Who Should Take Targretin Capsules
Targretin capsules are available by prescription only. Your doctor will determine if it’s right for you.
In clinical studies, Targretin capsules were proven effective in people who had stopped responding to at least one other systemic treatment for CTCL. Targretin capsules were effective in all stages of CTCL. They were effective in patients who had red, itchy patches, raised areas called plaques, and tumors.
Who should not take Targretin capsules
Do not take Targretin capsules if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant.
- Targretin capsules may harm your fetus (unborn baby). You should contact your doctor immediately if you believe or suspect you are pregnant while you are taking Targretin capsules and until one month after you stop taking Targretin capsules.
- If you are capable of becoming pregnant, you must have a pregnancy test within one week before you start Targretin capsule therapy and monthly while you are taking, confirming you are not pregnant.
- You must use effective contraception (birth control) continuously starting one month before beginning treatment with Targretin capsules until one month after you stop taking Targretin capsules. It is strongly recommended that two reliable forms of contraception be used together. At least one of these two forms of contraception should include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, IUDs, or spermicides.
- If you are male and your partner is pregnant or capable of becoming pregnant, you should discuss with your doctor the precautions you should take.
Do not take Targretin capsules if you are allergic to this medication. If you have any of the following conditions, make sure you have discussed them with your doctor before you start to take this medication:
- You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
- Your spouse is or can become pregnant
- You have previously had an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)
- You are breast-feeding
- You are taking gemfibrozil (Lopid®)*
- You are taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex®)*
Things to tell your doctor
You are allergic to retinoid medications (for example: Accutane® [isotretinoin], Soriatane® [acitretin], Tegison® [etretinate], and Vesanoid® [tretinoin])*
- You have or ever had high triglyceride (a fatty substance) levels in your blood
- You have diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)
- You have a history of or currently have gallbladder disease or liver disease
- You regularly drink more than a small amount of alcohol
- You are currently taking any prescription medication, especially for fungal infections, bacterial infections, or seizures
- You eat a lot of grapefruit or drink a lot of grapefruit juice
