- Brand Name : Targretin
- Drug Class : Antineoplastics, Other, Retinoid-like Agents, Topical
- Medical Author : Dr. Vinod Katiboina, Pharm. D.
- Medical Reviewer : Divya Jacob, Pharm. D.
- _eael_post_view_count : 11
What Is Bexarotene and How Does It Work?
Bexarotene is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in patients who are refractory to at least one prior systemic therapy.
- Bexarotene is available under the following different brand names: Targretin
What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Bexarotene?
Common side effects of Bexarotene include:
- headache
- tiredness
- fatigue
- nausea
- vomiting
- dry skin
- diarrhea
- trouble sleeping
- an increase in fat levels in the blood (blood lipids) such as cholesterol or triglycerides (blood tests will detect this)
- an underactive thyroid (blood tests will detect this)
- blood problems
- weakness or loss of strength
- swelling
- rash
- infections
Serious side effects of Bexarotene include:
- hives
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
- low blood cell counts–fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, pale skin, cold hands and feet, and feeling light-headed or short of breath
- pancreatitis–severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea, and vomiting; or
- signs of underactive thyroid–extreme tiredness, dry skin, constipation, feeling more sensitive to cold temperatures, weight gain
Rare side effects of Bexarotene include:
- none
Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, coordination loss, unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.
- Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
- Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.
This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.