Bexarotene (Topical)

Brand Names : Targretin

Proper Use of This Medicine

Apply enough bexarotene to cover the lesion with a generous coating. Use a cotton tipped applicator or your fingertips to apply the medicine to your skin. If you apply this medicine with your fingertips, make sure you wash your hands immediately afterwards , to prevent any of the medicine from accidentally getting into your eyes or mouth.

Avoid getting the medicine on the surrounding unaffected skin. Do not apply the medicine near mucosal areas (the inside of your mouth, eyes, nose, rectum or vagina).

Do not cover with bandages or dressings, unless directed to do so by your doctor. Allow the bexarotene to dry before covering with clothing.

Dosing - Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor . Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. The exact amount of medicine you need has been carefully worked out. Using too much will increase the risk of side effects, while using too little may not improve your condition.

The amount of bexarotene used will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of bexarotene. If your directions are different, do not change how you use it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For topical dosage form (gel):
  • For cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
    • Adults - The usual dose is started at applying once every other day for the first week. On week two, the dose may be increased to apply once a day. It may be increased to apply twice a day, on week three. On week four, it may be increased to apply three times a day. Finally, increased to apply four times a day on week five.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose -

• Apply every other day - Apply as soon as possible if you remember it on the day it should be used. However, if you do not remember the missed dose until the next day, apply it at that time. Then skip a day and start applying every other day. Do not double doses.
• Apply once daily - Apply as soon as possible. However, if you do not remember the missed dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
• Apply two, three or four times daily - If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
• If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.