Bexarotene (topical)

Generic name: bexarotene (topical) [ bex-AR-oh-teen ]
Brand name: Targretin Topical
Dosage form: topical gel (1%)
Drug class:Miscellaneous topical agents

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

What is bexarotene topical?

Bexarotene topical (for the skin) 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 topical 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:

• liver disease; or

• kidney disease.

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 using 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 using bexarotene and once per month during treatment.

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

• Use 2 effective forms of birth control beginning 1 month before you start using bexarotene, and continuing until at least 1 month after your last dose.

• At least one of your forms of birth control should be non-hormonal such as a condom, cervical cap, contraceptive sponge, IUD, or diaphragm with spermicide.

• Stop using bexarotene and tell your doctor right away if you stop using birth control, or if you miss a menstrual period.

If a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using bexarotene, stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away.

You should not breastfeed while you are using bexarotene topical.