Bexarotene is a retinoid indicated for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in patients who are refractory to at least one prior systemic therapy. MedsAcross supplies Bexarotene for export from India to licensed hospitals, importers and physicians acting for named patients, with the documents each country requires.
Information from the US FDA prescribing information, retrieved 12 November 2026. Not yet medically reviewed.How we review
From the regulator-approved product information. Each section names its source.
TARGRETIN ® (bexarotene) Capsules are indicated for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in patients who are refractory to at least one prior systemic therapy. TARGRETIN (bexarotene) is a retinoid indicated for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in patients who are refractory to at least one prior systemic therapy.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Bexarotene selectively binds and activates retinoid X receptor subtypes (RXRα, RXRß, RXRγ). RXRs can form heterodimers with various receptor partners such as retinoic acid receptors (RARs), vitamin D receptor, thyroid receptor, and peroxisome proliferator activator receptors (PPARs). Once activated, these receptors function as transcription factors that regulate the expression of genes that control cellular differentiation and proliferation. Bexarotene inhibits the growth in vitro of some tumor cell lines of hematopoietic and squamous cell origin. It also induces tumor regression in vivo in some animal models. The exact mechanism of action of bexarotene in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is unknown.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
The recommended initial dose of TARGRETIN is 300 mg/m 2 /day. TARGRETIN should be taken as a single oral daily dose with a meal. For precautions to prevent pregnancy and birth defects in women of child-bearing potential. Table 1: TARGRETIN Initial Dose Calculation According to Body Surface Area Initial Dose Level (300 mg/m 2 /day) Number of 75 mg TARGRETIN Capsules Body Surface Area (m 2 ) Total Daily Dose (mg/day) 0.88 – 1.12 300 4 1.13 – 1.37 375 5 1.38 – 1.62 450 6 1.63 – 1.87 525 7 1.88 – 2.12 600 8 2.13 – 2.37 675 9 2.38 – 2.62 750 10 Dose Modification Guidelines: The 300 mg/m 2 /day dose level of TARGRETIN may be adjusted to 200 mg/m 2 /day then to 100 mg/m 2 /day, or temporarily suspended, if necessitated by toxicity. When toxicity is controlled, doses may be carefully readjusted upward.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
• Pregnancy (Boxed Warning, 4.1 ) • Known hypersensitivity to bexarotene Pregnancy TARGRETIN can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female. TARGRETIN is a member of the retinoid class of drugs that is associated with birth defects in humans and is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. Bexarotene was also teratogenic and caused developmental mortality when administered orally to pregnant rats. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be advised of the potential risk to a fetus.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Boxed warning (birth defects targretin): is a member of the retinoid class of drugs that is associated with birth defects in humans. Bexarotene also caused birth defects when administered orally to pregnant rats. TARGRETIN must not be administered to a pregnant woman. WARNING: BIRTH DEFECTS TARGRETIN is a member of the retinoid class of drugs that is associated with birth defects in humans. • Hyperlipidemia: TARGRETIN causes elevations in blood lipids. Obtain baseline values, monitor, and manage elevations during therapy by dose reduction, interruption, discontinuation and/or lipid lowering therapy. • Pancreatitis: Interrupt TARGRETIN and evaluate if suspected. • Hepatotoxicity, Cholestasis, and Hepatic Failure: Interrupt or discontinue TARGRETIN and evaluate if liver chemistry tests exceed three times the upper limit of normal values.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the prescribing information: • Hyperlipidemia • Pancreatitis • Hepatotoxicity, Cholestasis, and Hepatic Failure • Hypothyroidism • Neutropenia • Cataracts • Vitamin A Supplementation Hazard • Hypoglycemia Risk in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus • Photosensitivity • Laboratory Tests • Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions The most common adverse reactions (greater than 10%) include: hyperlipidemia, hypercholesteremia, headache, hypothyroidism, asthenia, leukopenia, rash, nausea, infection, peripheral edema, abdominal pain, and dry skin.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Effect of Other Drugs on TARGRETIN Gemfibrozil: Concomitant administration of TARGRETIN and gemfibrozil resulted in increases in plasma concentrations of bexarotene. Concomitant administration of gemfibrozil with TARGRETIN is not recommended. Effect of TARGRETIN on Other Drugs TARGRETIN may be an inducer for the CYP3A4 enzymes, and may reduce plasma concentrations of other substrates metabolized by CYP3A4. Drug products which may be affected include oral or other systemic hormonal contraceptives. Thus, if treatment with TARGRETIN is intended for a female with reproductive potential, it is strongly recommended that a non-hormonal contraception be considered. Laboratory Test Interference CA125 assay values in patients with ovarian cancer may be increased by TARGRETIN therapy.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Store at 2° to 25°C (36° to 77°F). Protect from light.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
For healthcare professionals and buyers. This is not medical advice. Treatment decisions belong to the prescriber.
4 presentations of Bexarotene, sorted by availability.
| Medicine | Manufacturer | Register | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bexarotene 75 mg capsuleOralGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Bexarotene 1% gelTopicalGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Targretin 1% gelTopical | Bausch Health | US FDA | Available on request |
| Targretin 75 mg capsuleOral | Bausch Health | US FDA | Available on request |
1 brand names across 1 markets.
United States
Approval facts from US FDA, EMA and CDSCO data, and registration status by country where we hold register data.
Conditions linked to Bexarotene in public data. This is not a list of approved uses, see the clinical information.
Yes, on request. MedsAcross lists 4 presentations of Bexarotene and sources them for licensed hospitals, importers and physicians against valid import documents.
The catalogue lists 1 brand names for Bexarotene, including Targretin.
Yes. The US FDA first approved Bexarotene on 29 December 1999, according to Drugs@FDA.
Yes. Bexarotene has a central EU marketing authorisation (status: authorised), according to European Medicines Agency data.
No listed presentation of Bexarotene is recorded as needing a cold chain. Storage conditions are shown on each presentation page.
Bexarotene is classified under ATC code L01XF03 (Bexarotene).
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