Targretin

Be fully familiar with this drug's toxicity before use. Pancreatitis or risk of pancreatitis (eg, history of pancreatitis, uncontrolled hyperlipidemia, excess alcohol consumption, uncontrolled diabetes, biliary tract disease, drugs that can cause pancreatitis). Counsel patients monthly about need for contraception. Females of reproductive potential: obtain reliable negative pregnancy test within 1 week of start; repeat monthly. Start therapy on 2^nd or 3^rd day of normal menstrual period. Use two effective forms of contraception 1 month prior to, during, and for 1 month after therapy. Max 1 month/℞. Males with partners who are or may become pregnant: use condoms during and for at least 1 month after therapy. Monitor lipids before treatment, weekly until stable, then every 8 weeks; try to keep triglycerides <400mg/dL; treat hyperlipidemia, or reduce or suspend bexarotene if needed. Hepatic or renal impairment. Monitor liver function at baseline, 1, 2, and 4 weeks after start, then (if stable) at least every 8 weeks during therapy; consider suspending or discontinuing treatment if SGOT/AST, SGPT/ALT, or bilirubin >3xULN occurs. Monitor WBC with differential and thyroid function at baseline and during treatment; treat hypothyroidism if needed. Avoid sun and UV light. Nursing mothers: not recommended.