Trametinib

Trametinib is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a ‘biologic’ medicine, that is, it works by stopping the process that makes cancer cells grow and divide.This page from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) explains what trametinib is, how it is given and some of the possible side effects.

In the UK, trametinib is currently unlicensed for children and young people aged less than 18 years. Medicines are often used outside of their license (off-label) in children because clinical trial data is not available for a specific use. Prescribing medicines ‘off label’ is not necessarily hazardous but should be explained and agreed before use.

Trametinib is given by mouth in a dose calculated for your child’s weight so may change as your child gains or loses weight. The dose also depends on whether tablets or liquid is given.

It comes in tablets in various strengths and also comes as a powder that is made up into an oral liquid by the pharmacy. The tablets must be swallowed whole with a glass of water. The dose should be taken on an empty stomach – that is, one hour before food or two hours afterwards. You should aim to give each dose at the same time(s) each day.

For guidance on how to give your child medicines, please read our information sheet or watch our video podcast available on our website at www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/medicines-information

Trametinib must not be given to girls who may be pregnant or are likely to become pregnant in the near future. If your daughter is ten years old or older, we will ask her about her periods and any possibility that she could be pregnant. We will also carry out a pregnancy test on a fresh urine sample. If your daughter is sexually active, she must use a reliable form of contraception.

Some people receiving trametinib have an allergic reaction to the medicine. This reaction may be mild to severe.

Signs of a mild allergic reaction include skin rashes and itching, high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, a feeling of dizziness or headache. If you see any of these signs, please report them to a doctor or nurse.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction include any of the above, as well as shortness of breath. If you are in hospital and your child shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, call a doctor or nurse immediately.

There will be a temporary reduction in how well your child’s bone marrow works. This means they may become anaemic (reduced blood cells), bruise or bleed more easily than usual, and have a higher risk of infection.

Your child’s blood counts will be checked regularly to see how the bone marrow is working. Please tell your doctor if your child seems unusually tired, has bruising, bleeding, or any signs of infection, especially a high temperature.

Tell the doctor if your child has any signs of infection, such as a high temperature, sore throat, upset tummy or pain when weeing. In most cases, they are not serious but it is best to check.

These medicines may affect the muscle of your child’s heart and how well it works. Before starting treatment, your child will have a test called an echocardiogram (ECHO). This will also be used to monitor the heart during the course of treatment and at long-term follow up clinics. The total amount of these drugs will be carefully calculated to minimise the risk of heart damage.

Trametinib may cause an increase in blood pressure. This will be monitored closely with each dose and additional medicines to bring blood pressure back to a normal range may be suggested.

If you notice any swelling or puffiness around your child’s limbs, especially the ankles, please tell your doctor or nurse.

This can be a sign of fluid building up around the lungs. If your child develops a cough, breathing difficulties and/or chest pain, tell your doctor immediately.

Trametinib can cause dry and itchy skin, an acne-like facial rash, swelling and inflammation around the fingernails and toes and new moles. Please tell your doctor or nurse if your child develops a rash. They will advise you on the appropriate treatment to use.

Please tell your doctor or nurse if your child has diarrhoea and/or constipation which is very bad or continues for more than a few days. Your child should continue to drink plenty of fluids and increase the amount of fibre eaten. Sometimes additional medicines may be prescribed to reduce these effects.

Your child may lose all their hair or it may become thinner. This is temporary and the hair will grow back once the treatment has finished.

Trametinib can make your child feel more tired than usual. This will improve with time.

If your child is given trametinib for a long time, there is a very small risk of developing a secondary cancer after many years. If you feel you would like more information, please discuss it with your doctor.

Some medicines can react with trametinib, altering how well it works. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicine, including medicines on prescription from your family doctor (GP), medicines bought from a pharmacy (chemist) or any herbal or complementary medicines.

We recommend that your child carries a biological therapy alert card at all times. This could be important if your child needs emergency treatment for any reason.

If your child is on trametinib and has not had chickenpox but comes into contact with someone who has chicken pox or shingles (either face to face or longer than 15 minutes in the same room), you should report to your doctor immediately as your child may be at risk of developing a more severe form of the infection an may need special treatment. If your child gets chicken pox or shingles you should also report to your doctor immediately for antibiotics to be given. If you are unsure whether your child has had chicken pox prior to starting trametinib, their immunity should be checked with a simple blood test at that time and the result entered on the parent-held monitoring card.

Your doctor will advise you if your child should avoid immunisation during treatment with trametinib. Your child should NOT have any live vaccinations such as MMR, oral polio, chicken pox or BCG while taking trametinib. Inactivated or killed vaccines such as influenza/flu, meningitis C, pneumococcal, hepatitis, Hib, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough/pertussis and the killed version of the polio immunisation are permitted if the patient is stable under treatment. If you have other children who need vaccines while your child is taking trametinib, they should have these as normal, but they should also receive the ‘killed’ or inactivated polio vaccine. If you have any questions about vaccines and immunisations, please ask your doctor.

• Keep all medicines and tablets in a safe place where children cannot reach them.
• Trametinib tablets should be kept in the fridge.
• Trametinib powder should be kept in the fridge before reconstitution. Once made up, it must be kept at room temperature for a maximum of 35 days.
• If your child vomits straight after taking the dose, inform your local doctor or nurse, as your child may need to take another one. Do not give them another dose without informing the doctor or nurse.
• If you forget to give your child a dose, do not give a double dose. Inform your doctor or nurse and keep to your child’s regular schedule.