Bexarotene (Targretin)

Bexarotene is a type of cancer drug called a retinoid. It is also known as Targretin. 

It is a treatment for advanced skin lymphomas called cutaneous T cell lymphomas. These include mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome.

You pronounced bexarotene as becks-a-roh-teen.

How do you take bexarotene?

Bexarotene is a capsule. You take the capsules once a day. The number of capsules you take each day depends on your individual needs.

Swallow the capsules whole (do not chew) with plenty of water. You take them with food or immediately after eating. Don't take bexarotene on an empty stomach.

Taking capsules

Whether you have a full or empty stomach can affect how much of a drug gets into your bloodstream.

You should take the right dose, not more or less.

Talk to your healthcare team before you stop taking a cancer drug, or if you have missed a dose.

How often do you have bexarotene?

You usually continue taking bexarotene for as long as the treatment works.

What are the side effects of bexarotene?

Side effects can vary from person to person. They also depend on what other treatment you are having. 

When to contact your team

Your doctor, pharmacist or nurse will go through the possible side effects. They will monitor you closely during treatment and check how you are at your appointments. Contact your advice line as soon as possible if:

• you have severe side effects

• your side effects aren’t getting any better

• your side effects are getting worse

• the side effects are affecting your daily life

Early treatment can help manage side effects better. 

We haven't listed all the side effects here. Talk to your healthcare team if you have any new symptoms that you think might be a side effect of your treatment.

Remember it is very unlikely that you will have all of these side effects, but you might have some of them at the same time.

Common side effects

These side effects happen in more than 10 in 100 people (more than 10%). You might have one or more of them. They include:

Increases risk of infection

Increased risk of getting an infection is due to a drop in white blood cells. Symptoms include a change in temperature, aching muscles, cough, headaches, feeling cold and shivery, pain or a burning feeling when peeing, or generally feeling unwell. You might have other symptoms depending on where the infection is.

Infections can sometimes be life threatening. You should contact your advice line urgently if you think you have an infection. 

Low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism)

The level of your thyroid hormones may drop (hypothyroidism). You may feel tired or cold, gain weight, feel sad or depressed, or your voice may deepen. You will have regular blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels.

Changes to the level of fats in the blood

This drug raises the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. You will have regular blood tests to check this.

Skin reactions

This can include itching, rash, redness, irritation and peeling. Contact your health advice line or tell your healthcare team. 

Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight

Don’t use sunbeds or sit in the sun. You should cover up and wear a hat if you are out in the sunshine. You should also wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 or higher.

Pain in the muscles and joints

You might feel some pain from your muscles and joints. Speak to your doctor or nurse about what painkillers you can take to help with this.

Headache

Tell your healthcare team if you keep getting headaches. They can give you painkillers to help.

Tiredness and weakness (fatigue)

Tiredness and weakness (fatigue) can happen during and after treatment. Doing gentle exercises each day can keep your energy up. Don't push yourself, rest when you start to feel tired and ask others for help.

Occasional side effects

These side effects happen in between 1 and 10 out of every 100 people (between 1 and 10%). You might have one or more of them. They include:

• swelling of the lymph nodes or feeling like your lymphoma is getting worse

• a drop in red blood cells causing paleness and tiredness

• weight gain

• changes to how your liver and kidneys work

• low levels of sodium in the blood

• reduced sense of touch and numbness

• dizziness

• difficulty sleeping

• eye problems including dry eyes, irritation and heaviness

• swelling of the arms and legs

• feeling or being sick

• diarrhoea or constipation, wind (flatulence)

• loss of appetite and weight loss

• dry mouth

• skin problems such as ulcers, nodules, acne, dryness and abnormal skin growth

• swollen lips

• increased sweating

• pain in the bones or tummy (abdomen)

• chills

• an allergic reaction

• changes to your hormone levels

• hair loss

Rare side effects

These side effects happen in fewer than 1 in 100 people (fewer than 1%). You might have one or more of them. They include:

• problems with your blood clotting causing red or purple coloured areas on the skin (purpura)

• an increase or decrease of platelets in the blood

• changes to the number of white cells in your blood (cells that fight infection)

• gout

• problems with coordination, balance and speech

• nerve pain

• depression

• agitation

• cataracts

• inflammation of the eyes and eyelids, infection of the eyes (conjunctivitis) or lazy eye

• changes to your eyesight (vision)

• ear problems

• a fast heart rate (tachycardia)

• high blood pressure (hypertension)

• swelling

• varicose veins

• inflammation of the pancreas

• liver failure

• problems with your stomach, gut and bowels (digestive system)

• an excess amount of fluid draining from an opening in the body such as a wound

• herpes simplex infection

• skin and nail changes (which can include colour)

• skin infection such as cellulitis

• back pain

• protein in the urine

• problems with the lining of your mouth, nose throat and gut (ulcers)

• another cancer

• high temperature (fever)

• weakness in the muscles in the eyes, face and other muscles

• mental health changes and mood disturbances

What else should I know?

Other medicines, food and drink

Cancer drugs can interact with medicines, herbal products, and some food and drinks. We are unable to list all the possible interactions that may happen. An example is grapefruit or grapefruit juice which can increase the side effects of certain drugs.

Tell your healthcare team about any medicines you are taking. This includes vitamins, herbal supplements and over the counter remedies. Also let them know about any other medical conditions or allergies you may have.

Loss of fertility

It is not known whether this treatment affects ​fertility​ in people. Talk to your doctor before starting treatment if you think you may want to have a baby in the future.

Pregnancy and contraception

This drug may harm a baby developing in the womb. It is important not to become pregnant or get someone pregnant while you are having treatment with this drug and for at least a month afterwards.

Talk to your doctor or nurse about effective contraception before starting treatment. Let them know straight away if you or your partner become pregnant while having treatment.

Breastfeeding

Don’t breastfeed during this treatment because the drug may come through into your breast milk.

Treatment for other conditions

If you are having tests or treatment for anything else, always mention your cancer treatment. For example, if you are visiting your dentist.

Immunisation

Don’t have immunisations with live vaccines while you’re having treatment and for up to 12 months afterwards. The length of time depends on the treatment you are having.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long you should avoid live vaccinations.

In the UK, live vaccines include rubella, mumps, measles, BCG, and yellow fever.

You can usually have:

• other vaccines, but they might not give you as much protection as usual

• the flu vaccine (as an injection)

• the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best time to have a vaccine in relation to your cancer treatment.

Contact with others who have had immunisations 

You can be in contact with other people who have had live vaccines as injections. If someone has had a live vaccine by mouth or nasal spray there may be a small risk the vaccine virus can be passed onto you if your ​immune system​ is weakened.

Your healthcare team will let you know if you need to take any precautions if you are in close contact with someone who has had a live vaccine.

Read more about immunisations and cancer treatment