Bexaratene

Bexaratene goes with the generic name of Targretin and is used as anti-cancer drug. It’s classified under the retinoid.

This drug is used cutaneousT-cell lymphoma where patients have undergone treatment and have not responded to any other previous treatment.

How is Bexarotene administered?

This drug comes in the form of a capsule and is taken orally with meal once in a day. Though the amount that you need to receive depends upon other factors like height, weight, and your body ailments and in general you’re overall body structure and the type and stage of cancer along with your present body conditions. The time and schedule also depends upon the above mentioned reasons.

What are the side effects associated with this drug?

Though there are no side effects as such but then it has been noticed that there are certain side effects that start at the onset of the treatment and continues till the end of the treatment cycle. These side effects are reversible and there are ways and means to minimize the side effects. The higher the dose the more severe are the side effects.

Some of the common side effects are headaches, increase in the lipid level in the blood, weakness, rashes, low thyroid, nausea, infection, abdominal pains, decrease in the blood count, worsening of the cataracts etc.

You need to consult your doctor immediately if the below mentioned signs and symptoms persists for more than 24 hrs. Persisting fevers, chills, headaches, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, swelling in the hands and feet, weakness, vision problem, etc.

Certain precautionary methods

Before you start the treatment you need to inform your doctor all about the medications that you are presently on which includes vitamin and herbal medications. Consult your doctor before taking any vaccination or immunization. Avoid conceiving as Bexarotene is harmful to the fetus, don’t breast feed your baby. Aspirin should be strictly avoided.

Self Help Tips: Taking this medication at the same time, avoiding certain juices like grapefruit, increase water intake, avoid crowded places as you are prone to infections, follow a nutritious diet, maintain a good hygiene, avoid exposure to direct sunlight, use protective gear when out in sun, avoid alcohol etc. You also need to get your blood tests done regularly to monitor the proper functioning of your internal organs especially the liver, kidney etc.

The working of this drug

Retinoids are closely associated with Vitamin A and help control the normal growth of the cells in the body. There are basically two retinoid nuclear receptors that are namely RAR or retinoic acid receptors and RXR or retinoid-X- receptors. These function differently on different body tissues.

Retinoids is a new anti- cancer drug that is used either as a single mode treatment or as a combination treatment to treat cancers of the skin, acute promyelocytic leukemia, breast cancer etc.

The side effects that are associated with retinoids are skin ailments like itching, peeling, apart from this there is an elevation in the liver enzymes; thyroid levels have shown a decrease etc. Taking vitamin A supplements along with retinoids have shown an increase in the increase of side effects so consult your doctor before you continue with your vitamin A supplements.