Bexarotene capsules

About bexarotene

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a condition where white blood cells, known as T cells, become cancerous and grow in an uncontrolled way. It generally affects the skin, causing patches of itchy, scaly or raised areas of skin.

Bexarotene works by slowing the growth of the cancer cells. It is prescribed if other treatments have been tried but have not been found to be sufficiently effective.

Before taking bexarotene

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking bexarotene it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have an infection or feel particularly unwell.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have a lipid disorder (such as high cholesterol or triglycerides).

• If you have an underactive thyroid gland.

• If you have ever had inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

• If you have been told by a doctor that the level of vitamin A in your body is too high.

• If you have ever suffered from depression.

• If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take bexarotene

• Before you start the treatment, read any printed information you have been given by your doctor and the printed manufacturer's leaflet from inside the pack of capsules. These will give you more information about bexarotene and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Bexarotene will be prescribed for you by a specialist doctor who is experienced in treating your condition. Your dose will be calculated from your weight and height, so it is important that you take the capsules exactly as your doctor tells you to. You will be asked to take one dose each day. You will be told how many capsules to take for each dose - typical doses range from 4 to 10 capsules. Your daily dose will be printed on the label of the pack of capsules to remind you about what the doctor said to you.

• Try to take bexarotene capsules at the same time of day each day, as this will help you to remember to take your doses regularly. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water at a mealtime. Do not chew or open the capsules.

• If you forget to take a dose, you can take it with your next meal, providing it is on the same day. Do not take two doses on the following day to make up for a missed dose.
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• You must try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor or hospital. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. You will need to have regular blood tests and check-ups during your treatment with bexarotene.

• It is important that you do not get pregnant or father a child while you are taking bexarotene, and for at least a month afterwards. Make sure you have discussed with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner. Many anti-cancer treatments are associated with reduced fertility (particularly in men), so you may also want to ask your doctor for family planning advice if you would like to have children in the future.

• While you are taking bexarotene do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your specialist doctor first. Bexarotene can lower your body's resistance and there is a risk that you will get an infection from some vaccines.

• Continue to take the capsules unless you are told otherwise. You may require treatment with bexarotene for several months.

• If you have difficulty with your eyesight while you are taking bexarotene, please let your doctor know. This is so arrangements can be made for you to have an eye examination.

• It is theoretically possible that drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice could increase the levels of bexarotene in your body. This is because a chemical in grapefruit juice increases the amount of bexarotene in your bloodstream. This could make side-effects more likely.

• Retinoid medicines like bexarotene can cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than normal. Until you know how your skin reacts, use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF) in bright sunlight. Do not use sunbeds.

• If you buy any medicines (particularly vitamin supplements), check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with bexarotene. This is because bexarotene is related to vitamin A and you should limit the amount of vitamin supplements you take.

Can bexarotene cause problems?

Medicines used to treat cancer can have a number of side-effects, some of which can be delayed for several days or weeks after taking the medicine. Most chemotherapy medicines can lower the number of white cells in your blood, which increases the risk of you getting an infection. While you are taking bexarotene you should take precautions to reduce the risk of getting an infection - you can do this by avoiding being with people who you know have an infection. If you think you are getting a sore throat or if you have a high temperature, please let your doctor know as soon as possible so that you can get some treatment straightaway.

Your doctor will discuss with you the possibility of unwanted side-effects from your treatment. The table below contains some of the most common side-effects associated with bexarotene, although not everyone experiences these. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your capsules. Please let your doctor know if you experience any of the following:

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store bexarotene

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines