Targretin topical

Generic name: Bexarotene (topical)
Brand names: Targretin Topical
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Usage of Targretin topical

Targretin (for the skin) is used to treat skin lesions caused by a rare type of cancer called cUTAneous T-cell lymphoma. This medicine is usually given after other treatments have failed.

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

Targretin 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 Targretin 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 Targretin 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 Targretin topical

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver disease; or

kidney disease.

Targretin 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 Targretin and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

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

You should start using Targretin 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 Targretin, 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 Targretin 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 Targretin, stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away.

You should not breastfeed while you are using Targretin.

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How to use Targretin topical

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Targretin is usually applied once every other day for the first week and gradually increased until you are applying the medicine 4 times every day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and after using Targretin, unless you are using the medication to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply only enough gel to cover each lesion. Do not cover the treated skin with a bandage.

Avoid getting Targretin in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on healthy skin. If this does happen, rinse or wash off the medicine.

You may need to stop using Targretin for a short time if you have severe skin irritation.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

It may take several weeks or months before you receive the full benefit of this medicine. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you.

Warnings

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

Both men and women using Targretin 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 Targretin.

What other drugs will affect Targretin topical

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

Gemfibrozil;

an antibiotic or antifungal medicine;

antiviral medicine; or

seizure medicine.

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

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.