Targretin – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, September 18, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Targretin is a drug used to treat a type of skin cancer called T-cell lymphoma in people whose disease could not be treated successfully with at least one other medication. This drug belongs to a group of medications known as retinoids. It works by inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Targretin comes as a capsule to be taken orally, usually once a day with food. Bexarotene is the generic name of Targretin.

Targretin should not be used by the following:

People allergic to Targretin
Pregnant or if you are a man and your sexual partner is pregnant
Breastfeeding

Targretin is not suitable for everyone. Tell your doctor if you have:

a thyroid problem
an allergy to any other retinoids, such as isotretinoin, tretinoin, acitretin, Accutane, Soriatane, and Vesanoid
diabetes
gallbladder disease
had pancreatitis
high cholesterol or triglycerides
if you drink too much alcohol
liver disease

Known side effects of Targretin

Taking Targretin while pregnant can cause the baby to be born with birth defects.

A person taking Targretin may have one or more of the following common side effects:

Changes in levels of fats in the blood
Fatigue or tiredness and weakness
Greater risk of getting an infection
Headaches
Low levels of blood sugar
Pain in the muscles and joints
Reduced levels of thyroid hormones
Sensitivity to sunlight
Skin rash

In some cases, Targretin may also cause the following side effects:

A dry mouth
Breathlessness and looking pale
Chills or a high temperature
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Dry eyes
Feeling or being sick
Kidney problems
Liver problems
Sleeping problems
Stomach pain
Thinning of hair
Trouble hearing

Although rare, Targretin may also cause:

Back pain
Bruising and bleeding
Higher levels of thyroid hormone
Mood changes
Sensitivity to touch

Body systems that may be harmed by Targretin

The body systems that may be harmed by Targretin include the metabolic, endocrine, hematologic, digestive, nervous, dermatologic, ocular, musculoskeletal, hepatic, and immune systems.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent Targretin’s side effects

The following food items may prevent low blood sugar, a common side effect of Targretin:

All-natural peanut butter with no added sugar
Applesauce
Bananas
Grapes
Honey or maple syrup
Medjool dates
Peanut butter and crackers
Pineapple
Pure grape juice
Raisins

Treatments, management plans for the Targretin’s side effects

The following are natural treatments for the side effects of Targretin:

Fatigue: Fatigue can be treated naturally with practicing graded exercise therapy, having good quality and quantity sleep, and having enough levels of vitamin D.
Headache: Some of the natural treatments for a headache include drinking water, taking magnesium, avoiding foods high in histamine, using essential oils like peppermint and lavender, and drinking ginger tea.
Muscle pain: Muscle pain can be treated naturally by having an Epsom salt bath, applying magnesium oil to the sore muscle, applying heat or cold compress, moving around and doing some stretches, drinking water, getting some sleep, drinking cherry juice, and having a warm bath with apple cider vinegar.

Where to learn more

Summary

Targretin is a drug used to treat a type of skin cancer called T-cell lymphoma in people whose disease could not be treated successfully with at least one other medication.

Targretin can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Targretin commonly causes changes in levels of fats in the blood, fatigue, increased risk of infection, headaches, low levels of blood sugar, muscle and joint pain, reduced levels of thyroid hormones, sensitivity to sunlight, and skin rash.

Sources include:

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