How to Take Bexarotene

Take Bexarotene exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Bexarotene is generally available in market in the form Gelatin capsules for oral use 75 mg. Instruct patient before using Bexarotene to take drug exactly as prescribed. If dose is missed it should be taken within 1 hr. Warn patient not to double up on doses. If there is not a substantive clinical response to increases in the daily dose, check for proper pump function and catheter patency. The daily maintenance of Bexarotene dose may be reduced 10% to 20% if patients experience side effects.

Dosage Instructions for Bexarotene Drug

Refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

Contraindications for Bexarotene Drug

Pregnancy; hypersensitivity to bexarotene or other product components.

Interactions of Bexarotene with other drugs

Antidiabetic agents (eg, insulin sulfonylureas, insulin-sensitizers): May enhance antidiabetic agents, resulting in hypoglycemia.

Contraceptives, oral: Potentially can induce metabolic enzymes and thereby theoretically reduce plasma concentrations of hormonal contraceptives. It is strongly recommended that 2 reliable forms of contraception be used concurrently, 1 of which should be nonhormonal.

CYP450 inducers (eg, rifampin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone): May reduce plasma bexarotene concentrations.

CYP450 inhibitors (eg, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, grapefruit juice): May increase plasma bexarotene concentrations.

DEET: For topical use, the absorption of DEET increases when used concomitantly with bexarotene gel, resulting in increased toxicity of DEET.

Gemfibrozil: Resulted in substantial increases in plasma concentrations of bexarotene.

Tamoxifen: Coadministration of bexarotene capsules and tamoxifen resulted in a modest decrease in plasma tamoxifen concentrations, possibly through an induction of cytochrome P450 3A4.

Vitamin A: Bexarotene is a member of the retinoids. Limit vitamin A supplements to avoid potential additive toxic effects (up to 15,000 IU/day).

What are the Side Effects of Bexarotene -

Like other medicines, Bexarotene can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Bexarotene include

* Headache, asthenia (oral).

* Photosensitivity; rash, dry skin, exfoliative dermatitis, alopecia (oral); pruritus, pain, skin disorder (topical).

* Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, hyperbilirubinemia, elevated LFTs (oral).

* Fetal malformation; developmental abnormality; developmental mortality.

* Hyperlipidemia, hypercholesteremia (oral).

* Infection, flu-like symptom, fever, chills (oral).

Warnings and precautions before taking Bexarotene :

* Contraindication in pregnancy.Teratogenicity has been reported when administered orally to pregnant rats.

* Instruct patient before using Bexarotene to report the following symptoms to health care provider: dizziness, nausea, hypotension, urinary frequency, retention, painful urination, headache, seizures, weakness.

* Advise women before using Bexarotene of childbearing potential to avoid becoming pregnant when taking bexarotene. Effective contraception must be used for 1 mo prior to the initiation of therapy, during therapy, and for 1 mo following discontinuation of therapy; it is recommended that 2 reliable forms of contraception be used simultaneously unless abstinence is the chosen method.

* Advise patients before using Bexarotene to limit vitamin A supplements to avoid potential additive effects.

* Advise patients before using Bexarotene to minimize exposure to sunlight and artificial UV light.

* Instruct patients to avoid using insect repellents that contain DEET.

What if Overdose of Bexarotene ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Bexarotene , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Temporary elevation of BUN, GI irritation, lethargy progressing to coma with minimal depression of respiration and CV function and without significant serum electrolyte changes or dehydration

are may be the overdose symptoms of Bexarotene .

What if Missed Dose of Bexarotene ?

If you miss a dose of Bexarotene medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Bexarotene :

Store Bexarotene at 2° to 25°C (36° to 77°F). Avoid exposing to high temperatures and humidity after the bottle is opened. Protect from light.

By: ashu