{"id":24427,"date":"2022-08-23T13:00:15","date_gmt":"2022-08-23T13:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=24427"},"modified":"2022-08-24T10:52:54","modified_gmt":"2022-08-24T10:52:54","slug":"targretin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/targretin\/","title":{"rendered":"Targretin &#8211; Bexarotene uses, dose and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>75 mg&nbsp;soft capsules<br>bexarotene<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Targretin is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The active substance in Targretin is bexarotene.\u00a0The substance belongs to a group of medicines called\u00a0retinoids\u00a0which are similar to\u00a0vitamin\u00a0A. Targretin capsules are used by patients with advanced-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), whose disease has not responded to other treatments.\u00a0CTCL is a disease in which certain cells in the body&#8217;s lymphatic system, the so-called\u00a0T-lymphocytes, become cancerous and attack the skin.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you need to know before taking Targretin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not take Targretin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you are allergic to bexarotene or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).<\/li><li>if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you may become pregnant and are not using effective contraception.<\/li><li>if you have previously had\u00a0pancreatitis, have high blood cholesterol or blood triglyceride levels, have something called hypervitaminosis A, have uncontrolled thyroid disease, have an insufficient liver function, or have an ongoing systemic\u00a0infection.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings and precautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor before taking Targretin:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you are hypersensitive to\u00a0retinoids\u00a0(similar to\u00a0vitamin\u00a0A), if you have liver disease if you have high blood lipid levels or take medicines that can cause high blood lipid levels, have uncontrolled\u00a0diabetes mellitus\u00a0(diabetes), have had problems with the gallbladder or bile ducts or drink large amounts of alcohol.<\/li><li>if you have ever had problems with your mental health, including depression, aggressive tendencies, and mood swings.\u00a0Targretin can affect your mood.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If necessary, determination of blood lipids on an empty stomach must be done, before starting the treatment and at one-week intervals and then every month while you are taking this medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before treatment begins and during treatment, blood tests are also taken to assess the function of your liver and\u00a0thyroid gland\u00a0and to check your red and\u00a0white blood cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular eye exams may be needed if you experience vision problems while taking this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid sunlight and tanning beds as much as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not take more than 15,000 international units of&nbsp;vitamin&nbsp;A supplements per day during treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mental health problems<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may not notice some changes in your mood and behavior yourself, so you must tell your friends and family that this medicine may affect your mood and behavior.\u00a0They can notice these changes and help you identify any problems that you need to talk to your doctor about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children and young people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Targretin capsules should not be used in children or adolescents.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medicines and Targretin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take other medicines, such as<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>ketoconazole\u00a0and itraconazole (used against fungal infections),<\/li><li>erythromycin, clarithromycin, and rifampicin (used against bacterial infections),<\/li><li>phenytoin\u00a0and phenobarbital (used for seizures),<\/li><li>gemfibrozil (used against high blood fat levels such as\u00a0triglycerides\u00a0and\u00a0cholesterol\u00a0),<\/li><li>vitamin\u00a0A supplements,\u00a0protease inhibitors\u00a0(used against viral infections),<\/li><li>tamoxifen (used to treat certain cancers),<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/toflacort\/\">dexamethasone<\/a> (used for\u00a0inflammation\u00a0),<\/li><li>insulin, drugs that increase insulin secretion or\u00a0insulin-enhancing agents (used in\u00a0diabetes\u00a0).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is important because using more than one drug at the same time can strengthen or weaken their effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Targretin with food and drink<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Targretin should be taken with food (see section 3).&nbsp;If you regularly drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit, talk to your doctor, as this may change your body&#8217;s response to Targretin treatment.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Targretin may be harmful to a developing fetus.\u00a0Do NOT take Targretin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.\u00a0If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor before using this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can become pregnant, a pregnancy test must be done during the week before starting treatment to make sure you are not pregnant.\u00a0You must use effective contraception during the entire treatment period and for one month before and after treatment.\u00a0It is recommended that you use two types of contraception at the same time.\u00a0If you are taking a hormonal contraceptive (for example, the pill\u00a0), you should discuss this with your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are male and your partner is pregnant or may become pregnant, you must use a condom during intercourse while taking bexarotene and for at least one month after the last\u00a0dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving ability and use of machinery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is not known whether Targretin affects your ability to drive and use machines.&nbsp;If you feel dizzy or have vision problems during the treatment, you should not drive a car or use machinery.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Targretin contains sorbitol and butyl hydroxyanisole<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Targretin contains a small amount of sorbitol (a type of sugar).&nbsp;If you have an intolerance to some sugars, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Butylhydroxyanisole, which is part of Targretin, can irritate the mucous membranes.&nbsp;Therefore, the capsules should be swallowed whole without chewing.<br><a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to take Targretin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Always take this medicine as directed by your doctor.&nbsp;Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will&nbsp;prescribe&nbsp;an appropriate&nbsp;dose&nbsp;for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The recommended\u00a0dose\u00a0is usually 4 to 10 capsules to be taken once a day.\u00a0Take the\u00a0prescribed\u00a0number of capsules at the same time each day with a meal.\u00a0You can take the capsules immediately before, during, or immediately after a meal.\u00a0The capsules should be swallowed whole and not chewed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How long you should take Targretin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some patients get better in the first few weeks of treatment, but most need several months to feel better.