Bexarotene topical

Generic name: Bexarotene (topical)
Brand names: Targretin Topical
Dosage form: topical gel (1%)
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Usage of 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.

Bexarotene topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using bexarotene topical and call your doctor at once if you have severe skin irritation (rash, itching, burning, redness, scaling) after applying the medicine.

Common side effects of bexarotene may include:

mild rash, itching, or skin irritation; or

skin dryness or peeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Bexarotene topical

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.

Relate drugs

How to use Bexarotene topical

Usual Adult Dose for Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma:

Initial dose: Apply a generous coating to the lesion once every other day for 1 week-Increase at weekly intervals to once day, then twice daily, then 3 times a day, up to 4 times a day according to individual lesion toleranceMaintenance dose: 2 to 4 applications dailyMaximum dose: 4 applications per dayDuration of therapy: As long as benefit is derivedComments:-Most responses were seen at twice daily dosing or higher.-Consider reducing frequency for application site toxicity.-Temporarily discontinue for severe irritation, for a few days until symptoms subside.-Response may occur as soon as 4 weeks, but most take longer; longest onset for first response was 392 days.-Do not use occlusive dressings with this product.

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.

What other drugs will affect Bexarotene topical

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect bexarotene, especially:

gemfibrozil;

an antibiotic or antifungal medicine;

antiviral medicine; or

seizure medicine.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect bexarotene. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

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