What is Bexarotene?

Bexarotene is a medication approved in 1999 by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This medication is also used off label for the treatment of several other cancers including Kaposi's sarcoma and breast cancer. Sold under the brand name Targretin®, bexarotene can be a dangerous medication and it is important to review the risks carefully before taking it.

This drug is designed for use in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that has not responded to at least one other form of treatment. It can be taken in two ways. Oral capsules may be prescribed for patients to take by mouth, or a topical gel can be applied to cancerous lesions on the skin. Both need to be used as consistent intervals to keep the medication as effective as possible and the dosages may vary.

The medication works by interacting with the process cancer cells use to divide and multiply. It is an antineoplastic agent, meaning that it works to block the production of cancer cells, limiting the growth of cancer. Stopping cancerous growths can also allow the body to recover from cancers, clearing up lesions caused by out of control cell growth. Because the medication is potent, it is important to avoid exposing healthy people to the medication and to wash hands thoroughly after using either tablets or the gel to minimize the risk of transferring bexarotene to healthy skin tissue.

This medication has been linked with birth defects. People should not take bexarotene if they are pregnant or trying to become pregnant and it can be dangerous in both men and women. Doctors will usually recommend that patients use birth control while taking this medication and if a pregnancy does occur, a doctor should be consulted as quickly as possible.

People with existing medical conditions should discuss these conditions with their physicians before taking bexarotene. Some conditions conflict with the medication and because it has been linked with damage to organs like the kidneys and the liver, there is a risk of severe complications in people with existing medical conditions. This drug can also cause levels of lipids in the blood to become elevated and puts people at risk for vitamin A toxicity, because it is chemically related to vitamin A. In drug interactions with other medications, sometimes bexarotene is retained in the body, causing vitamin A levels to rise dangerously.