Drug reference

Bexarotene

Retinoid · Antineoplastic

Also known as Targretin

RetinoidAntineoplastic

CDSCO approvedSchedule H

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

12 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

Extremely teratogenic. Avoid during pregnancy. Effective contraception required during and for at least 1 month after treatment for men and women, and for at least 6 months after treatment in women of childbearing potential.

FDA category + note

Top interactionssee all 12 →

AcitretinSevereDatabaseDDInter
AdalimumabSevereDatabaseDDInter
AlbiglutideSevereDatabaseDDInter
AlogliptinSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Bexarotene is an agonist at the retinoid X receptor, which is involved in the regulation of cell differentiation and proliferation. This action can lead to the regression of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Indications

Skin manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma refractory to previous systemic treatmentAdvanced (stages IIb or III) cutaneous T-cell lymphoma refractory to local skin directed therapy and at least one systemic therapy (second-line treatment)

Dosing

Adult: Initially 300 mg/m2 once daily, adjusted according to response, to be taken with a meal.
Renal adjustment: Avoid if creatinine clearance less than 25 mL/minute. Reduce dose and increase dosing interval if creatinine clearance less than 65 mL/minute (consult product literature).
Hepatic adjustment: Caution in mild to moderate hepatic impairment; avoid in severe impairment, jaundice, decompensated disease, or hepatic insufficiency.

Contraindications

History of pancreatitis
Hypervitaminosis A
Uncontrolled hyperlipidaemia
Uncontrolled hypothyroidism
Hepatic insufficiency
Acute porphyrias

Side effects

Common

AlopeciaAnaemiaAppetite decreasedArthralgiaAstheniaChillsConstipationDeafnessDiarrhoeaDizzinessDry eyeDry mouthDyslipidaemiaEye disordersGastrointestinal discomfortGastrointestinal disordersHeadachesHyperhidrosisHypersensitivityHypoproteinaemiaHypothyroidismIncreased risk of infectionOedemaSkin reactionsTaste alteredThrombocytopeniaVomitingWeight decreased

Serious