Trametinib oral tablets

What is this medication?

TRAMETINIB (tra ME ti nib) treats melanoma. It may be used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. It is also used to treat thyroid cancer and solid tumor cancers with a specific genetic marker. It works by slowing down the growth of cancer cells.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mekinist

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bleeding disorder
• Blood clots
• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Eye disease
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung disease
• Stomach or intestine problems such as colitis
• Vision problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to trametinib, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can unless it is more than 12 hours late. If it is more than 12 hours late, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time.

What may interact with this medication?

Drug interactions have not been studied.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk of certain types of cancer if you take this medication.

This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding.

Your vision may be tested before and during use of this medication. Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

This medication may increase your blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medication or for 4 months after stopping it. Women should inform their care team if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medication or for at least 4 months after stopping it. There is potential for serious harm to an unborn child. Talk to your care team for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medication or for 4 months after stopping it.

This medication may make it more difficult to get pregnant. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• Severe Diarrhea
• Fever
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Skin rash

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Nausea
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Do not throw out the packet in the container. It keeps the medication dry. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.