Bexarotene

Generic name: bexarotene [ bex-AR-oh-teen ]
Brand name: Targretin
Dosage form: oral capsule (75 mg)
Drug class:Miscellaneous antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 7, 2020. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is bexarotene?

Bexarotene is used to treat skin lesions caused by a rare type of cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Bexarotene is usually given after other treatments have failed.

Bexarotene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Bexarotene can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using bexarotene. Do not use bexarotene if you are pregnant.

Both men and women using bexarotene should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, beginning 1 month before starting and continuing until at least 1 month after stopping treatment.

Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you stop using birth control, if you miss a menstrual period, or if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using bexarotene.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use bexarotene if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);

• pancreatitis;

• liver disease;

• a thyroid disorder;

• cataracts;

• diabetes;

• ovarian cancer;

• gallbladder disease;

• if you drink large amounts of alcohol; or

• if you are allergic to any other retinoids (isotretinoin, tretinoin, acitretin, Accutane, Soriatane, Vesanoid).

Bexarotene can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

If you are a man, use condoms during sex if your partner is pregnant or is able to get pregnant. Keep using condoms while taking bexarotene and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

If you are a woman, do not use bexarotene if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You must have a negative pregnancy test 7 days before you start taking bexarotene and once per month during treatment.

• You should start taking bexarotene on the 2nd or 3rd day of a normal menstrual period.

• Use 2 effective forms of birth control beginn...