Bexarotene (Oral)
Key points
- Treats skin sores associated with a type of cancer called T-cell lymphoma.
- You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to bexarotene, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Bexarotene (By Mouth)
Bexarotene (beks-AIR-oh-teen)
Treats skin sores associated with a type of cancer called T-cell lymphoma.
Brand Name(s):
Targretin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to bexarotene, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to Use This Medicine:
Capsule
- Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- It is best to take this medicine with food.
- Never share your medicine with anyone.
If a dose is missed::
- If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
- Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
- Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Keep this and all medicine out of the reach of children
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using erythromycin (Ery-Tabsreg;), gemfibrozil (Lopidreg;), itraconazole (Sporanoxreg;), ketoconazole (Nizoralreg;), rifampin (Rifadinreg;, Rifaterreg;, Rifamatereg;), phenytoin (Dilantinreg;), phenobarbital (Luminalreg;), or tamoxifen (Nolvadexreg;).
- Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.