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Who should not use bexarotene topical (Targretin Topical)?

Do not use bexarotene topical without first talking to your doctor if you are allergic to other retinoids such as isotretinoin (Accutane), acitretin (Soriatane), etretinate (Tegison), or tretinoin (Vesinoid).

Before using bexarotene topical, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may not be able to use bexarotene topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

It is not known whether bexarotene topical passes into breast milk. Do not take bexarotene topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use bexarotene topical (Targretin Topical)?

Use bexarotene topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying this medication.

Apply enough gel to cover the affected area with a generous coating. Proper application should leave some gel visible on the surface of the lesion. Allow the gel to dry for 5 to 10 minutes before covering with clothing.

Do not use bandages, dressings, or other coverings, other than loose clothing, that block the flow of air to the treated area.

Do not apply bexarotene topical to unaffected skin. In addition, do not apply the gel near the eyes, mouth, nostrils, lips, vagina, tip of the penis, rectum, or anus. If you get medication on any of these areas, rinse it off with water.

Mild, non-deodorant soap is recommended for bathing or showering. Wait for 20 minutes after bathing or showering before applying bexarotene topical. Wait for at least 3 hours after applying bexarotene topical before bathing, showering, or swimming.

Bexarotene topical is initially applied once every other day for the first week. The application frequency is then usually increased at weekly intervals to once daily, then three times daily, and finally four times daily according to how well treatment is tolerated. If the affected area becomes irritated, the frequency of application can be reduced. If severe irritation occurs, application can be temporarily stopped for a few days until the irritation is reduced. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Avoid scratching the treated areas.

It may take many weeks of treatment to see the effects of this drug. Do not stop using bexarotene topical if you do not see results immediately. Treatment with bexarotene topical should continue for as long as beneficial effects are being obtained.

Store bexarotene topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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