Bexarotene

About Bexarotene

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Cytotoxic agents.

Bexarotene is used to treat certain types of skin cancer.

Bexarotene works by preventing the growth and division of cells and therefore stops them increasing in numbers.

Bexarotene is available in capsule form.

It is also sometimes known as: Targretin. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Bexarotene

Before taking bexarotene make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant or breast feeding
• if you are male or female and trying for a baby or intend to have children in the future
• if you suffer from liver problems
• if you suffer from pancreatitis or have a history of this condition
• if you suffer from hypervitaminosis A
• if you suffer from uncontrolled hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia or thyroid disease.
• if you suffer from diabetes
• if you are suffering from any kind of ongoing infection
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Bexarotene

• Take bexarotene exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacture's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• You must follow the printed instructions you have been given with bexarotene.
• Take bexarotene with or immediately after food.
• Bexarotene occasionally causes you to feel or be sick. It is important to keep taking bexarotene at regular dosage times even if you begin to feel unwell.
• If you vomit shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, do not take another dose until your next one is due. If in doubt check with your doctor.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of bexarotene contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside bexarotene.
• You must avoid getting pregant while taking bexarotene. If you are male, you must not get a woman pregant. Ask your doctor, hospital or pharmacist about suitable contraception.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor and for blood tests so that your progress can be monitored.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking bexarotene.
• Bexarotene may cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs that could be dangerous if not fully alert.
• Bexarotene may cause dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If your mouth becomes too dry, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Bexarotene may cause you to sweat more that you usually do. Take care not to become overheated in hot weather or during exercise.
• Bexarotene may cause you to feel the cold more than you would usually. Ensure you wrap up warm and wear plenty of clothing during the cold weather.
• Bexarotene may cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes, bran and by drinking plenty of water.
• While you are taking bexarotene, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. Bexarotene lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.

Can Bexarotene cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Itching, flaky skin, headache, weakness, pain, weight gain, problems sleeping, dizziness, increased sensitivity to touch and pain, eye problems such as dry eyes, deafness, water retention, feeling sick, diarrhoea, dry mouth, loss of appetite, constipation, excessive wind, being sick, skin problems like dry skin, ulcers or lumps, excessive sweating, joint and muscle pain, altered sexual desires, chills, or tummy pain.

Important: Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unexpected bleeding or bruising.

Important: Bexarotene can lower the number of white cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. You should take certain precautions to reduce the chance of infection. If possible avoid people with infections and check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection, or if you develop a sore throat, fever (high temperature) or aches and pains.

Important: Consult your doctor immediately if you experience discolouration of the skin, skin rashes, the need to drink more than usual, black tarry stools, pain or difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, swelling of the lips or tongue.

Hair loss has occasionally been reported with bexarotene, but it will grow back when treatment stops.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Bexarotene

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take then to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 17/02/2003