Targretin (Bexarotene (Topical))

• It is used to treat a type of lymphoma that affects the skin.

Use Targretin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take this medicine by mouth. Use on your skin only.
• Do not put Targretin (bexarotene (topical)) on or near the eyes, nostrils, mouth, lips, vagina, tip of the penis, rectum, or anus. If you get this medicine in any of these areas, rinse with water right away.
• Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
• Put on affected part only.
• Avoid putting on healthy skin.
• Let gel dry before covering with clothing.
• Wait 20 minutes after bathing before putting on.
• Do not bathe, shower, or swim for 3 hours after putting on.
• Do not cover with dressings.
• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Start taking Targretin only on the second or third day of your next normal period (menstrual) cycle.
• This medicine may catch on fire. Do not use near an open flame or while smoking.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses or extra doses.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Headache.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Targretin or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Targretin. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Review Date: October 4, 2017