WARNING

Bexarotene is a medication primarily used to treat a type of skin cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. However, like all medications, it comes with potential risks and side effects. Some common risks of taking Bexarotene include:

• Hyperlipidemia: Bexarotene can increase levels of fats in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides, which may raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Hypothyroidism: It may lead to decreased thyroid hormone levels, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
• Liver toxicity: Bexarotene can affect liver function, leading to liver damage or abnormalities in liver enzyme levels.
• Pancreatitis: In some cases, Bexarotene may cause inflammation of the pancreas, leading to symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Birth defects: Bexarotene can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy, so it’s crucial for women of childbearing age to use effective contraception while on this medication.
• Skin reactions: It may cause skin-related side effects like dryness, itching, rash, or sensitivity to sunlight.

It’s essential for patients to discuss these risks with their healthcare provider before starting Bexarotene and to report any unusual symptoms while taking the medication.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Bexarotene is prescribed primarily for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the skin. It belongs to a class of medications called retinoids, which work by interfering with the growth and multiplication of cancer cells.

Bexarotene is typically used when other treatments for CTCL have not been effective or have caused unacceptable side effects. It may be prescribed in cases where the disease is advanced or has not responded to other therapies.

How should this medicine be used?

Bexarotene is typically taken orally in capsule form. The specific dosage and administration instructions may vary depending on the individual’s condition, medical history, and response to treatment. However, here are general guidelines for how Bexarotene should be used:

• Dosage: The recommended starting dose of Bexarotene for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is typically 300 milligrams (mg) per square meter of body surface area per day. This total daily dose is usually divided into two doses taken with meals.
• Administration: Bexarotene capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. It’s essential not to crush, chew, or break the capsules, as this can alter the release of the medication and affect its effectiveness.
• Timing: Bexarotene is usually taken with meals to help improve absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. It’s best to take it at the same times each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in the bloodstream.
• Duration: Treatment with Bexarotene may be long-term, depending on the individual’s response to the medication and the progression of the disease. It’s essential to continue taking Bexarotene as prescribed by the healthcare provider, even if symptoms improve, unless instructed otherwise.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is necessary while taking Bexarotene to assess its effectiveness and monitor for any potential side effects or complications. This may include blood tests to monitor liver function, thyroid function, and lipid levels.
• Sun Protection: Bexarotene can increase sensitivity to sunlight and the risk of sunburn. Patients should take precautions to protect their skin from sun exposure, including wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with a high SPF, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.
• Drug Interactions: Bexarotene may interact with other medications, so it’s essential to inform healthcare providers about all medications, supplements, and herbal products being taken to avoid potential interactions.

It’s crucial to follow the dosage and administration instructions provided by the healthcare provider carefully. Any questions or concerns about how to use Bexarotene should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Other uses for this medicine

Bexarotene has been primarily approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). However, it may also have off-label uses in other conditions, such as:

• Other Lymphomas: Bexarotene may be used in the treatment of other types of lymphomas, such as peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).
• Non-Cancerous Skin Conditions: In some cases, Bexarotene may be prescribed for non-cancerous skin conditions like psoriasis.
• Alzheimer’s Disease: There have been studies exploring the potential use of Bexarotene in Alzheimer’s disease due to its ability to clear amyloid plaques in the brain, although the results have been mixed and further research is needed in this area.

What special precautions should I follow?

When taking Bexarotene, it’s essential to follow specific precautions to ensure safe and effective use:

• Pregnancy Precautions: Bexarotene can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one month after discontinuing the medication.
• Liver Function Monitoring: Regular monitoring of liver function tests is necessary while taking Bexarotene, as it can affect liver function and lead to liver toxicity.
• Thyroid Function Monitoring: Bexarotene may decrease thyroid hormone levels, leading to hypothyroidism. Thyroid function should be monitored regularly during treatment.
• Lipid Monitoring: Bexarotene can increase levels of fats in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Lipid levels should be monitored regularly, and appropriate measures should be taken to manage elevated levels.
• Skin Protection: Patients taking Bexarotene should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV light, as the medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight and risk of sunburn.
• Drug Interactions: Bexarotene may interact with other medications, including hormonal contraceptives, blood thinners, and certain cholesterol-lowering drugs. It’s essential to inform healthcare providers about all medications, supplements, and herbal products being taken to avoid potential interactions.

Following these precautions and closely monitoring for any potential side effects can help ensure safe and effective use of Bexarotene.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding dietary instructions, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Bexarotene. However, since Bexarotene may increase levels of fats in the blood, it’s essential to maintain a healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol to help manage lipid levels.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If a dose of Bexarotene is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible unless it’s almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. It’s important not to take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If there are concerns or questions about missed doses, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Bexarotene, like many medications, can cause side effects. Some common side effects of Bexarotene include:

• Skin Reactions: Dryness, itching, rash, or sensitivity to sunlight are common skin-related side effects of Bexarotene. These symptoms can often be managed with moisturizers and sun protection measures.
• Hyperlipidemia: Bexarotene can increase levels of fats in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides, which may raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. Monitoring lipid levels and making dietary changes or using medication to manage elevated levels may be necessary.
• Hypothyroidism: Bexarotene may decrease thyroid hormone levels, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Regular monitoring of thyroid function and thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be needed.
• Liver Toxicity: Bexarotene can affect liver function, leading to liver damage or abnormalities in liver enzyme levels. Symptoms of liver problems may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) and abdominal pain.
• Pancreatitisv In some cases, Bexarotene may cause inflammation of the pancreas, leading to symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Prompt medical attention is necessary if pancreatitis is suspected.
• Birth Defects: Bexarotene can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one month after discontinuing the medication.
• Other: Other less common side effects of Bexarotene may include headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pain.

It’s essential for patients to be aware of these potential side effects and to report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly. In some cases, dose adjustments or changes in treatment may be necessary to manage side effects effectively.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Bexarotene:

Storage:

• Bexarotene capsules should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
• Keep the medication in its original packaging or container, out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not store Bexarotene in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink, where it may be exposed to moisture.

Disposal:

• Unused or expired Bexarotene capsules should be disposed of properly.
• Follow any specific disposal instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• Do not dispose of medications by flushing them down the toilet or pouring them down the drain unless instructed to do so.

In case of emergency/overdose

• In case of an emergency or overdose, such as accidentally taking too much Bexarotene, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.
• Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, and visual disturbances.

What other information should I know?

• Bexarotene may interact with other medications, so it’s essential to inform healthcare providers about all medications, supplements, and herbal products being taken.
• It may take several weeks to months for Bexarotene to exert its full therapeutic effect, so continue taking it as prescribed even if symptoms improve.
• Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Bexarotene, as it may increase the risk of side effects.
• Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is necessary while taking Bexarotene to assess its effectiveness and monitor for any potential side effects or complications.

Overall, it’s essential to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding the storage, disposal, and use of Bexarotene. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.