Targretin
(bexarotene)
Helps treat skin tumors from T-cell lymphoma.
Our bottom line
Targretin (bexarotene) is reserved for when T-cell lymphoma spreads to the skin, but is only used when you haven't responded well enough to other medicines.
- Drug class: cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (bexarotene)
Upsides
- Targretin (bexarotene) can work when other medications have failed.
- Pill taken once daily.
What to expect from bexarotene, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Not a good choice if you're pregnant or planning on getting pregnant.
- You may need to take other medicines to control your cholesterol and thyroid levels while on Targretin (bexarotene).
- May lower blood sugar if you're taking diabetes medicines.
What to expect from bexarotene, on one page
Download Fact SheetTargretin (bexarotene) is a retinoid that stops DNA from multiplying, slowing cancer cell growth.
- Drug class: cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (bexarotene)
Used for
- T-cell lymphoma
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
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What to expect when you take Targretin (bexarotene) for T-cell lymphoma of the skin
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- High cholesterol
- Low thyroid levels
- Headache
- Lack of energy
- Diarrhea
- Rash
Side effect rates for Targretin (bexarotene)
- High blood lipids79%79%
- High cholesterol32%32%
- Headache30%30%
- Low thyroid levels28%28%
- Lack of energy20%20%
- Rash17%17%
- Dry skin17%17%
- Low white blood cells17%17%
- Nausea16%16%
- Infection13%13%
- Swelling in arms and legs13%13%
- Abdominal pain11%11%
- Chills10%10%
- Inflamed, shedding skin10%10%
- Higher lactic dehydrogenase7%7%
- Diarrhea7%7%
- Low red blood cells6%6%
- Fever5%5%
- Difficulty sleeping5%5%
- Flu-like symptoms4%4%
- Hair loss4%4%
- Low pale-red blood cells4%4%
- Vomiting4%4%
- Back pain2%2%
- Weight loss2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of bexarotene.
People taking bexarotene felt side effect more
People taking bexarotene felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Targretin (bexarotene)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Sexually active women and men of childbearing age
Targretin (bexarotene) can harm an unborn baby during pregnancy. Don't use Targretin (bexarotene) while pregnant. Male partners receiving Targretin (bexarotene) must use a condom during sex. Stop Targretin (bexarotene) if you become pregnant. Talk to your doctor about finding different medicines if you're pregnant or want to become pregnant.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Targretin (bexarotene)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Take Targretin (bexarotene) pills once daily with meals. Take pills whole. Don't open, crush, or chew. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
- Targretin (bexarotene) can damage your liver. Your doctor will order blood tests to check your liver and will change your dose if needed. Talk to your doctor right away if you have pain or fluid build-up in your abdomen, yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools.