Type of medicine: synthetic retinoid; anticancer; chemotherapy
Generic and brand names: bexarotene, oral; Targretin
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (a form of skin cancer). It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine during pregnancy because it may seriously harm the baby. You will need to have a negative pregnancy test 1 week before you start taking this medicine. Your healthcare provider may also want you to have a pregnancy test each month you are taking this medicine. Use effective birth control starting 1 month before you start taking this medicine and during treatment and for 1 month after you stop this medicine. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you use 2 different methods of birth control. If you think you have become pregnant during this treatment, stop taking this medicine and contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine without your healthcare providers approval.
Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. If your condition has not improved after you have taken this medicine for 8 weeks, your healthcare provider may increase your dosage. Take this medicine for as long as your healthcare provider tells you. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Take this medicine with a glass of water during or after a meal. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not chew it or let it dissolve in your mouth.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
This medicine may interfere with hormonal birth control such as birth control pills and Depo Provera. If you use birth control pills during your treatment, use an additional method such as a condom or diaphragm with spermicidal jelly.
Males with sexual partners who are pregnant, may be pregnant, or could become pregnant: This medicine can cause birth defects. Use condoms during sexual intercourse while you are taking this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
Do not use insect repellants or sunscreens that contain DEET while you are taking this medicine.
While taking this medicine, you will need regular blood tests to check:
Keep all your appointments for tests so that any problems can be found and treated early.
This medicine may make you more sensitive to the sun and may cause you to sunburn more easily. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. While you are in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen lotion until you know how you will react to the sun. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Do not take large amounts of vitamin A while you are taking this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Chest pain; unexplained chills or high fever; severe back or stomach pain or tenderness; unusual bruising or bleeding; swelling of legs, ankles or hands; irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; unusual weakness or severe tiredness.
Other: Headache; mild rash; dry skin; diarrhea; infection; nausea; vomiting; sensitivity to the sun; trouble sleeping; tingling or numbness in hands, feet, or legs.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. Grapefruit affects the way this medicine works and may increase the risk of side effects.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
