• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

BEXAROTENE (bexs AIR oh teen) is used to treat the skin manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This medicine should only be used in patients who have not responded to at least one other treatment.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• cataracts
• diabetes
• gall bladder disease
• high cholesterol or triglycerides
• history of pancreatitis
• If you frequently drink alcohol containing beverages
• liver disease
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to bexarotene, vitamin A, other vitamin A analogs (i.e., retinoids), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• you or your partner is pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not chew or allow them to dissolve before swallowing. Take all of your dose at one time with or immediately after a meal. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• gemfibrozil
• other medicines known as retinoids like acitretin, adapalene, isotretinoin, and tretinoin
• vitamins and other supplements containing vitamin A

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures
• birth control pills
• cimetidine
• erythromycin
• grapefruit and grapefruit juice
• insulin and other medicines to treat diabetes
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• phenytoin
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• some medicines to treat HIV
• tamoxifen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.