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Written By Lakshmithulasi Yarragunta , Pharm-D (PB)
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Non returnable*
COD available

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Composition :

TRAMETINIB-0.5MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Novartis India Ltd

Consume Type :

ORAL

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

Expires on or after :

About Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet

Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of various types of cancers. Cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal growth of cells that divide uncontrollably. This medicine is used as a single agent in treating patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutation. It is also used along with dabrafenib in treating anaplastic thyroid cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and unresectable or metastatic solid tumors with BRAF V600E mutation.

Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet contains Trametinib, which belongs to the class of medicines known as kinase inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme (tyrosine kinase) and thus stops the abnormal growth of cancer cells.

Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet may cause certain side effects such as diarrhoea, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, itching, rash, headache, fever, increased blood pressure, chills, cough, abdominal pain, and oedema. Inform your doctor if any of these side effects bother you. Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. 

If you are allergic to Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet or its components, inform your doctor. Before taking Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet , inform your doctor if you have/had liver or kidney disease, calcium deficiency, heart problems, increased blood pressure, seizures, bleeding disorders, vision problems, and a history of blood clots. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, not recommended for use in pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting the treatment with Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet .

Uses of Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet

Metastatic melanoma, Anaplastic thyroid cancer, Non-small cell lung cancer, Metastatic solid tumors.

Directions for Use

Take Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it. It is advised not to take more than the recommended dose.

Medicinal Benefits

Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet contains Trametinib, which is used in treating different types of cancer. It works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. This helps stop the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce the further spread to other parts of the body. It also decreases the blood supply to cancer tumors to slow down the growth of the tumor.  In this way, Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet stops the production, spread and growth of cancerous cells.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight
Side effects of Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet
  • A gentle massage or light exercise of your arms and legs can help reduce swelling by moving excess fluid.
  • Wear a compression bandage or garment as prescribed by your doctor to stop the fluid from building up.
  • Elevate the swollen arms and legs to help the fluid drain away.
  • Keep your skin moisturized and clean, and avoid injuries from cuts or burns to lower infection risk.
  • Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly to support overall health.
  • Rash caused by allergies is due to irritants or allergens. Therefore, avoid contact with such irritants.
  • Consult your doctor for proper medication and apply an anti-itch medication. Follow the schedule and use the medication whenever needed.
  • Protect your skin from extreme heat and try to apply wet compresses.
  • Soak in the cool bath, which gives a soothing impact to the affected area.
Here are the precise steps to cope with diarrhoea caused by medication usage:
  • Inform Your Doctor: Notify your doctor immediately about your diarrhoea symptoms. This allows them to adjust your medication or provide guidance on managing side effects.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to replace lost water and electrolytes. Choose water, clear broth, and electrolyte-rich drinks. Avoid carbonated or caffeinated beverages to effectively rehydrate your body.
  • Follow a Bland Diet: Eat easy-to-digest foods to help firm up your stool and settle your stomach. Try incorporating bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, plain crackers, and boiled vegetables into your diet.
  • Avoid Trigger Foods: Steer clear of foods that can worsen diarrhoea, such as spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, high-fibre foods, and dairy products (especially if you're lactose intolerant).
  • Practice Good Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. To stay healthy, wash your hands frequently, clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, and avoid exchanging personal belongings with others.
  • Take Anti-Diarrheal Medications: If your doctor advises, anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide might help manage diarrhoea symptoms. Always follow your doctor's directions.
  • Keep track of your diarrhoea symptoms. If they don't get better or worse or are accompanied by severe stomach pain, blood, or dehydration signs (like extreme thirst or dark urine), seek medical help.
Here are the steps to manage Joint Pain caused by medication usage:
  • Please inform your doctor about joint pain symptoms, as they may adjust your medication regimen or prescribe additional medications to manage symptoms.
  • Your doctor may prescribe common pain relievers if necessary to treat joint discomfort.
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to relieving joint discomfort. Regular exercise, such as low-impact sports like walking, cycling, or swimming, should be combined with a well-balanced diet. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to assist your body in repairing and rebuilding tissue.
  • Applying heat or cold packs to the affected joint can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Please track when joint pain occurs and any factors that may trigger it, and share this information with your doctor to help manage symptoms.
  • If your joint pain is severe or prolonged, consult a doctor to rule out any underlying disorders that may require treatment.
Here are the step-by-step strategies to manage the side effects of " Muscle Pain" caused by medication usage:
  • Report to Your Doctor: Inform your doctor about the muscle pain, as they may need to adjust your medication.
  • Stretch Regularly: Gentle stretching can help relieve muscle pain and stiffness.
  • Stay Hydrated: Adequate water intake supports muscle health by removing harmful substances and maintaining proper muscle function.
  • Warm or Cold Compresses: Apply cold or warm compresses to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Rest and Relaxation: Adequate rest helps alleviate muscle strain, while relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation can soothe muscle tightness, calm the mind, and promote relief from discomfort.
  • Gentle Exercise: Participate in low-impact activities, such as yoga or short walks, to improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate discomfort.
  • Consult a physician: If your symptoms don't improve or get worse, go to the doctor for help and guidance.
  • Exercising regularly helps lower the risk of heart problems.
  • Maintain a healthy diet, including vegetables and fruits.
  • Rest well; get enough sleep.
  • Manage stress with yoga and meditation.
  • Limit alcohol and smoking.
Managing Low Blood Pressure Triggered by Medication: Expert Advice:
  • If you experience low blood pressure symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting while taking medication, seek immediate medical attention.
  • Make lifestyle modifications and adjust your medication regimen under medical guidance to manage low blood pressure.
  • As your doctor advises, regularly check your blood pressure at home. Record your readings to detect any changes and share them with your doctor.
  • Fluid intake plays a vital role in managing blood pressure by maintaining blood volume, regulating blood pressure, and supporting blood vessel function. Drinking enough fluids helps prevent dehydration, maintain electrolyte balance, and regulate fluid balance.
  • Take regular breaks to sit or lie down if you need to stand for long periods.
  • When lying down, elevate your head with extra pillows to help improve blood flow.
  • Avoid heavy exercise or strenuous activities that can worsen low blood pressure.
  • Wear compression socks as your doctor advises to enhance blood flow, reduce oedema, and control blood pressure.
  • If symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have concerns about your condition, seek medical attention for personalized guidance and care.

