Bexarotene Oral Capsule

Brands: Targretin

Uses

For treating cancer.

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

Take the medicine with a meal.

Take the medicine immediately after the same meal each day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while on this medicine.

This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.

It may take several months for this medicine to fully work.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it with your next meal. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do NOT take two doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Avoid touching any powder from an open or broken capsule. If the powder touches the skin, nose, or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Wear disposable gloves when handling this medicine.

If powder spills from the capsules, wipe it up with a wet paper towel and throw it away immediately in a closed plastic bag. Avoid breathing in the powder.

Always wash your hands after handling this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

If you drink alcohol regularly, please speak with your doctor.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

This medicine can cause birth defects. Speak with your doctor about birth control methods that should be used while on this medicine.

This medicine may damage sperm. Men should use reliable birth control while taking this medicine.

Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.

Women must use 2 reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 4 weeks after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Female patients of childbearing age should have monthly pregnancy tests during treatment to make sure they are not pregnant.

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use a condom during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 4 weeks after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Do not take products containing vitamin A while on this medicine.

Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• diarrhea
• headaches
• nausea and vomiting
• dry skin
• weakness

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• constipation
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• feeling cold or numb, especially in arms and legs
• rapid heartbeat
• slow heartbeat
• muscle cramps
• muscle pain or weakness
• tight or rigid muscles
• red, peeling or blistering skin
• stomach pain
• severe stomach pain that spreads to the back
• dark urine
• blurring or changes of vision
• sudden or unexplained weight gain
• yellowing of eyes or skin

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Extra

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice. There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist. The display and use of this drug information is subject to Terms of Use. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.