Targretin Gel (Bexarotene Gel) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Targretin Gel

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma »

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma facts

NHL is a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system.
About 66,000 patients are diagnosed yearly, and approximately 18,000 patients die of NHL yearly in the U.S.
There are several subtypes of NHL, each requiring different treatments.
Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
NHL is staged on a 1-4 scale with A (no associated symptoms like fever, weight loss, or night sweats) and B subtypes.
Staging the cancer is important to determine treatment and predict the outcome of treatment.
Depending on the stage and type of NHL, treatment can include chemotherapy, biological therapy, stem cell transplant, and/or radiation therapy.

What is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. It is estimated to be the sixth most common cancer in the Unite...

Read the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma article »

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Targretin Gel

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Targretin®
(bexarotene) 1% Gel

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Targretin® (bexarotene) gel 1% contains bexarotene and is intended for topical application only. Bexarotene is a member of a subclass of retinoids that selectively activate retinoid X receptors (RXRs). These retinoid receptors have biologic activity distinct from that of retinoic acid receptors (RARs).

The chemical name is 4-[1-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl2-naphthalenyl)ethenyl] benzoic acid, and the structural formula is as follows:

Targretin® (bexarotene) Structural Formula Illustration

Bexarotene is an off-white to white powder with a molecular weight of 348.48 and a molecular formula of C₂₄H₂₈O₂. It is insoluble in water and slightly soluble in vegetable oils and ethanol, USP.

Targretin® gel is a clear gelled solution containing 1.0% (w/w) bexarotene in a base of dehydrated alcohol, USP, polyethylene glycol 400, NF, hydroxypropyl cellulose, NF, and butylated hydroxytoluene, NF.

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/2/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.