Who Should Use Targretin gel
Targretin gel is available by prescription only. Your doctor will determine if it’s right for you.
In clinical studies, Targretin gel was proven effective in people who had stopped responding to at least one other treatment for CTCL. Targretin gel was effective in patients who had red, itchy patches, and raised areas called plaques.
What are the most important things I should know about Targretin gel?
Do not use Targretin gel if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant.
- Targretin gel may harm your fetus (unborn baby). You should contact your doctor immediately if you believe or suspect you are pregnant while you are using Targretin gel and until one month after you stop using Targretin gel.
- If you are capable of becoming pregnant, you must have a pregnancy test within one week before you start Targretin gel therapy and monthly while you are using Targretin gel, confirming you are not pregnant.
- You must use effective contraception (birth control) continuously starting one month before beginning treatment with Targretin gel until one month after you stop using Targretin gel. It is recommended that two reliable forms of contraception be used together.
- 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 use Targretin gel if you are allergic to this medicine.
Do not use Targretin gel if you are pregnant or believe you may be pregnant.
If you have any of the following conditions, make sure you have discussed them with your doctor before you start to take this medicine.
- If you are breast feeding.
- If you are allergic to retinoid medications (for example: Accutane® [isotretinoin], Soriatane® [acitretin], Tegison® [etretinate], Vesinoid®[tretinoin]).*
When should you be extra careful while using Targretin gel?
- Because vitamin A in large doses may cause some side effects which are similar to those seen in patients applying Targretin gel, do not take more than the recommended daily dietary allowance of vitamin A (4000 to 5000 International Units). If you take vitamins, check the label to see how much vitamin A they contain. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight while using this medicine. Minimize exposure to sunlight, and do not use a sunlamp.