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have used too much Targretin&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have taken more Targretin than the prescribed\u00a0dose, you must contact your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you forget to take Targretin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have forgotten to take a\u00a0dose, take the daily\u00a0dose\u00a0at the next meal on the same day and take the usual\u00a0dose\u00a0as normal the next day.\u00a0Do not take a double\u00a0dose\u00a0one day to make up for a missed\u00a0dose\u00a0the day before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you stop taking Targretin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will decide how long you should take Targretin and when treatment can be stopped.&nbsp;Do not stop taking your medicine until your doctor says you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any further questions about this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all medicines, this medicine can cause\u00a0side effects, although not everybody gets them.\u00a0Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you feel worse while taking Targretin.\u00a0Sometimes it becomes necessary to change the\u00a0dose\u00a0or stop the treatment.\u00a0Your doctor will tell you what to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;have been observed in patients with CTCL treated with the recommended initial dose of capsules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 patients treated):<\/strong><br>Low\u00a0white blood cell count.<br>Reduction of thyroid hormone.<br>High blood fat values \u200b\u200b(triglycerides and\u00a0cholesterol\u00a0).<br>Skin reactions (\u00a0itching,\u00a0redness, irritation, scaling).<br>Headache, fatigue, pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 treated patients):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The low value of\u00a0red blood cells, enlarged\u00a0lymph nodes, worsening of\u00a0lymphoma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thyroid problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High liver enzyme values, reduced kidney function, low blood protein value, and weight gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Insomnia, dizziness, and reduced skin sensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dry eyes, deafness, abnormal sensations from the eyes such as&nbsp;irritation and feeling of heaviness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Swelling of legs and arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nausea, diarrhea,\u00a0dry mouth, dry lips, loss of appetite, constipation, flatulence, abnormal liver function values, vomiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dry skin, skin problems, hair loss, skin ulcers,\u00a0acne, thicker skin, skin nodules, and increased sweating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Joint pain, bone pain, muscle pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chills, abdominal pain,\u00a0allergic reaction,\u00a0infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 patients treated):<\/strong><br>Blood disorder,\u00a0eosinophilia,\u00a0leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, purpura, high or low platelet count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overactive\u00a0thyroid gland.<br>Increased\u00a0bilirubin\u00a0in the blood, impaired kidney function,\u00a0gout,\u00a0and reduced\u00a0HDL\u00a0cholesterol.<br>Restlessness, balance difficulties, depression, heightened skin sensation, abnormal nerve sensations, vertigo.<br>Abnormal vision, blurred vision,\u00a0inflammation\u00a0of the eyelids,\u00a0cataracts,\u00a0inflammation\u00a0of the whites of the eyes, damage to the cornea, hearing problems, and visual field defects.<br>Swelling, bleeding, high\u00a0blood pressure, high heart rate, noticeable vein enlargement, and dilation of blood vessels.<br>Gastrointestinal disorders, liver failure,\u00a0inflammation\u00a0of the pancreas.<br>Hair changes,\u00a0herpes\u00a0simplex, nail problems, pustular rash, serous\u00a0drainage, skin discoloration.<br>Muscle weakness.<br>Protein\u00a0in urine, abnormal kidney function.<br>Back pain, skin infection, fever, parasitic infection, abnormal laboratory test values, mucosal disorders,\u00a0tumor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rare fatal\u00a0side effects\u00a0are\u00a0acute\u00a0inflammation\u00a0of the pancreas, bleeding in the head, and liver failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you get\u00a0side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.\u00a0This also applies to any\u00a0side effects\u00a0that are not mentioned in this information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to store Targretin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use before the expiry date stated on the label.&nbsp;The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Store at a maximum of 30\u00b0C.&nbsp;Close the bottle well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines must not be thrown into the drain or among the household waste.\u00a0Ask the pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer used.\u00a0These measures will help to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents of the packaging and other information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Each Targretin capsule contains 75 mg of the active substance bexarotene.\u00a0The capsules also contain the excipients macrogol, polysorbate, povidone, and butyl hydroxyanisole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The capsule shell consists of gelatin, sorbitol, and glycerin mixture (glycerin, sorbitol, sorbitol anhydrides (1,4-sorbitan), mannitol, and water), titanium dioxide (E171) and ink (SDA-35A alcohol (\u00a0ethanol\u00a0and ethyl acetate), propylene glycol (E1520), black iron oxide (E172), polyvinyl acetate phthalate, purified water, isopropyl alcohol, macrogol 400, ammonium hydroxide 28%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Appearance and package sizes of the medicine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Targretin is supplied as soft capsules for oral intake, in a white plastic container containing 100 capsules.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marketing Authorisation Holder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Eisai GmbH<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Edmund-Rumpler-Stra\u00dfe 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>60549 Frankfurt am Main<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Germany<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>e-mail: medinfo_de@eisai.net<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Manufacturer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eisai GmbH<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Edmund-Rumpler-Stra\u00dfe 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>60549 Frankfurt am Main<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Germany<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>75 mg\u00a0soft capsules<br \/>\nbexarotene<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2200,22500],"tags":[25379,25386,25381,25382,25384,25387,25383,25380,25385,25388],"class_list":["post-24427","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medicines","category-t","tag-benefits-of-bexarotene","tag-benefits-of-targretin","tag-bexarotene","tag-bexarotene-sde-effects","tag-targretin","tag-targretin-side-effects","tag-what-bexarotene-is-used-for","tag-what-is-bexarotene","tag-what-is-targretin","tag-what-targretin-is-used-for"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24427","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24427"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24427\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24486,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24427\/revisions\/24486"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24427"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24427"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}