Drug Warnings

To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Avoid taking Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Caution should be exercised if you have/had liver or kidney disease, heart disease, blood or bleeding disorders, diabetes, eye problems, or gastrointestinal disorders. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before starting the treatment, as this medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant. Avoid driving and operating machines, as this medicine may cause visual disturbances. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below six years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established. Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet may cause hypertension, thrombotic events, hemorrhagic events, ocular toxicity, cardiomyopathy, interstitial lung disease, colitis, gastrointestinal perforation, serious febrile reactions, severe skin reactions, venous thromboembolism and hyperglycemia in some patients. Hence, inform your doctor about your complete medication and medical history before taking Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet .

Drug-Drug Interactions

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No Drug - Drug interactions found in our data. We may lack specific data on this medicine and are actively working to update our database. Consult your doctor for personalized advice

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Drug-Food Interactions

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No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

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Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, etc.
  • Foods containing fibre help in better digestion. These include beans, peas, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
  • Physical activity helps strengthen muscles, reduces fatigue, helps in weight loss, and gives strength. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
  • Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
  • Getting adequate sleep as resting helps improve your health and mental ability and improves attention.
  • De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

ANTINEOPLASTIC

Drug-Diseases Interactions

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No Drug - Disease interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

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FAQs

Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet contains Trametinib, which works by inhibiting the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells.

It is advised not to miss any dose of medicine. If you miss it, take the medicine as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, avoid taking the missed dose and do not double the dose.

Overdose of Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet may cause vision problems. Seek emergency medical service if you face any problems.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List

  • ITRACONAZOLE
  • CLARITHROMYCIN
  • FLUCONAZOLE
  • RITONAVIR
  • WARFARIN
  • VERAPAMIL
  • DILTIAZEM
  • CLOPIDOGREL

Special Advise

  • Using contraceptive pills while using Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet to prevent pregnancy is advised.
  • Thyroid function and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels will be monitored during treatment to avoid any life-threatening side effects.
  • Seek medical attention immediately if you have swelling in your lower legs, fast heartbeats, or trouble breathing, as it may be a sign of a heart problem.

Disease/Condition Glossary

Metastatic Malignant Melanoma: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer in which the cancer cells grow in melanocytes. It is mainly caused by harmful UV radiation from the sun. Malignant melanoma is common in fair-skinned and freckled individuals. It results in mole formation, typically on the skin of the face.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): It is the most common form of lung cancer, which occurs when cells that form the lining of the lung start growing uncontrollably. It is mostly seen in persons who smoke. Symptoms may include chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. Meqsel 0.5 mg Tablet is used in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy as first-line treatment or in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC.

Anaplastic Thyroid cancer: This condition occurs when the cancer cells grow abnormally in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ present under the neck. This gland is useful in producing hormones responsible for the functioning of the body. Anaplastic thyroid cancer, also known as undifferentiated, is a rare type of thyroid carcinoma with an aggressive malignant tumor.

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