| Generic name | Bexarotene |
| Pronunciation | bek-SARE-oh-teen |
| Brand name(s), other common name(s) | Targretin® |
| Drug type | Retinoid |
| How the drug is given | Capsules taken by mouth or a gel applied to the skin |
Indications and Usage
Bexarotene is FDA approved to treat people who have skin problems arising from cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in patients who are refractory for at least one prior systemic therapy. It may be used after other drugs have been tried and the tumor is still a problem.
Side effects needing medical attention
(Note: When this medication is applied to the skin, these side effects are less common.) Bloating or swelling of face, hands, lower legs and/or feet; chills, fever or general feeling of discomfort or illness; decreased urination or painful or difficult urination; lack or loss of strength; rapid or unusual weight gain; tingling or ?pins and needles? sensation; sore throat; swollen, painful or tender lymph glands in neck, armpit or groin; unusual bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; abnormal or excessive sweating; blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, flaking, itching, rash, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or sticky or tacky sensation of the skin; swelling or thickening of skin or lesion; headache; increased cough.
For information on how to manage the costs of drug therapy, please see Financial Support, or to speak with an Information Specialist, call (800) 955-4572.