with diabetes who took Mekinist (trametinib) with Tafinlar (dabrafenib) had higher blood sugar levels. Sometimes, this effect requires starting or changing their diabetes medication to help manage blood sugar. Your provider will check your blood sugar levels while you’re taking Mekinist (trametinib), especially if you have diabetes. If you check your blood sugar at home and notice higher levels, contact your provider right away.

                        risk-warning

                        Serious blood problem

                        Rarely, people taking Mekinist (trametinib) with Tafinlar (dabrafenib) developed a serious blood condition called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). HLH might cause fever, low white blood cells, low red blood cells, and damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver. Seek medical attention right away if you have fever; swollen lymph nodes; or a tender, swollen stomach.

                        risk-warning

                        Harm to unborn baby

                        Based on animal studies, Mekinist (trametinib) might harm an unborn baby or raise the risk for miscarriage (pregnancy loss). Because of these risks, if you or your partner can get pregnant, you should use birth control while taking Mekinist (trametinib) and for 4 months after the last dose. Let your provider know right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant while you’re taking Mekinist (trametinib).

                        dosage

                        Mekinist (trametinib) dosage forms

                        Typical dosing for Mekinist (trametinib)

                        • Adults: The typical dose is 2 mg by mouth once a day.

                        • Children: The dose depends on your child’s body weight. The typical dose ranges from 0.3 mg to 2 mg by mouth once a day.

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Mekinist (trametinib) and other drugs

                        Mekinist (trametinib) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Mekinist (trametinib). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                        Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Mekinist (trametinib)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Mekinist (trametinib). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Mekinist (trametinib)
                        Used for:
                        • Melanoma with certain BRAF mutations

                          • Melanoma that has spread (metastatic) or can’t be removed by surgery, used by itself or with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

                          • Advanced melanoma, given after surgery and used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

                        • Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

                        • Metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

                        • Solid tumors with a certain BRAF mutation that have spread or can’t be removed by surgery, used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

                        • Low-grade glioma (LGG) with a certain BRAF mutation, used with Tafinlar (dabrafenib)

                        Used for:
                        Used for:
                        images

                        Mekinist (trametinib) images

                        Pink Round Logo And Ll - Mekinist 2mg Tablet
                        This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Ll" And "Logo".Pink Round Logo And Ll - Mekinist 2mg Tablet

                        Get savings updates for Mekinist (trametinib)

                        Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Mekinist (trametinib) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                        By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        Aiman, W., et al. (2023). Low-grade gliomas. StatPearls.

                        Akinleye, A., et al. (2013). MEK and the inhibitors: From bench to bedside. Journal of Hematology & Oncology.

                        American Cancer Society. (2022). Gene changes and cancer.

                        View All References (15)

                        American Cancer Society. (2023). What is lung cancer?

                        American Lung Association. (n.d.). Interstitial lung disease (ILD).

                        Cancer.net. (2019). Safe storage and disposal of cancer medications.

                        Konkol, S., et al. (2023). Lymphohistiocytosis. StatPearls.

                        Marranci, A., et al. (2017). The landscape of BRAF transcript and protein variants in human cancer. Molecular Cancer.

                        National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). BRAF V600 mutation.

                        National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). MEK inhibitor.

                        National Cancer Institute. (2019). Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC).

                        National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2021). Brain cancer: Gliomas.

                        National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2022). Thyroid cancer.

                        National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2023). Melanoma.

                        National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2023). Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

                        Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (n.d.). Understanding side effects: Tafinlar + Mekinist.

                        Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2023). Mekinist- trametinib tablet, film coated; trametinib powder, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        Thawer, A., et al. (2021). Management of pyrexia associated with the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib: Canadian consensus statements. Current Oncology.

                        GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                        Was this page helpful?

                        Browse medications

                        View All

                        Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.