Your doctor may have prescribed you a gel called Bexarotene to treat a certain type of skin cancer. It may also be called Targretin. Since this is a somewhat specialized medication, we'll talk about it simply and clearly today, how to use it, what to watch out for, and what side effects it can cause.
What is this medicine used for?
Simply put, this gel called Bexarotene is used to treat cancerous lumps or skin lesions. Specifically, it is given to a type of skin cancer called Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma . This is a cancer of the skin cells. What this gel does is control the growth of those cancer cells.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
It is very important for your doctor to know everything about you. So before starting this medication, be sure to tell him or her about the following:
- If you have allergies to Bexarotene, vitamin A, or other similar medications (retinoids).
- If you have any allergies to any other medicine, food, coloring, or preservative .
- If you are pregnant , or are expecting a baby . (This is a very important point, we will talk about this further).
- If you are breastfeeding your baby .
How exactly do you use this gel?
To get the most out of this medicine, it's essential to use it correctly. Let's see how.
1. This medicine should only be applied to areas with skin lesions .
2. Avoid contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, mouth, lips, vagina, tip of the penis, and anus.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the gel.
4. Apply the gel thoroughly so that it completely covers the wound. The correct method is to have the gel visible on the surface of the wound after application.
5. Do not rub on the healthy skin around the wound.
6. After applying, let it dry for about 5 to 10 minutes before getting dressed.
7. If you are applying the gel after bathing, you should wait about 20 minutes before applying it.
8. Avoid bathing, showering, or getting wet for at least 3 hours after applying the gel.
Important: If your child is prescribed this medicine, it may require special care, so talk to your pediatrician about it.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take your medicine on time, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Things to be especially careful about when using this medicine:
This part is very important. There are a few things we need to be very careful about when using this medicine.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid becoming pregnant while using this medicine, as it can cause serious harm to the unborn baby.
- If you are a woman of childbearing potential, you should take a pregnancy test one week before starting this treatment to make sure you are not pregnant. You should also take this test every month during treatment.
- You must use a highly effective form of birth control for one month before starting treatment and for one month after stopping treatment. Doctors recommend using two reliable forms of birth control at the same time . Talk to your doctor about this and find out which methods are best for you.
- Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine.
Advice for the male side
These tips are not just for women. If you are a man and you are taking this medicine, and your partner is pregnant, or could become pregnant, you should use a condom during sexual intercourse while you are taking this medicine and for one month after stopping.
Sensitivity to sunlight
This medication may make your skin very sensitive to sunlight. This means you may burn and become red quickly.
- Avoid the sun as much as possible.
- If you go outside, wear clothing that covers your skin and use a good sunscreen .
- Completely avoid exposure to artificial sunlight, such as sun lamps and tanning beds.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. Let's break them down.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. |
| Things to tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome | |
| Discomfort when applying the gel | Redness, itching, inflammation, and dryness and peeling of the skin. |
| Other common features | Headache, cough, swelling of the legs or ankles. |
If you experience any other side effects not mentioned in this list, seek medical advice about that as well.
What if I overdose on the medicine or have a reaction to something else?
If you think you have overdosed on this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Also, this medicine can react with some things.
- Insect repellents containing DEET .
- Other vitamins or supplements containing vitamin A.
Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Keep away from fire or excessive heat.
- Protect from moisture.
- Discard expired gel.
This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others.
Take-Home Message
- Bexarotene gel should only be applied to areas of skin that have lesions. Do not apply to healthy skin.
- Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine. This is very important. Talk to your doctor about two suitable methods of birth control.
- If the male partner is also taking this medication, they should use a condom during sexual intercourse.
- Minimize sun exposure as much as possible. Using sunscreen is a must.
- Don't forget to tell your doctor about all other medications and vitamins you take.
- If you develop an allergy to the medicine or symptoms of infection (fever, cough), tell your doctor immediately.
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