Uses

Bexarotene is used to treat skin problems from a certain type of cancer (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma-CTCL). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of these cancer cells. Bexarotene belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids (drugs related to vitamin A).

How to use Targretin Gel

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using bexarotene and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not apply this medication into mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, mouth, lips, vagina, tip of the penis, rectum, or anus. Avoid applying to healthy areas of skin because irritation or redness can occur.

Wash your hands right away with soap and water before and after using this medication. Cover the affected skin area with a generous layer of gel. Allow the gel to dry for 5 to 10 minutes before covering the area with clothing. Apply this medication as directed by your doctor, usually once every other day for the first week, then increased at weekly intervals to once a day, then twice a day, then 3 times a day, and then finally 4 times a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If side effects occur, your doctor may direct you to apply this medication less often or temporarily stop use until the side effects lessen.

Do not cover, bandage, or wrap the treated area unless your doctor directs you to do so. Wait at least 20 minutes after showering or bathing before applying this medication. Use a mild soap when washing the skin to reduce irritation. Avoid showering, bathing, or swimming for at least 3 hours after applying this medication.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. You may start to see some benefit as early as 4 weeks after starting treatment, but usually you will not get the full benefit until close to a year or more of use. Continue to use this medication and do not stop until your doctor directs you to do so.

Since this drug is absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication. Learn proper technique for safe handling and disposal of this medicine and its container. Consult your pharmacist.

Side Effects

Pain, redness, irritation, itching, or flaking of the skin may occur at the application site. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Bexarotene can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using bexarotene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to vitamin A-related drugs (other retinoids such as isotretinoin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. To make sure that you are not pregnant, you should have a pregnancy test before you start treatment with bexarotene and every month while you are using this medication. Consult your doctor to discuss reliable forms of birth control. Use 2 effective forms of birth control together (or completely avoid sexual intercourse) for 1 month before treatment starts, during treatment, and for 1 month after you stop treatment. Males using this medication with partners who are pregnant or may become pregnant must use a condom during sexual activity during treatment and for at least 1 month after treatment ends.

Since this drug is absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: insect repellents that contain DEET, vitamins/supplements that contain vitamin A.

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Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Notes Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage Storage

Store at room temperature. Keep away from heat and open flame. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.