Targretin

Generic name:bexarotene [ bex-AR-oh-teen ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 7, 2020. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Targretin?

Targretin is used to treat skin lesions caused by a rare type of cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This medicine is usually given after other treatments have failed.

Targretin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Targretin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using Targretin. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant.

Both men and women using Targretin should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, beginning 1 month before starting and continuing until at least 1 month after stopping treatment.

Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you stop using birth control, if you miss a menstrual period, or if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Targretin.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Targretin if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);

• pancreatitis;

• liver disease;

• a thyroid disorder;

• cataracts;

• diabetes;

• ovarian cancer;

• gallbladder disease;

• if you drink large amounts of alcohol; or

• if you are allergic to any other retinoids (isotretinoin, tretinoin, acitretin, Accutane, Soriatane, Vesanoid).

Targretin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

If you are a man, use condoms during sex if your partner is pregnant or is able to get pregnant. Keep using condoms while taking Targretin and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

If you are a woman, do not use Targretin if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You must have a negative pregnancy test 7 days before you start taking this medicine and once per month during treatment.

• You should start taking Targretin on the 2nd or 3rd day of a normal menstrual period.

• Use 2 effective forms of birth control beginning 1 month before you start taking Targretin, an...