Adult Dosing
Refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Initial dose: 300 mg/m2/day with meals
- 0.88-1.12 m2 BSA: 300 mg PO daily
- 1.13-1.37 m2 BSA: 375 mg PO daily
- 1.38-1.62 m2 BSA: 450 mg PO daily
- 1.63-1.87 m2 BSA: 525 mg PO daily
- 1.88-2.12 m2 BSA: 600 mg PO daily
- 2.13-2.37 m2 BSA: 675 mg PO daily
- 2.38-2.62 m2 BSA: 750 mg PO daily
Note:
- In case of toxicity, dose can be decreased to 200 mg/m2 PO daily, then to 100 mg/m2 PO daily or withheld temporarily. Resume 300 mg/m2 PO daily when toxicity is controlled; may increase to 400 mg/m2 PO daily, if 300 mg/m2 dose is tolerated but no response after 8 wks
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established
[Outline]
See Supplemental Patient Information
- Bexarotene therapy is associated with human birth defects; perform a pregnancy test 1 wk before starting therapy in women. In all women of childbearing age, initiate 2 forms of effective contraception (one non hormonal) 1 month before starting therapy, during therapy, and for 1 month after bexarotene discontinuation. Repeat pregnancy test monthly and reinforce contraceptive counseling. For men with partners of childbearing potential, recommend condom use during therapy and for 1 month after discontinuation
- Bexarotene therapy can cause major lipid abnormalities; monitor fasting lipid levels at baseline, then weekly until lipid response to therapy is determined (usually within 2-4 wks), then every 8 weeks thereafter. If fasting triglyceride levels are elevated during the therapy institute antilipidimic therapy or if necessary discontinue or decrease the dose of bexarotene
- Acute pancreatitis associated with marked elevations of fasting serum triglycerides has been reported in patients on bexarotene therapy. Patients at risk of pancreatitis should not be treated with bexarotene
- Bexarotene therapy can cause elevations in liver function tests. Monitor LFTs at baseline, at week 1, 2, and 4, then if stable every 8 weeks thereafter; discontinuation or suspension of drug should be considered if test results reach greater than three times the upper limit of normal values for SGOT/AST, SGPT/ALT, or bilirubin
- Clinical hypothyroidism has been reported with bexarotene. Perform thyroid function test at baseline and during the therapy, thyroid hormone supplements treatment should be considered in patients with laboratory evidence of hypothyroidism
- Leukopenia and neutropenia rarely associated with severe sequelae or serious adverse events has been reported with bexarotene therapy. It resolved within 30 days after dose reduction or discontinuation of treatment. Determine WBC with differential count at baseline, then periodically
- New cataracts or worsening of previous cataracts was observed with bexarotene. Ophthalmologic evaluation should be considered in patient receiving bexarotene who experience visual difficulties
- Advise patients to limit vitamin A intake to up to 15,000 units/day to avoid potential additive toxic effects
- Bexarotene could enhance the action of insulin, agents enhancing insulin secretion(e.g., sulfonylureas), or insulin-sensitizers (e.g., troglitazone), use cautiously in patients using these agents
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- Hepatic impairment
- Diabetes mellitus
- Thyroid disorder
- Hyperlipidemia
- History of pancreatitis
- History of biliary disease
Supplemental Patient Information
- Patients should be advised to minimize exposure to direct sunlight and artificial ultraviolet light while receiving bexarotene, it is a potential photosensitizing agent that can cause sunburn and skin sensitivity to sunlight
Pregnancy Category:X
Breastfeeding: Unsafe; As per manufacturer data due to the potential for possible serious adverse reactions in nursing infants a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pricing data from www.DrugStore.com in U.S.A.
- Targretin 75 MG CAPS [Bottle] (EISAI)
30 mg = $1280.04
90 mg = $3659.82
Warning: This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.
Drug Name: Targretin 75 MG Oral Capsule
Ingredient(s): Bexarotene
Imprint: Targretin
Color(s): White
Shape: Oval
Size (mm): 19.00
Score: 1
Inactive Ingredient(s): polyethylene glycol 400 / polysorbate 20 / povidone / butylated hydroxyanisole / gelatin / sorbitol special-glycerin blend / titanium dioxide
Drug Label Author:
Cardinal Health
DEA Schedule:
Non-Scheduled
Drug Name: Targretin 75 MG Oral Capsule
Ingredient(s): Bexarotene
Imprint: Targretin
Color(s): White
Shape: Capsule
Size (mm): 20.00
Score: 1
Inactive Ingredient(s): polyethylene glycol 400 / polysorbate 20 / povidone / butylated hydroxyanisole / gelatin / titanium dioxide
Drug Label Author:
Eisai Inc.
DEA Schedule:
Non-Scheduled
