Bexarotene



Targretin®







Bexarotene

(beks AR oh teen)

U.S. Brand Names
Targretin®
Canadian Brand Names
Targretin®
Pharmacologic Category
Antineoplastic Agent, Miscellaneous
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to bexarotene or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat lymphoma.
How does it work?
  • Bexarotene injures cancer cells causing their death.
How is it best taken?
  • Oral:
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • Gel:
  • Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Avoid applying to unaffected skin.
  • Allow gel to dry before covering with clothing.
  • Wait 20 minutes after bathing before applying.
  • Do not cover with dressings.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Do not use gel with insect repellents that contain N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET).
  • If you have high cholesterol or are taking a cholesterol-lowering agent, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid other sources of vitamin A if taking the oral medicine. If using the gel, you can take 4000 to 5000 units of vitamin A daily.
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Use two forms of birth control that you can trust 1 month before treatment begins, during treatment, and for at least 1 month after treatment ends.
  • If you are a male and sexually active, protect your partner from pregnancy. Use two forms of birth control that you can trust 1 month before treatment begins, during treatment, and for at least 1 month after treatment ends.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Oral:
  • High cholesterol level.
  • High triglyceride level.
  • Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Headache.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Hair loss. Hair usually grows back when medicine is stopped.
  • Swelling.
  • Skin:
  • Skin irritation.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you are a female of childbearing age, take a pregnancy test 1 week before you start therapy and monthly while using this medicine.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Not hungry.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Severe skin irritation.
  • For females, if you become pregnant while taking this medicine or within 1 month after treatment ends.
  • For males, if your female partner becomes pregnant while you are being treated or within 1 month after treatment ends.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from heat.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: