Can you take Bexarotene with Take Action?
1 drug interaction and 29 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- bexarotene
- Take Action (levonorgestrel)
Drug interactions
Major drug interactions
Major:
levonorgestrel bexarotene
Applies to: Take Action (levonorgestrel) and bexarotene
Bexarotene may decrease the effectiveness of levonorgestrel. If you are using low-dose contraceptives, there is an increased risk of unintended pregnancy during combined therapy with bexarotene. Bexarotene is likely associated with major birth defects, it is particularly important that you do not become pregnant during treatment. Therefore, hormonal contraceptives should not be used as the sole method of birth control in women of childbearing potential treated with bexarotene. Alternative or additional methods of birth control should be used while taking bexarotene. If you take hormone replacement for menopause, notify your doctor if you have decreased efficacy of your hormones. You may notice symptoms of increased hot flashes, vaginal dryness or menstrual abnormalities. It is important that you tell your healthcare provider about all other medications that you are using including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using your medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
levonorgestrel Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: Take Action (levonorgestrel)
Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of certain medications such as levonorgestrel. You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with levonorgestrel. However, if you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with the medication, then it is advisable for you to talk with your doctor before changing the amounts of these products in your diet, as this may alter the effects of your medication. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. Orange juice is not expected to interact.
Moderate:
bexarotene Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: bexarotene
Food helps with the absorption of bexarotene from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood stream. You should take each dose the same time everyday with a meal. Avoid consuming large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment, since doing so may increase the blood levels of bexarotene. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about your medication. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Minor food/lifestyle interactions
Minor:
levonorgestrel Alcohol (Ethanol)
Applies to: Take Action (levonorgestrel)
Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.
Disease interactions
26 potential interactions Applies to: 23 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Depression, Migraine, and Underactive Thyroid.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Major:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a major potential interaction with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.
The use of contraceptives is contraindicated when there is an undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding. Adequate diagnostic measures should be undertaken to rule out the presence of any malignancy.
Asthma
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.
Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.
Breast Cancer
Major:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a major potential interaction with Breast Cancer.
The use of progestogens is considered by manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with existing or suspected malignancy of the breast. Some supportive data are available for medroxyprogesterone. Specifically, medroxyprogesterone treatment may be associated with breast cancer, primarily when the drug is administered intramuscularly. A pooled analysis of two case-control studies, one from the World Health Organization and the other from New Zealand, revealed a small overall relative risk of breast cancer in women who have ever used intramuscular medroxyprogesterone acetate. The relative risk was higher in the subgroup of women who had initiated therapy within the previous 5 years. Thus, an increased risk (approximately 2-fold) is associated with intramuscular medroxyprogesterone use in the first 5 years. A more recent U.S. study also found a statistically significant increase in breast cancer risk among recent users (defined as last use within the past five years) who used depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate for 12 months or longer.
Cataract
Moderate:
bexarotene
Bexarotene has a moderate potential interaction with Cataract.
The use of bexarotene may cause new cataracts or worsening of previous cataracts. It is recommended to monitor closely for the development of any visual difficulties and to have an appropriate ophthalmologic evaluation. Exercise caution when using this agent in patients with a history of cataracts.
Cerebral Vascular Disorder
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.
The use of levonorgestrel requires careful assessment and caution in conditions of arterial disease, including stroke and myocardial infarction, and also, in patients with increased blood pressure and coagulopathies.
Depression
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.
The use of oral contraceptives has been associated with an increased incidence of depression. It is uncertain whether this effect is related to the estrogenic or the progestogenic component of the contraceptive, although excess progesterone activity is associated with depression. Patients with a history of depression receiving estrogen and/or progestogen therapy should be followed closely. The manufacturer of medroxyprogesterone recommends monitoring patients who have a history of depression and to not re- administer medroxyprogesterone if depression recurs.
Diabetes Mellitus
Moderate:
bexarotene
Bexarotene has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
The use of bexarotene may cause hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. It is recommended to measure baseline blood glucose levels and to keep monitoring them closely during treatment. Exercise caution when using this agent in diabetic patients.
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Impaired glucose tolerance has been observed in some patients administered oral contraceptives and appears to be related primarily to the estrogen dose. However, progestogens can increase insulin secretion and produce insulin resistance to varying degrees, depending on the agent. Caution and close monitoring are recommended in patients with diabetes mellitus during therapy with estrogens and/or progestogens, and adjustments made accordingly in their antidiabetic regimen.
Fluid Retention
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with Fluid Retention.
Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.
Heart Failure
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.
Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.
Hepatic Tumor
Major:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a major potential interaction with Hepatic Tumor.
