bexarotene at a glance
Medicine class
Retinoid X receptor-selective antineoplastic treatment
Licensed use
Advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma affecting the skin after inadequate response to systemic treatment
Administration
Take with a meal and swallow the soft capsules whole without chewing
Key monitoring
Blood fats, thyroid function, liver function and blood counts require regular checks
What is bexarotene used for?
Bexarotene is licensed for:
Skin manifestations of advanced-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in adults whose disease is refractory to at least one systemic treatment.
How does bexarotene work?
Bexarotene selectively activates retinoid X receptors, which regulate genes involved in cell growth, maturation and programmed cell death. It can inhibit some tumour-cell growth, although its exact therapeutic mechanism is not fully established.
bexarotene preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 75 mg
How to take bexarotene
Follow your specialist team's instructions.
Take the capsules with or immediately after a meal.
Swallow them intact; do not chew, crush or open them.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice because they may increase bexarotene exposure.
Do not stop treatment without discussing it with your specialist team.
bexarotene side effects
Common or expected effects
- Raised triglycerides or cholesterol
- Reduced thyroid hormone levels
- Low white blood cell count
- Headache, tiredness or pain
- Itching, rash, redness or peeling skin
- Nausea, diarrhoea or constipation
- Dry eyes, skin or mouth
- Muscle, joint or bone aches
Get urgent medical advice
- Fever, chills or other signs of infection associated with a low white blood cell count
- Severe abdominal pain or vomiting suggesting pancreatitis
- Jaundice or other signs of significant liver injury
- New or worsening depression, major mood changes or suicidal thoughts
- New visual difficulty requiring clinical assessment
bexarotene in pregnancy
Bexarotene has a high risk of harming a developing baby and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Pregnancy testing and effective contraception precautions are required. Hormonal contraception may be less reliable, so a non-hormonal method is also recommended. Contact your specialist team immediately if pregnancy occurs or is suspected, without stopping treatment independently.
bexarotene while breastfeeding
Bexarotene is contraindicated during breastfeeding. It is unknown whether it enters human milk; specialist advice is required about feeding alternatives.
bexarotene interactions
Check all prescribed, non-prescribed and complementary products with your specialist pharmacist or prescriber.
Gemfibrozil
Substantially increases bexarotene concentrations and is not recommended with it.
CYP3A4 inhibitors, including clarithromycin, erythromycin, ketoconazole and itraconazole
May increase bexarotene exposure and adverse effects.
CYP3A4 inducers, including rifampicin, phenytoin and phenobarbital
May reduce bexarotene exposure and therapeutic effect.
Common questions about bexarotene
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is bexarotene a type of chemotherapy?
It is an anti-cancer retinoid that targets retinoid X receptors rather than a conventional DNA-damaging cytotoxic treatment.
Why must bexarotene be taken with food?
Food increases and stabilises absorption; evidence supporting its use was generated when capsules were taken with food.
Can the capsules be opened or chewed?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.