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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Bexarotene?
3. Do You Need a Prescription for Bexarotene?
4. How Does Bexarotene Work?
5. Common Side Effects of Bexarotene
6. What Should You Not Take with Bexarotene?
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Bexarotene is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of skin cancer. It is a retinoid, which means it is related to vitamin A. It is used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a type of cancer that affects the skin. It is available in capsule form and is taken orally. In this article, we will discuss what bexarotene is, whether you need a prescription for it, how it works, common side effects, and what you should not take with it.

What is Bexarotene?

Bexarotene is a prescription medication used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a type of cancer that affects the skin. It belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids, which are related to vitamin A. It is available in capsule form and is taken orally. It is used to treat CTCL in adults who have not responded to other treatments. It works by targeting and killing cancer cells.

Do You Need a Prescription for Bexarotene?

Yes, you need a prescription from your doctor to get bexarotene. It is a prescription medication and should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

How Does Bexarotene Work?

Bexarotene works by targeting and killing cancer cells. It works by binding to a protein called retinoid X receptor (RXR). This protein is found in cancer cells and helps them to grow and divide. When bexarotene binds to RXR, it blocks the protein from working and this stops the cancer cells from growing and dividing.

Common Side Effects of Bexarotene

Common side effects of bexarotene include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, and skin rash. Other side effects may include hair loss, joint pain, and changes in blood sugar levels. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor right away.

What Should You Not Take with Bexarotene?

You should not take bexarotene with certain medications, including antifungal medications, antibiotics, and certain cholesterol-lowering medications. You should also avoid taking bexarotene with alcohol. Talk to your doctor before taking any medications while taking bexarotene.

Conclusion

Bexarotene is a prescription medication used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a type of cancer that affects the skin. It is a retinoid, which means it is related to vitamin A. It is available in capsule form and is taken orally. You need a prescription from your doctor to get bexarotene. It works by targeting and killing cancer cells. Common side effects of bexarotene include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, and skin rash. You should not take bexarotene with certain medications, including antifungal medications, antibiotics, and certain cholesterol-lowering medications. You should also avoid taking bexarotene with alcohol. Talk to your doctor before taking any medications while taking bexarotene.

Sources:

1. National Cancer Institute. (2021). Bexarotene. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/bexarotene

2. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). Bexarotene. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605020.html