Medication Guide for Trametinib and Dabrafenib

For targeted treatments of advanced melanoma, dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and trametinib (Mekinist) have shown significant efficacy, reducing tumor size and helping to prolong patient survival. It has been verified by clinical trials that the combined use of these two drugs is more effective in treating advanced melanoma than used alone, and has relatively fewer side effects.

Trametinib and dabrafenib are both oral medications, available in capsule and suspension forms.

For adult patients, the recommended dosage of trametinib is 2 mg once daily. It must be taken at the same time every day, and the interval between two doses is approximately 24 hours. To ensure optimal absorption of the medication, patients should take the medication at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. If you miss a dose and it is within 12 hours of the next dose, you should not take it again but wait until the next scheduled time. If vomiting occurs after taking the medicine, there is no need to take additional doses.

The recommended dose of dabrafenib for adult patients is 150 mg twice daily (i.e. two 75 mg capsules). The dose should be taken approximately 12 hours apart and should also be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. If a dose is missed within 6 hours of the next dose, the patient should not take the missed dose but should wait until the next scheduled time. Likewise, if you vomit after taking the medicine, you don’t need to take another dose.

For pediatric patients, the doses of trametinib and dabrafenib will be adjusted based on body weight.

In the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma, solid tumors, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, and locally advanced or metastatic unchanged thyroid cancer, it is recommended to continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs. For adjuvant treatment of melanoma, treatment is recommended for up to 1 year, or until disease relapses or unacceptable toxicity occurs. For pediatric patients with low-grade glioma (LGG), treatment should be continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Nowadays, trametinib has been included in my country's medical insurance directory. The original drug trametinib is available in the domestic market with a specification of 2mg*30 tablets/box. After medical insurance reimbursement, the price per box is less than 12,000 yuan. It is understood that generic drugs of trametinib have been launched in overseas markets, and many pharmaceutical factories in Laos are also producing and selling them. The specifications are also 2mg and 30 tablets, but the price is only about 1,900 yuan.

It is important that patients strictly follow the doctor's instructions and prescriptions when using trametinib and dabrafenib, and adjust the dosage according to their personal circumstances. At the same time, patients should pay close attention to any possible side effects and adverse reactions and report them to their doctor immediately. If you have any questions about either medicine, it is recommended to consult a professional medical advisor.