Drugs & Vitamins

Targretin Gel Active Ingredients: Bexarotene Topical Representative Names: Targretin Gel What is bexarotene skin gel? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with bexarotene skin gel? What side effects may I notice from taking bexarotene skin gel? What should I watch for while taking bexarotene skin gel? Where can I keep my medicine? What is bexarotene skin gel? (Back to top) BEXAROTENE (Targretin®) is a medicine similar to vitamin A. Bexarotene gel is used for the topical treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) or mycosis fungoides lesions. Generic bexarotene gel is not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an unusual or allergic reaction to bexarotene, vitamin A, other vitamin A analogs (i.e., retinoids), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •you or your partner is pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Bexarotene gel is for application to lesions only. Do not apply the gel on or near your eyes, nose, mouth, lips, vagina, tip of penis, rectum, or anus. Wash your hands before and after applying the gel. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Place a generous coating of gel over the entire surface of each lesion. You should not apply the gel to the healthy skin around the lesion. Proper application should leave some gel visible on the surface of the lesion. Allow 5—10 minutes for the gel to dry before covering the treated areas with clothing. If you apply bexarotene gel after your shower or bath, you should wait 20 minutes before applying the gel. You should avoid bathing, showering, or swimming for at least 3 hours after applying bexarotene gel. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with bexarotene skin gel? (Back to top) •insect repellents that contain DEET •vitamin A supplements Avoid using other topical skin products on your lesions while using bexarotene gel. Tell your prescriber or other health care professional about all other medicines you are taking including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medications. What side effects may I notice from taking bexarotene skin gel? (Back to top) Severe side effects to bexarotene gel are rare. If you notice any unusual side effects, report them to your prescriber or health care provider immediately. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •burning, irritation, itching, redness, and scaling at the application site(s) •increased sensitivity to sunlight •pain at application site •rash What should I watch for while taking bexarotene skin gel? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Some patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma saw improvement within the first several weeks of treatment. Most patients required several months or more of treatment to improve. Continue to use bexarotene gel as directed by your prescriber; do not stop treatment at the first sign of improvement. Try to avoid applying bexarotene gel to areas of healthy skin around the lesions. This may cause irritation and redness of this healthy skin. Do not cover any of the lesions treated with bexarotene gel with a bandage or other material besides loose clothing. If you are capable of becoming pregnant, you must have a pregnancy test within one week before you start bexarotene therapy and monthly while you are taking bexarotene confirming you are not pregnant. Bexarotene may harm your unborn baby. You should contact your prescriber immediately if you believe or suspect you are pregnant while you are taking bexarotene and until one month after you stop taking bexarotene. You must use effective birth control continuously starting one month prior to beginning bexarotene and until one month after you stop taking bexarotene. It is recommended that you use 2 reliable forms of birth control together. If you are a male patient and your partner is pregnant or capable of becoming pregnant, you should use a condom during sexual intercourse while taking bexarotene and for at least one month after the last dose. Bexarotene is a form of vitamin A and too much vitamin A can cause many side effects. Do not take more that the recommended daily dietary allowance of vitamin A (4000 to 5000 international units). If you take vitamins, check the label to see how much vitamin A they contain. If you are not sure, ask your prescriber or pharmacist. Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight while you are taking this medicine. Minimize your exposure to sunlight and use a sunscreen while out in the sun. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed. This product contains alcohol and should be kept away from open flame. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Always close the tube tightly after use. Store at room temperature. Keep away from heat or flame. Throw away any unused gel after the expiration date printed on the label. Last Updated:07/05/2000 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.