What is the most important information I should know about bexarotene?
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light (e.g. sunlamps).
Bexarotene 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 take
bexarotene if you are
pregnant or if you could become
pregnant. Bexarotene is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that bexarotene 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, and a pregnancy test should be repeated monthly during
treatment. Bexarotene 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, during treatment with bexarotene, 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 taking bexarotene and notify your doctor. Men taking bexarotene with sexual partners
who are pregnant, possibly pregnant, or who could become pregnant, must use
condoms during sexual
intercourse while using bexarotene and for at least one month after the last dose of bexarotene.
Swallow each capsule whole. Do not chew them, dissolve them in liquid, or allow them to
dissolve in your mouth.
Your doctor will want to monitor the levels of lipids (triglycerides and cholesterol) and thyroid
hormones in your blood periodically during treatment with bexarotene. Treatment may be necessary if
your cholesterol or triglyceride levels become elevated, or if your thyroid hormone levels are low.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with bexarotene. The interaction could have
potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not
increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your
diet without first talking to your doctor.
What is bexarotene ?
The exact way bexarotene works is unknown, but it is believed to inhibit the growth of tumor
cells.
Bexarotene is used to treat skin lesions of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in patients who
have not responded to or not tolerated other therapies.
Bexarotene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
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