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Overview: Bexarotene is commonly used to treat skin problems from a type of cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Common side effects include high levels of fats in the blood, headache, and low thyroid hormones. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have a fever, infection, vomiting, or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back. Bexarotene is a capsule you will take by mouth.

Uses

What is bexarotene used for?

Bexarotene is commonly used to treat skin problems from a type of cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), which is also known as mycosis fungoides.

Bexarotene may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does bexarotene work (mechanism of action)?

Bexarotene works to stop the growth of certain cancer cells. This can slow down or stop the growth of some types of cancer.

How is bexarotene supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Targretin

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 75 mg oral capsules

Bexarotene is also available in a form that is applied to the skin. See Bexarotene topical for more information. 

How should I store bexarotene?

Bexarotene should be stored at room temperature or refrigerated, between 36 F to 77 F (2 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of bexarotene?

The most common side effects of bexarotene are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • High levels of fat in the blood (see below)
  • High levels of cholesterol 
  • Headache
  • Low thyroid hormones (see below)
  • Infection
  • Weakness
  • Stomach pain
  • Low levels of white blood cells 
  • Rash
  • Swelling in the hands, feet, or legs
  • Nausea
  • Dry skin

There may be other side effects of bexarotene that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of bexarotene?

While less common, the most serious side effects of bexarotene are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Bexarotene may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking bexarotene and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

High Levels of Fat in the Blood (Hyperlipidemia). Bexarotene can cause high levels of fats in your blood. You usually do not have symptoms right away, but over time high levels of fats can cause damage to your heart. Keep all of your appointments with your healthcare provider to get your blood checked while taking bexarotene.

Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Bexarotene may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop taking bexarotene and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking bexarotene. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

Low Thyroid Hormones (Hypothyroidism). Bexarotene can cause the function of your thyroid gland to change, which can lead to low thyroid levels. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your healthcare provider  if you have any of the following signs of low thyroid hormones.

  • Weight gain
  • Feeling cold
  • Tiredness that does not go away or continues to worsen
  • Constipation

Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia). Bexarotene may cause low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Make sure to keep all appointments to have your blood cell counts checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low neutrophil levels.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Eye Problems. Bexarotene may cause or worsen eye problems, such as cataracts. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any changes to your vision, including blurry vision.

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are taking bexarotene. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposure to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these happen.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use bexarotene?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take bexarotene.

  • Bexarotene
  • Targretin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific bexarotene products they stock.

Pregnancy. Do not take bexarotene if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking bexarotene and contact your healthcare provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details

What should I know about bexarotene before using it?

Do not take bexarotene unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed and exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take the medicine.

Do not share bexarotene with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep bexarotene out of the reach of children.

Take your bexarotene dose each day with a meal. If you have periods, you should start taking bexarotene on the second or third day of a menstrual period. Your healthcare provider will help to decide when you should start taking the medicine. 

Your healthcare provider will do blood tests before you start bexarotene and while you are taking the medicine to make sure it is safe for you to take. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood. 

If you can get your partner pregnant or if your partner is pregnant, use condoms during sex while taking this medicine and for one month after taking the last dose.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using bexarotene?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if bexarotene is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Ovarian cancer
  • Liver problems
  • Cataracts
  • Prior or current problems with your pancreas, including pancreatitis
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Thyroid problems
  • Diabetes
  • High levels of fats or cholesterol in your blood
  • Drink alcohol

Other Medicines and Supplements. Bexarotene may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking bexarotene, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Bexarotene can harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you are able to get pregnant, your healthcare provider will make sure you are not pregnant before you start taking the medicine. They will also do pregnancy tests while you take bexarotene. You will need to use two forms of birth control including one non-hormonal birth control method such as condoms during your treatment and for one month before starting and one month after your last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about your birth control options. If you think there is a chance you could be pregnant due to failed birth control while taking bexarotene, call your healthcare provider right away. 

Breastfeeding. Do not take bexarotene while you are breastfeeding. It is not known if bexarotene passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does bexarotene interact with foods or drinks?

Bexarotene should be taken with a meal. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect bexarotene, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infections and cancer. Also, alcohol may raise triglyceride levels. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol that you drink.

Does bexarotene interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking bexarotene.

  • Vitamin A, a vitamin that can help your immune system work properly
  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid), which is a medicine for high cholesterol
  • A birth control pill, patch, vaginal ring, implant, injection, or intrauterine device (IUD)
  • Insulin or pioglitazone (Actos), which is a medicine for diabetes
  • A sulfonylurea, such as glyburide, glipizide, or glimepiride, which is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes

Bexarotene may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with bexarotene. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much bexarotene?

If you or someone else has used too much bexarotene, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of bexarotene?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.