What is Targretin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Targretin

• Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

• Swallow each capsule whole. Do not chew or dissolve the capsule in liquid or in your mouth.

• Do not touch the capsules if they are broken or leaking. If the medicine gets on your skin, wash with soap and water right away. Then call your doctor.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Swallow each capsule whole. Do not chew or dissolve the capsule in liquid or in your mouth.

• Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Do not touch the capsules if they are broken or leaking. If the medicine gets on your skin, wash with soap and water right away. Then call your doctor.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

• Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• You may need to use the gel for at least 4 weeks before the sores begin to get better.

• Allow the treated area to dry before you put clothes on. Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

• Apply enough gel to cover the sore completely and thoroughly. Be careful to not get any gel on the skin around the sore.

• Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to apply and how often. Do not use more medicine or apply it more often than your doctor tells you to.

• Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

• Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Apply enough gel to cover the sore completely and thoroughly. Be careful to not get any gel on the skin around the sore.

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to apply and how often. Do not use more medicine or apply it more often than your doctor tells you to.

• Allow the treated area to dry before you put clothes on. Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

• Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

• You may need to use the gel for at least 4 weeks before the sores begin to get better.

What to do if you miss a dose of Targretin

Targretin contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to bexarotene, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to bexarotene or if you are pregnant.

Targretin warnings

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, you had a reaction to other retinoids (such as etretinate, tretinoin, or isotretinoin), or you have liver or kidney disease.

• You must have a negative pregnancy test before you will be allowed to take this medicine. You will also be required to have a pregnancy test 1 week before treatment and every month during your treatment.

• Oral routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use 2 forms of birth control beginning 1 month before you start using bexarotene and continuing until 1 month after you stop.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Oral routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Use 2 forms of birth control together beginning 1 month before you start taking this medicine and continuing until 1 month after you stop.

• You must have a negative pregnancy test before you will be allowed to take this medicine. You will also be required to have a pregnancy test 1 week before treatment and every month during your treatment.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or you had an allergic reaction to acitretin or similar medicines. Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, ovarian cancer, cataracts, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, or a history of gallbladder disease or pancreatitis. Tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Blurred vision or vision changesIncreased cholesterol levelsPancreatitis

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Targretin interactions

• Some medicines and foods can affect how bexarotene works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following: Atorvastatin, carboplatin, erythromycin, gemfibrozil, itraconazole, ketoconazole, paclitaxel, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, or tamoxifen Insulin, diabetes medicine that you take by mouth (such as glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone), or vitamin A supplements

• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or you had an allergic reaction to acitretin or similar medicines. Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, ovarian cancer, cataracts, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, or a history of gallbladder disease or pancreatitis. Tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Blurred vision or vision changesIncreased cholesterol levelsPancreatitis

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Do not use any product that contains DEET while you are being treated with bexarotene. DEET is a common ingredient in many insect repellents.

• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

• Some medicines and foods can affect how bexarotene works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following: ErythromycinKetoconazole ItraconazoleVitamin A supplements or multivitamins

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.