BEXAROTENE

Overview

BEXAROTENE is a Schedule H drug.
Bexarotene is an anti-cancer drug, it is an oral anti-neoplastic agent. Bexarotene is used to treat skin lesions caused by cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Bexarotene is usually given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful treatment. It belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids (vitamin A derivatives). Bexarotene works by slowing or stopping the growth of cells. Bexarotene is also used for lung cancer, breast cancer and Kaposi’s sarcoma.  

Usage

BEXAROTENE is generally used to treat: Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma, Skin Cancer, Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer, Kaposi Sarcoma

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe on my liver?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe on my kidney?
A: Not Safe

Q: Can I take it with alcohol?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe for children?
A: Ask your doctor

Q: Can it be taken during pregnancy?
A: Dangerous – Studies indicate Human-Fetal Risk

Q: Is it safe to take for someone breastfeeding?
A: Not Safe

How Do I Take It?

BEXAROTENE is generally taken After Food.
Route of Administration: Oral

Precautions

  • The manufacturer recommends limiting vitamin A supplementation less than 15,000IU/day but you should discuss taking any vitamin supplements with your doctor before you take them.
  • Before starting bexarotene treatment, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal remedies). 
  • Do not take aspirin, products containing aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this.
  • Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor’s approval while taking bexarotene.
  • Inform your health care professional if you are pregnant or may be pregnant prior to starting this treatment. 
  • If you are allergic to bexarotene, or any other retinoid, such as acitretin (Soriatane), etretinate (Tegison), isotretinoin (Accutane), or tretinoin (Vesanoid); or any other medications ask your physician.
  • Tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had pancreatitis, high levels of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood.
  • Try to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bexarotene may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Common Side-Effects

BEXAROTENE : Common Cold, Hyperlipidemia, Diarrhoea, Fatigue (tiredness), Weakness (generalized), Fever, Weight Gain, Chills, Cough, Lower Back Pain, Pain With Urination, Arms Swelling, Legs Swelling, Hands Swelling, Head Headache, Throat Soreness

Serious Side-Effects

BEXAROTENE : Hypothyroidism, Anemia, Sepsis, Yeast Infection, Heart Attack, Hypertension, Eosinophilia, Depression, Stroke, Urinary Tract Infection, Breast Pain, Pancreatitis, Constipation, Abdomen Pain, Abdomen Muscle Cramps Or Spasms (painful), Rapid Heart Rate (pulse), Dark Colored (brown) Urine, Eyes Change In Vision, Fainting, Agitation

Rare Side-Effects

BEXAROTENE : Ear Infection, Middle Ear, Abdomen Pain, Nausea, Vomit, Shortness Of Breath, Eyes Yellow Eyes, Dizziness, Hair Loss, Ears Pain

Food Interactions

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with this medication and can lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.

Technical Classification

BEXAROTENE is categorized as: MISCELLANEOUS ANTINEOPLASTICS / ANTINEOPLASTICS

Storage Conditions

Room Temperature (Between 15 To 25 C)

Available Alternatives

What are the other drugs with similar Ingredients?

BEXAROTENEBEXAROTENE