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Mekinist (trametinib)
Starting Mekinist can bring up a lot of questions, for you and for the people who love you. Here you'll find what to expect, how to feel your best day to day and where to get help, so you can focus on your life and time together.
ℹ️ General information to help you and your loved ones talk with your care team, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.
Targeted therapy pill (MEK inhibitor) · Used for: Lung cancer
💊 Taken by mouth · Targeted therapy pill (MEK inhibitor)
The quick guide
What it is: Targeted therapy pill (MEK inhibitor).
How it's given: A tablet by mouth once a day, with Tafinlar (dabrafenib).
How it works: Mekinist blocks MEK, a protein just after BRAF in the same growth pathway, and is paired with Tafinlar for BRAF V600E cancers.
Side effects you may notice, and what helps at home
| Side effect | What can help |
|---|---|
| Dermatitis (skin rash and skin changes) (Rash and acne-like skin changes) | Thick fragrance-free moisturizer, sunscreen, gentle soap. |
| Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) | Fluids, bland food; ask your team about anti-diarrhea medicine early. |
| Swelling | Tell your care team; they can help. |
| Fatigue (extreme tiredness) | Short walks and planned rest. |
Not everyone gets these. Your team may suggest other ways to manage them.
Call your care team now if you have:
- Vision changes
- Shortness of breath or leg swelling (heart problems)
- Bleeding
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain or signs of stroke.
🗓 What to expect
1️⃣ Before you start
- Ask your team for a written schedule and an after-hours phone number.
- Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements.
2️⃣ Each day on treatment
- Take it exactly as prescribed, at about the same time each day.
- Don't crush or split pills unless your team says it's OK.
- If you miss a dose, follow the label instructions or call your pharmacist.
3️⃣ Between doses
- Watch for the side effects below and use the checklist.
- Keep up with blood tests and visits.
- Call your team for anything in the red box.
✅ Side-effect checklist
Print this and check off what you notice so you can tell your team.
| Side effect | Noticed? | Notes for my team |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatitis (skin rash and skin changes) | ☐ | |
| Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) | ☐ | |
| Swelling | ☐ | |
| Fatigue (extreme tiredness) | ☐ |
Help paying for Mekinist (trametinib)
Mekinist (trametinib) is made by Novartis.
Official manufacturer program:
- Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation: Free Novartis medicine for people who qualify, plus copay help through Novartis.
Copay cards are usually only for people with commercial (job or marketplace) insurance. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, look at free-drug programs and these independent foundations:
- PAN Foundation: Copays and coinsurance, including for people with Medicare, when a disease fund is open.
- HealthWell Foundation: Grants for copays, deductibles and premiums when a fund is open.
- CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation: Help with treatment copays for insured people under income limits.
- Good Days: Copay help and some travel costs.
- NeedyMeds: Free database of assistance programs, open to anyone.
📋 Medicare: Pills you take at home are usually covered by Medicare drug coverage (Part D). Part B covers some cancer drugs taken by mouth if the same drug comes in an injectable form. See Medicare and your cancer drugs.
More: Help from drug makers · Our guide to paying for cancer treatment.
❓ Questions you and your loved ones can ask
- What is the goal of this treatment for me?
- How will we know if it's working?
- Which side effects should I call about right away, and what number do I call after hours?
- Which medicines, vitamins or supplements should I avoid?
- Will this affect my ability to work, drive or care for my family?
- What will this cost me, and who can help me with coverage?
Support for you and your family
- LUNGevity: Patient education, support groups and survivorship programs
- GO2 for Lung Cancer: Helpline, biomarker testing support and navigation
- CancerCare: Free counseling, support groups and financial help
- Cancer Support Community: Support groups, a helpline and the MyLifeLine online community
Questions people often ask
How does Mekinist work?
Mekinist blocks MEK, a protein just after BRAF in the same growth pathway, and is paired with Tafinlar for BRAF V600E cancers..
How is Mekinist given?
A tablet by mouth once a day, with Tafinlar (dabrafenib).
📄 The official FDA label for Mekinist (trametinib), including its patient information section, is on DailyMed.
Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write