The use of oral contraceptives is contraindicated in patients with liver tumors. An increased risk of benign hepatic adenomas and hepatocellular carcinomas has been associated with long-term, oral estrogen- progestin contraceptive use of at least 4 years and 8 years, respectively. Although these tumors are rare and have not been reported with other types of estrogen or progestogen therapies, any preparation containing estrogens and/or progestogens should probably be avoided in patients with existing tumors of the liver. Hepatic hemangiomas and nodular hyperplasia of the liver have been reported with isolated estrogen therapy.
High Blood Pressure
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.
Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.
High Cholesterol
Moderate:
bexarotene
Bexarotene has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.
The use of bexarotene may cause elevations in lipids. It is recommended to monitor lipid levels closely and to obtain a fasting blood lipid reading at baseline and weekly until lipid response to the drug is established. Exercise caution when using this agent in patients with hyperlipidemia.
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.
Some progestogenic agents may elevate plasma LDL levels and/or lower HDL levels, although data have been inconsistent. Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during progestogen therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.
History, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with History, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.
The use of levonorgestrel requires careful assessment and caution in conditions of arterial disease, including stroke and myocardial infarction, and also, in patients with increased blood pressure and coagulopathies.
Liver Disease
Major:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.
The use of progestogens, in general, is contraindicated in patients with impaired hepatic function or liver disease. There are little or no data concerning the pharmacokinetic disposition of the different progestogens in patients with hepatic disease. However, most hormones, including progestational hormones, are known to be extensively metabolized by the liver. Medroxyprogesterone should not be used by women with significant liver disease and should be discontinued if jaundice or disturbances of liver function occur.
Moderate:
bexarotene
Bexarotene has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
In vitro studies suggest that cytochrome P450 3A4 is the major cytochrome P450 responsible for formation of the oxidative metabolites and that the oxidative metabolites may be glucuronidated. It is recommended to monitor for signs of toxicity due to increased drug exposure if bexarotene is used in patients with hepatic impairment as these patients are expected to have a decreased drug clearance.
Migraine
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with Migraine.
Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.
Neutropenia
Moderate:
bexarotene
Bexarotene has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.
The use of bexarotene causes neutropenia. Neutropenia is reversible after dose reduction or discontinuation of treatment. Care should be exercised in patients at risk. It is recommended to obtain complete blood counts at baseline and periodically during treatment.
Pancreatitis
Moderate:
bexarotene
Bexarotene has a moderate potential interaction with Pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis, including a fatal case, has occurred in patients receiving bexarotene. It is recommended to monitor for pancreatitis and to interrupt treatment if pancreatitis is suspected. Close monitoring is recommended in patients who have risk factors for pancreatitis, such as high alcohol consumption, uncontrolled diabetes or hyperlipidemia, and prior pancreatitis, as these patients might be at greater risk.
Renal Dysfunction
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.
Seizures
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.
Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.
Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.
The use of levonorgestrel requires careful assessment and caution in conditions of arterial disease, including stroke and myocardial infarction, and also, in patients with increased blood pressure and coagulopathies.
Thyroid Disease
Moderate:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a moderate potential interaction with Thyroid Disease.
When administering estrogen and/or progestogen therapy in patients with thyroid disorders, clinicians should be aware that these hormones may affect thyroid function tests. Patients on thyroid replacement therapy may require higher doses of thyroid hormone and appropriate monitoring. Changes have mostly been reported with the use of combination oral contraceptives. Specifically, thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) may be increased, resulting in elevated circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by PBI (protein-bound iodine), T4 by column or radioimmunoassay, or T3 by radioimmunoassay. Free T3 resin uptake may be decreased. On the contrary, a decrease in TBG and, consequently, thyroxine concentration, has been reported by the manufacturers of the progestin-only (norethindrone) oral contraceptives.
Underactive Thyroid
Moderate:
bexarotene
Bexarotene has a moderate potential interaction with Underactive Thyroid.
The use of bexarotene may cause hypothyroidism. It is recommended to consider thyroid hormone supplementation in patients with hypothyroidism, to obtain baseline thyroid function tests, and to closely monitor patients during treatment.
Weight Loss
Minor:
Take Action
The levonorgestrel in Take Action has a minor potential interaction with Weight Loss.
Progestogens can cause weight gain, which may be significant (as is the case with parenteral medroxyprogesterone) and undesirable in obese patients attempting to lose weight.
More resources
bexarotene
A total of 672 drugs are known to interact with bexarotene.
- Bexarotene is in the drug class miscellaneous antineoplastics.
- Bexarotene is used to treat Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma.
Take Action
A total of 277 drugs are known to interact with Take Action.
- Take action is in the drug class contraceptives.
- Take action is used to treat Emergency Contraception.
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.