This medication can cause severe birth defects if used during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant must not use bexarotene. If pregnancy occurs, notify your doctor right away. You should have a pregnancy test and birth control counseling from your doctor before you start treatment with bexarotene and every month while you are taking the medication. Use 2 effective forms of birth control together (or completely avoid sexual intercourse) starting 1 month before treatment starts, during treatment, and for 1 month after you stop. One of your forms of birth control should be non-hormonal (for example, a barrier method such as condoms/cervical cap/diaphragm, copper coil IUD, or spermicide). Males taking this medication should use a condom during sexual activity with a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant, continuing until 1 month after their last dose.

Pain, redness, irritation, itching, or flaking of the skin may occur at the application site. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Bexarotene can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: insect repellents that contain DEET, vitamins/supplements that contain vitamin A.