bexarotene (topical)

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Pronunciation: beks AIR oh teen

Brand: Targretin Topical

What is the most important information I should know about bexarotene topical?

Bexarotene topical can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your sexual partner is pregnant. Use at least 2 reliable forms of birth control while either sexual partner is using bexarotene topical, and for at least 30 days after treatment ends.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, if you stop using birth control, or if you miss a menstrual period.

What is bexarotene topical?

Bexarotene topical is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Bexarotene topical (for the skin) is used to treat skin lesions caused by cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Bexarotene is usually given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful treatment.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using bexarotene topical?

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

To make sure bexarotene topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease; or
  • kidney disease.

This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use bexarotene topical if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your sexual partner is pregnant.

  • If you are a woman, you must have a negative pregnancy test within 7 days before you start using bexarotene topical. A pregnancy test is also required every month during treatment with bexarotene topical.
  • Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, if you stop using birth control, or if you miss a menstrual period.
  • If you are a man, use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using a condom for at least 30 days after you stop using bexarotene topical.
  • Use at least 2 reliable forms of birth control while either sexual partner is using bexarotene topical. Keep using 2 forms of birth control for at least 30 days after you stop using bexarotene topical.
  • Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using bexarotene topical.

It is not known whether bexarotene topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using bexarotene topical.

How should I use bexarotene topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Bexarotene topical is usually applied once every other day for the first week. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose each week, until you are applying the medication 2 or more times every day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Women who use bexarotene topical should start the medication on the second or third day of a normal menstrual period.

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

Apply enough gel to cover each lesion. Allow the gel to dry before covering with clothing. Do not cover the treated skin with a bandage.

Avoid applying the medication to unaffected areas. If medication accidentally gets on areas that do not need treatment, wash it off.

It may take up to several months before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of bexarotene topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using bexarotene topical?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, or nose. If this does happen, rinse with water.

This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

Avoid taking a vitamin A supplement without your doctor's advice. Use only the amount your doctor recommends.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with bexarotene topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not use insect repellents or other products that contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) while using bexarotene topical. Bexarotene may increase DEET toxicity, which could be dangerous.

What are the possible side effects of bexarotene topical?

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 (pain, burning, stinging, itching) after applying this medication;
  • severe skin rash or redness; or
  • swelling, bleeding, or tearing of treated skin.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild burning, stinging, or itching;
  • mild pain, redness, or 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.

What other drugs will affect bexarotene topical?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied bexarotene topical. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about bexarotene topical.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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