Pronunciation: beks-AIR-oh-teen
Generic Name: Bexarotene
Brand Name: Targretin
Targretin Gel is used for:
Treating skin lesions in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Targretin Gel is a retinoid. Exactly how it works is unknown.
Do NOT use Targretin Gel if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Targretin Gel
- you are pregnant or breast-feeding
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Targretin Gel:
Some medical conditions may interact with Targretin Gel. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are planning to become pregnant
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you are allergic to other retinoids (eg, tretinoin)
- if you have liver or kidney problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Targretin Gel. Because little, if any, of Targretin Gel is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Targretin Gel may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Targretin Gel:
Use Targretin Gel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Targretin Gel is for external use only. Avoid getting Targretin Gel in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get Targretin Gel in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Wash your hands before and after using Targretin Gel unless your hands are part of the treatment area.
- Apply a generous coating of Targretin Gel to the entire lesion. Avoid getting Targretin Gel on the healthy skin around the lesions. Allow Targretin Gel to dry before covering it with cloth.
- Do not bandage or wrap Targretin Gel unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
- Continue to use Targretin Gel even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- If you miss a dose of Targretin Gel, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Targretin Gel.
Important safety information:
- Targretin Gel may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Targretin Gel. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
- Do not use products that contain DEET (eg, insect repellant) while you are using Targretin Gel.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose or use Targretin Gel for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin A supplements or multivitamins that contain vitamin A.
- During sexual intercourse with a woman who may become pregnant, men taking Targretin Gel should use a condom during treatment with Targretin Gel and for at least 30 days after it is stopped.
- Women using Targretin Gel must have a negative pregnancy test within 1 week prior to beginning therapy with Targretin Gel, and each month after that until therapy is finished. Begin therapy with Targretin Gel on the second and third day of a normal menstrual period. Use 2 effective forms of birth control during treatment with Targretin Gel and for at least 30 days after it is stopped.
- Targretin Gel may be harmful if swallowed. If you or someone you know may have taken Targretin Gel by mouth, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
- Use Targretin Gel with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Targretin Gel if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you are using Targretin Gel.
Possible side effects of Targretin Gel:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Headache; pain or itching at the application site.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fever, chills, or sore throat; irritation at the application site; numbness or tingling of the skin; swelling.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Targretin side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org ), or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Targretin Gel:
Store Targretin Gel at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Targretin Gel out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Targretin Gel, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Targretin Gel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Targretin Gel. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Targretin resources
- Targretin Side Effects (in more detail)
- Targretin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Targretin Drug Interactions
- Targretin Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Targretin - Add your own review/rating
Compare Targretin with other medications
- Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma
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