Key facts about Bexarotene
What dosages is Bexarotene available in?
Bexarotene is available as a 75 mg oral capsule.
What is Bexarotene used for?
Bexarotene is a retinoid acid derivative and is used to treat Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (refractory or persistent).
How does Bexarotene work?
Bexarotene is a retinoid acid derivative. It stops cancer cells from growing and multiplying. However, the exact way in which the medication works to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is not known.
How do I take Bexarotene?
The recommended initial dose of Bexarotene is 300 mg/m /day. Bexarotene should
be taken as a single oral daily dose with a meal. Your dose may be adjusted if you experience toxicity or serious side effects.
Is it safe for me to take Bexarotene?
Bexarotene is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you are pregnant.
Bexarotene Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Bexarotene:
- Rash
- Itching
- Pain
Bexarotene Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Bexarotene.
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Bexarotene
The following medications may interact with Bexarotene:
- Gemfibrozil: Concomitant administration of Bexarotene and gemfibrozil resulted in increases in
- plasma concentrations of Bexarotene. Concomitant administration of gemfibrozil with Bexarotene is
- not recommended.
- Bexarotene may be an inducer for the CYP3A4 enzymes, and may reduce plasma concentrations of
- other substrates metabolized by CYP3A4. Drug products which may be affected include oral or other
- systemic hormonal contraceptives. Thus, if treatment with Bexarotene is intended for a female with
- reproductive potential, it is strongly recommended that a non-hormonal contraception be considered.
Who makes Bexarotene?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Bexarotene safe in pregnancy?
Bexarotene is a member of the retinoid class of drugs that is associated with birth defects in humans.
Bexarotene also caused birth defects when administered orally to pregnant rats. Bexarotene must not
be administered to a pregnant woman.
