MEQSEL 0.5MG TABLET

Introduction:

Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet contains trametinib. It is used to treat a kind of skin cancer called melanoma which cannot be removed by surgery or that has spread to other parts of the body. It also prevents melanoma from coming again after it has been removed from surgery. It is used to treat a kind of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is only used to treat NSCLC and melanomas with abnormal BRAF gene.

Cancer is a disorder in which cells multiply in an uncontrolled and abnormal manner. Talk to your physician if you have liver disorders, kidney disorders, breathing problems, heart diseases, or eye problems before taking Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet. It is not recommended for adolescents and children under the age of 18. 

Use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least 16 weeks after the last dose. Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet may impair fertility in both women and men. Before starting the treatment, talk to your physician about options to improve your chances of having children in the future.

Uses of Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet:

• Melanoma
• Non-small cell lung cancer

How Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet works:

Both melanoma and NSCLC have a particular change in a gene called BRAF at the V600 position. This change is responsible for cancer development. Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet targets the proteins produced from this gene and slows or stops the growth of your cancer.

Interactions with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More information:

• Keep Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet out of sight and reach of children. 
• Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).

References:

1. Novartis Europharm Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on Jan 2021] [ Accessed on 5th August 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5072.pdf
2. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on April 2018] [ Accessed on 5th August 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/204114s007lbl.pdf
3. Brianna Hoffner, Katherine Benchich; Trametinib: A Targeted Therapy in Metastatic Melanoma; Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology; Published on 01/11/2018; Accessed on 05/08/2021; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31249721

How to use Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet:

Take Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet in a dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Take this medication on an empty stomach, as the food affects the way the medicine is absorbed in the body.

Safety advice:

Pregnancy:

Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet should not be taken during pregnancy as it can harm the baby. You need to tell your physician if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking this medicine. 

Breastfeeding:

Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk. You need to tell your physician if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine. 

Liver:

You need to tell your physician if you have any liver disorders before taking Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet. 

Kidney:

You need to tell your physician if you have any kidney disorders before taking Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet. 

Driving: 

Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet can cause dizziness, tiredness, or vision problems. Avoid driving if you are unwell.

Others:

• Talk to your physician if you have breathing problems, heart problems, vision problems, or other cancer conditions before taking Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Common:

• Diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain
• High blood pressure
• Shortness of breath, cough
• Nausea, vomiting
• Hair loss, inflammation of hair follicles in the skin
• Tiredness, lack of energy
• Swelling of hands or feet or face
• Fever
• Nail pain, infection
• Dehydration
• Blurred vision
• Sore mouth or mouth ulcers, dry mouth
• Reddening or cracking of the skin
• Allergic reaction
• Red, painful hands and feet