bexarotene

Bexarotene (Targretin) can cause harm to an unborn baby, so it’s not safe during pregnancy. If you’re able to get pregnant, you’ll need to take a pregnancy test within 1 week before starting the medication and then once a month during treatment. It’s recommended to use two forms of birth control starting 1 month before, during treatment, and for 1 more month after stopping bexarotene (Targretin). One of these should be non-hormonal because hormonal birth control might not work as well with this medication. Let your care team know right away if you become pregnant while taking this medication.

Bexarotene (Targretin) can cause high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (fat) in most people who take it. These changes can raise your risk for serious health problems, so it’s important for your care team to monitor your levels closely. Before you start treatment with bexarotene (Targretin), you will do a fasting blood test to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These will be checked weekly at first, then every 2 months once your levels are stable. If your levels get too high during treatment, your oncologist might lower your dose, pause treatment, or give you medication to help manage cholesterol. One commonly used option is atorvastatin.

Bexarotene (Targretin) can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which can be life-threatening. Your risk is higher if you’ve had pancreatitis before, drink a lot of alcohol, or take medications that raise fat levels or affect the pancreas. Tell your care team right away if you have nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or back pain.

Bexarotene (Targretin) can cause liver problems, especially if you’re taking a higher dose. You’ll have regular blood tests to check your liver before starting treatment, and again at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. If your liver tests stay stable, your care team will continue to check them at least every 2 months during treatment. Talk to your oncologist immediately if you notice yellowing of your eyes or skin, reduced appetite, unusual bleeding, or bruising.

Bexarotene (Targretin) can cause hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels). Your care team will check your thyroid function before and during treatment. If your levels drop, your oncologist might have you start thyroid hormone replacement therapy. In studies, about one-third of people taking bexarotene (Targretin) needed these replacement medications. Tell your care team if you feel more tired than usual, cold, or gain weight since these could be signs of low thyroid hormone levels.

Bexarotene (Targretin) can lower your white blood cell count, which might make it harder for your body to fight infections. In studies, this usually happened within 4 to 8 weeks of starting treatment, and got better within about 30 days after lowering the dose or stopping the medication. Your care team will check your blood counts before starting treatment and regularly during treatment to monitor for these changes. Let them know if you have symptoms like frequent infections, fever, or feeling more tired than usual.

In studies, some people had new or worsening cataracts after taking bexarotene (Targretin). If you notice vision changes or problems seeing, tell your oncologist. They might refer you for an eye exam to check for cataracts or other eye problems.

If you're taking insulin or other diabetes medications like sulfonylureas or thiazolidinediones, bexarotene (Targretin) can make them work more strongly and raise your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This hasn’t been seen when bexarotene (Targretin) is used by itself, but it’s important to watch for symptoms like shakiness, sweating, or dizziness. Talk to your care team before starting this medication if you're taking anything to manage your blood sugar.