What is Targretin Topical (Bexarotene Topical)?

The exact way bexarotene works is unknown, but it is believed to inhibit the growth of tumor cells.
Bexarotene topical is used to treat skin lesions of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) (Stage 1A and 1B) in patients who have not responded to or not tolerated other therapies.
Bexarotene topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Targretin Topical (Bexarotene Topical)?

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light (e.g. sunlamps). Bexarotene topical may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
Do not use bexarotene topical if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant. Bexarotene topical is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that bexarotene topical will cause birth defects in an unborn baby. You must take a pregnancy test and have negative results within one week before starting treatment with bexarotene topical, and a pregnancy test should be repeated monthly during treatment. Bexarotene topical should be started on the second or third day of a normal menstrual period. Also, you will need to use two reliable forms of birth control at the same time for one month before starting treatment with bexarotene topical, during treatment with bexarotene topical, and for at least 1 month following the end of your treatment. If you become pregnant, stop using birth control, or miss your menstrual period, immediately stop using bexarotene topical and notify your doctor. Men using bexarotene topical with sexual partners who are pregnant, possibly pregnant, or who could become pregnant, must use condoms during sexual intercourse while using bexarotene topical and for at least one month after the last dose of bexarotene topical.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Targretin Topical (Bexarotene Topical)?

Do not use bexarotene topical without first talking to your doctor if you are allergic to other retinoids such as isotretinoin (Accutane), acitretin (Soriatane), etretinate (Tegison), or tretinoin (Vesinoid).
Before using bexarotene topical, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may not be able to use bexarotene topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Do not use bexarotene topical if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant. Bexarotene topical is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that bexarotene topical will cause birth defects in an unborn baby. You must take a pregnancy test and have negative results within one week before starting treatment with bexarotene topical, and a pregnancy test should be repeated monthly during treatment. Bexarotene topical should be started on the second or third day of a normal menstrual period. Also, you will need to use two reliable forms of birth control at the same time for one month before starting treatment with bexarotene topical, during treatment with bexarotene topical, and for at least 1 month following the end of your treatment. If you become pregnant, stop using birth control, or miss your menstrual period, immediately stop using bexarotene topical and notify your doctor. Men using bexarotene topical with sexual partners who are pregnant, possibly pregnant, or who could become pregnant, must use condoms during sexual intercourse while using bexarotene topical and for at least one month after the last dose of bexarotene topical.
It is not known whether bexarotene topical passes into breast milk. Do not take bexarotene topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Targretin Topical Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Targretin Topical (Bexarotene Topical)?

Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using bexarotene topical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
You may experience some redness, itching, warmth, swelling, burning, scaling, or other irritation while you are using bexarotene topical. If these side effects are excessive, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe less frequent applications of bexarotene topical.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Targretin Topical Interactions

What other drugs affect Targretin Topical (Bexarotene Topical)?

Vitamin A my increase side effects when using bexarotene topical. Limit your use of vitamin A supplements to not more than 15, 000 units (IU) a day.
Do not use insect repellents or other products that contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) while using bexarotene topical. Bexarotene topical may increase DEET toxicity, which could be dangerous.
Avoid using other topical products on the affected area at the same time as bexarotene topical unless otherwise directed by your doctor. These products may interfere with the effects or
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with bexarotene topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What should I avoid while taking Targretin Topical (Bexarotene Topical)?

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light (e.g. sunlamps). Bexarotene topical may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
Do not use bandages, dressings, or other coverings, other than loose clothing, that block the flow of air to the treated area.
Wait for at least 3 hours after applying bexarotene topical before bathing, showering, or swimming.
Avoid scratching the treated areas.
Vitamin A may increase side effects when using bexarotene topical. Limit your use of vitamin A supplements to not more than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 4000 to 5000 International Units (IU) a day.
Do not use insect repellents or other products that contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) while using bexarotene topical. Bexarotene topical may increase DEET toxicity, which could be dangerous.
Avoid using other topical products on the affected area at the same time as bexarotene topical unless otherwise directed by your doctor. These products may interfere with the effects or absorption of bexarotene topical.
The Targretin Topical gel brand of bexarotene topical contains alcohol and should be kept away from open flames.

Targretin Topical Dosage

How should I take Targretin Topical (Bexarotene Topical)?

Use bexarotene topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying this medication.
Apply enough gel to cover the affected area with a generous coating. Proper application should leave some gel visible on the surface of the lesion. Allow the gel to dry for 5 to 10 minutes before covering with clothing.
Do not use bandages, dressings, or other coverings, other than loose clothing, that block the flow of air to the treated area.
Do not apply bexarotene topical to unaffected skin. In addition, do not apply the gel near the eyes, mouth, nostrils, lips, vagina, tip of the penis, rectum, or anus. If you get medication on any of these areas, rinse it off with water.
Mild, non-deodorant soap is recommended for bathing or showering. Wait for 20 minutes after bathing or showering before applying bexarotene topical. Wait for at least 3 hours after applying bexarotene topical before bathing, showering, or swimming.
Bexarotene topical is initially applied once every other day for the first week. The application frequency is then usually increased at weekly intervals to once daily, then three times daily, and finally four times daily according to how well treatment is tolerated. If the affected area becomes irritated, the frequency of application can be reduced. If severe irritation occurs, application can be temporarily stopped for a few days until the irritation is reduced. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Avoid scratching the treated areas.
It may take many weeks of treatment to see the effects of this drug. Do not stop using bexarotene topical if you do not see results immediately. Treatment with bexarotene topical should continue for as long as beneficial effects are being obtained.
Store bexarotene topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Targretin Topical (Bexarotene Topical)?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, or if bexarotene topical has been ingested, call an emergency room or poison control center near you.

What happens if I miss a dose of Targretin Topical (Bexarotene Topical)?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next application, skip the missed application and apply only the next regularly scheduled dose.Do Notapply a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Edited from everydayhealth.com