Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet has Trametinib as an active agent. It is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of cancers. Cancer is a disorder in which cells multiply uncontrolled and abnormally. This medication inhibits the cell growth and division of cancer cells and used in treatment of advanced melanoma. It is typically used with another drug (dabrafenib) to improve treatment outcomes. This medication is used to treat skin cancer called melanoma which cannot be removed by surgery or has spread to other parts of the body. It also prevents melanoma from returning after being removed from surgery. Also used to treat a kind of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Like all medications, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects include rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and peripheral edema (hand and foot swelling). 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 and for also who are allergic to it or one of its components. The recommended dose is one tablet daily, taken orally with or without food.
Uses of Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet
Therapeutic Effects of Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet
Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet works by blocking the activity of a protein called Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), which is part of the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. This pathway is critical in regulating cell growth, division, and survival. It helps slow or stop cancer cell growth and spread by blocking MEK.
Interaction of Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet with other drugs
You should tell the doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet
How to consume Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet
Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet is usually taken orally as a tablet. It can be taken either with or can also be taken without food. Your specific condition, such as medical conditions, age, weight, and overall health, will decide the dosage and duration of treatment. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by the healthcare provider or pharmacist when taking. Generally, the tablet should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. You should not crush, chew, or break the tablet. If a dose is missed, it is important to take it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed. It would help if you did not take two drug doses together to compensate for a missed dose.
Safety Advices for Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet
Pregnancy
Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet is unsafe for pregnant women as it may cause foetal harm. It is not recommended to take it during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet is unsafe during breastfeeding. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.
Lungs
Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet has been associated with some lung-related side effects, although these are relatively uncommon. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver
Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended because Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet has been associated with liver injury in some patients. It is important to monitor liver function regularly in patients, particularly in those with pre-existing liver disease or a history of liver problems.
Alcohol
It is generally recommended that patients taking Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet avoid or limit their alcohol intake, as alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage and exacerbate any liver-related side effects.
Driving
Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet may cause side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, or blurred vision that can impair a patient's ability to drive or operate machinery safely. If a patient experiences any side effects that affect their ability to drive or operate machinery safely while taking it, they should avoid these activities and seek medical advice.
Side Effects of Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet
Side effects are unwanted symptoms that occur due to medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious:
- Heart failure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Liver injury or hepatitis
- Retinal detachment
- Gastrointestinal perforation (a hole or tear in the stomach or intestine)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a severe skin reaction)
Common:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Acne
- Dry skin
- Headache
- Fever
- Swelling in the hands or feet
- High blood pressure
- Eye problems, such as blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Word of Advice
If you have been prescribed Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet or any other medication, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and promptly report any side effects or concerns. It can cause serious side effects, so it is important to monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience any concerning changes in your health. It is also important to avoid alcohol and to follow any safety recommendations provided by your healthcare provider. Remember to attend all scheduled appointments and follow-up visits with your healthcare provider to ensure your treatment is effective and any side effects are managed appropriately. Patients with liver or kidney disease should use it cautiously. During pregnancy or breastfeeding it is not recommended. Discussing all medical conditions and medications with a healthcare provider before starting treatment is important. With proper monitoring and management, this medication can be an effective treatment option for certain types of cancer.
FAQs
Q 1. Can Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss is not a common side effect of Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet ,but some patients can experience hair thinning or hair loss during treatment. This side effect is usually mild and temporary, and hair growth typically resumes after treatment.
Q 2. Can I Take Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet with Multivitamins?
It is generally safe to take multivitamins while taking Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements, including multivitamins.
Q 3. In How Much Time Will Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet Show Effect?
The time it takes for Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet to show its effects can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated and other individual factors such as overall health and response to treatment.
Q 4. Can Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet Cause Vision Loss?
Vision loss is a rare but potentially serious side effect of Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet. In clinical trials, less than 1% of patients experienced vision loss while taking it.
Q 5. Whether Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet is safe to use during pregnancy?
Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss their treatment options with their doctor immediately.
Q 6. Can I Take Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet With Milk?
Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet should not be taken with milk or other calcium-rich foods or beverages. Calcium can bind and reduce its absorption into the body, which can decrease its effectiveness.
Fact Box of Meqsel 0.5mg Tablet
Molecule name: Trametinib | Therapeutic class: Anticancer |
Pharmacological class: Protein Kinase Inhibitors. | Indications: 1. Advanced melanoma 2. Small cell carcinoma of the lung 3. Metastatic cancer of thyroid |