Information about Bexarotene

Generic Name : Bexarotene
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Bexarotene are provided here.

Pronunciation : bex-AIR-oh-teen

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Bexarotene, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

ICD Code : Y43.3 Therapeutic Classification : Chemotherapy

Trade Names/Brand Names of Bexarotene

International :

Targretin

Why is Bexarotene Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an oral antineoplastic agent, prescribed for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL, a type of skin cancer), lung cancer, breast cancer and Kaposi's sarcoma. It inhibits growth of cancer cells.

When should Bexarotene not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated during pregnancy and in patients with known hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Bexarotene?

PO- The recommended initial dose is 300 mg/m²/day.

How should Bexarotene be taken?

It comes as a capsule to take by mouth, once a day with food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Bexarotene?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of severe liver, kidney diseases, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, sugar, gall bladder disease, alcoholism, any allergy, who are taking other medications, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• Avoid contact with people who have infections.

• Avoid exposure to sunlight.

• It may affect blood sugar level; monitor sugar level regularly.

What are the side effects of Bexarotene?

Most Common - Underactive thyroid, headache, weakness, rash, anemia, nausea, infection, swelling in the extremities, abdominal pain, dry skin, diarrhea, fatigue/lethargy, liver function test abnormalities, muscle spasm and confusion.
Body as a Whole - Chills, chest pain, sepsis and yeast infections.
Heart - Bleeding, high blood pressure, heart failure, fainting and fast heart rate.
Gastrointestinal - Constipation, dry mouth, flatulence, intestinal inflammation, indigestion, gum inflammation, liver failure and blood in stool.
Blood - Eosinophilia, decrease in white blood cells and platelets.
Metabolic - Increased level of blood cholesterol and sugar and changes in weight.
Musculoskeletal - Joint pain, muscle pain and bone pain.
Central Nervous System - Depression, agitation, incoordination, stroke, dizziness, sensory loss and nerve disease.
Respiratory - Inflammation of pharynx, lung, difficulty in breathing, lung infection, increased cough, lung swelling, blood-stained sputum and oxygen deficiency.
Skin - Skin ulcer, pimples, hair loss, skin scar and normal drainage from a healing wound.
Eye and ENT - Dry eyes, eye inflammation, ear pain, ear infection and visual defect.
Genitourinary - Blood in urine, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, urinary urgency, painful urination, abnormal kidney function and breast pain.