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In this Article

• What is bexarotene topical (Targretin Gel)?
• What are the possible side effects of bexarotene topical (Targretin Gel)?
• What is the most important information I should know about bexarotene topical (Targretin Gel)?
• Who should not use bexarotene topical (Targretin Gel)?
• How should I use bexarotene topical (Targretin Gel)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Targretin Gel)?
• What happens if I overdose (Targretin Gel)?
• What should I avoid while using bexarotene topical (Targretin Gel)?
• What other drugs will affect bexarotene topical (Targretin Gel)?
• Where can I get more information?

Who should not use bexarotene topical (Targretin Gel)?

Do not use bexarotene topical without first talking to your doctor if you are allergic to other retinoids such as isotretinoin (Accutane), acitretin (Soriatane), etretinate (Tegison), or tretinoin (Vesinoid).

Before using bexarotene topical, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may not be able to use bexarotene topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Do not use bexarotene topical if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant. Bexarotene topical is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that bexarotene topical will cause birth defects in an unborn baby. You must take a pregnancy test and have negative results within one week before starting treatment with bexarotene topical, and a pregnancy test should be repeated monthly during treatment. Bexarotene topical should be started on the second or third day of a normal menstrual period. Also, you will need to use two reliable forms of birth control at the same time for one month before starting treatment with bexarotene topical, during treatment with bexarotene topical, and for at least 1 month following the end of your treatment. If you become pregnant, stop using birth control, or miss your menstrual period, immediately stop using bexarotene topical and notify your doctor. Men using bexarotene topical with sexual partners who are pregnant, possibly pregnant, or who could become pregnant, must use condoms during sexual intercourse while using bexarotene topical and for at least one month after the last dose of bexarotene topical.

It is not known whether bexarotene topical passes into breast milk. Do not take bexarotene topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use bexarotene topical (Targretin Gel)?

Use bexarotene topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying this medication.

Apply enough gel to cover the affected area with a generous coating. Proper application should leave some gel visible on the surface of the lesion. Allow the gel to dry for 5 to 10 minutes before covering with clothing.

Do not use bandages, dressings, or other coverings, other than loose clothing, that block the flow of air to the treated area.

Do not apply bexarotene topical to unaffected skin. In addition, do not apply the gel near the eyes, mouth, nostrils, lips, vagina, tip of the penis, rectum, or anus. If you get medication on any of these areas, rinse it off with water.

Mild, non-deodorant soap is recommended for bathing or showering. Wait for 20 minutes after bathing or showering before applying bexarotene topical. Wait for at least 3 hours after applying bexarotene topical before bathing, showering, or swimming.

Bexarotene topical is initially applied once every other day for the first week. The application frequency is then usually increased at weekly intervals to once daily, then three times daily, and finally four times daily according to how well treatment is tolerated. If the affected area becomes irritated, the frequency of application can be reduced. If severe irritation occurs, application can be temporarily stopped for a few days until the irritation is reduced. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Avoid scratching the treated areas.

It may take many weeks of treatment to see the effects of this drug. Do not stop using bexarotene topical if you do not see results immediately. Treatment with bexarotene topical should continue for as long as beneficial effects are being obtained.

Store bexarotene topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.