Bexarotene

About bexarotene

Bexarotene is used to treat certain types of skin cancer that have not responded to other treatment. It works by preventing the growth and division of cells and therefore stops them increasing in numbers.

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 have a lipid disorder (such as high blood cholesterol or triglycerides).
• If you have a thyroid disorder.
• If you have or have ever had pancreatitis.
• If you have hypervitaminosis A (too much vitamin A in your body).
• If you are suffering from any kind of infection.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are under 18 years of age.

How to take bexarotene

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow bexarotene capsules whole with a drink of water. Take them with or immediately after a meal.
• 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, do not take another dose until your next one is due. If in doubt check with your doctor.
• Try to take bexarotene at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it with your next meal on the same day if you remember. Do not take two doses on the following day to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• You must avoid getting pregnant while taking bexarotene. If you are female, a non-hormonal method of contraception will be needed in addition to your usual method. If you are male, you must not get a woman pregnant while you are taking bexarotene and for at least one month afterwards. Ask your doctor, hospital or pharmacist about suitable contraception.
• 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.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
• If you have difficulty with your eyesight while you are taking bexarotene let your doctor know so an eye examination can be arranged.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking bexarotene as these can interfere with the amount of bexarotene in your body.
• Bexarotene may increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Try to avoid strong sunlight and use a suncream higher than factor 15, and do not use sun beds.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can bexarotene cause problems?

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

How to store bexarotene

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines