Detailed discussion on Trametinib- A Metastatic Melanoma drug

The pigment-producing cells in the body upon turning cancerous gives rise to Melanoma. When it spreads to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or blood vessels, it is called Metastatic Melanoma. Usually, this term is used to denote Stage 4. There are multiple approaches to treatment that can be helpful in dealing with this condition. Among them, targeted medication therapy has shown some promising results. Mention may be made of Trametinib, a certain drug that is preferred by cancer specialists that can target the abnormal molecules within the cancer cells and curb their further growth.

How does Trametinib function?

This is a MEK inhibitor that helps to conduct targeted therapy to slow down or stop the growth of melanoma cells within the body. Also known as Mekinist, it is a system drug because it reaches different parts of the body by traveling through the bloodstream to shrink the tumor and help the patients live considerably longer. 

The MEK protein is responsible for the regulation of cell growth. The BRAF mutation signal cells also contribute to the abnormal cell division via MEK, leading to the growth of the melanoma tumor. Mekinist Trametinib interferes with the abnormal BRAF signals that eventually slow the process or stop the growth of the cancer cells. 

How is Trametinib taken?

It is consumed orally with water. The typical dose, as prescribed by doctors, is Trametinib 2mg each day. In case there are life-threatening side effects that the body cannot tolerate, your physician will reduce the dose. Otherwise, the patient is supposed to continue with Trametinib 2mg every day until the body shows a positive response to the treatment. Note that it can either be prescribed alone or in combination with Dabrafenib. It is generally recommended to take medicine one hour before or two hours after a meal. Based on your medical history and health condition, the dosage can vary from patient to patient. 

Precautionary measures

This drug is absorbed through the skin and lungs. Therefore, pregnant women should not opt for this form of treatment as it may harm the fetus. Similarly, breastfeeding is also to be avoided while you are taking this medication. 
 
One must also refrain from handling hefty activities like driving, which requires steady concentration because the medicine causes extreme dizziness. Similarly, alcohol and smoking must also be cut down to nil.
 
Inform your doctor about all the medications that you are on at present because it may react with the active or inactive ingredients of Trametinib to cause a harmful impact on the body. 

Trametinib Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores/ulcers 
• Shortness of breath 

The above-mentioned side effects are quite common and may go away after the treatment is over. However, there are certain side effects that are quite serious and need immediate medical attention, such as chest pain, a rise in blood pressure, or bloody stools due to kidney problems. 

Note:-

Trametinib is also used in the treatment of thyroid cancer, specifically anaplastic thyroid cancer. The recommended dosage to treat the condition is 2mg per day. The tumor must have a BRAF mutation in genes. It can be given alone or in combination with Dabrafenib, which inhibits cell signaling and destroys the cancer cells.  

Conclusion 

Before prescribing mekinist 2 mg medication, your doctor will conduct medical tests to find out about specific genetic mutations. Usually, a biopsy is effective in this case. It is also important to state here that this drug is effective for patients who have been tested positive for the BRAF V600E or V600K mutation. It is not useful for patients who have had another BRAF inhibitor therapy before. Trametinib cost is relatively high, Rs. 1500/USD. Patients are advised to have proper medical insurance papers to cover the treatment. 

FAQ's

Is Trametinib a MEK inhibitor medication? 
Yes, Trametinib specifically is a MEK inhibitor medication with anti-cancer activity problems. 

How Trametinib acts? 
As a kinase inhibitor, Trametinib acts in order to block the activity of an abnormal protein that is responsible for causing the abnormal division of cancerous cells.

What are the commonly reported side effects of Trametinib? 
Commonly reported side effects of Trametinib are rash, swelling of legs, swelling of hands, diarrhea and facial swelling. 

How should Trametinib be taken? 
Trametinib should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour prior to or a couple of hours following a meal.

When should you report to your healthcare practitioner? 
Report your healthcare practitioner in case you develop signs and symptoms of liver damage such as loss of appetite, abdominal pain, darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

What precautions should be considered in order to prevent pregnancy? 
Reliable barrier contraceptive methods should be used such as condoms in order to prevent pregnancy during treatment with this drug and for 4-months following you stop taking it.

Disclaimer: The above-mentioned content is solely for informing the audience. We don’t claim the effectiveness of the medication.