COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xeloda
GENERIC NAME(S): CAPECITABINE
Description: Capecitabine, a prodrug converted to fluorouracil, slows down or stops the growth of certain cancer cells by interfering the DNA replication.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xeloda
GENERIC NAME(S): CAPECITABINE
Description: Capecitabine, a prodrug converted to fluorouracil, slows down or stops the growth of certain cancer cells by interfering the DNA replication.
Capecitabine, taken alone or with other treatments/medications, treats certain types of cancer (e.g., of the breast, colon, rectum) by slowing or stopping cancer cell growth and by decreasing tumor size.
How to use capecitabine
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking capecitabine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily in the morning and evening or as directed by your doctor. It is best to take this with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) within 30 minutes after the end of a meal. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or split the tablets. Capecitabine is usually taken every day for 2 weeks, then stopped for 1 week. This course of treatment may be repeated as directed by your doctor.
If you take any antacid products that contain aluminum or magnesium, take capecitabine 2 hours before or after taking any antacids because these products may change the way your body absorbs capecitabine.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to therapy. You may be taking a combination of different tablet sizes. Pay close attention to your dose and tablet sizes to avoid over- or under-dosing.
Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed without your doctor’s approval. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may increase.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.
Capecitabine may interact with “blood thinners” (anticoagulants such as warfarin or phenprocoumon) and cause serious, rarely fatal bleeding.
If you are using an anticoagulant, your laboratory tests (INR/PT) will be closely monitored.
Notify your doctor if any of these effects continue or worsen:
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.
Temporary nail changes may occur, which may rarely include fungal infections in the nail beds.
Diarrhea is a common side effect of this medication.
Stop taking capecitabine and tell your doctor immediately if you have severe nausea/vomiting (vomiting 2 or more times per day, inability to eat or keep food/fluids in your stomach) or painful redness/swelling/sores in mouth or throat.
Treatment with capecitabine may sometimes cause your hands/feet to develop a skin reaction called hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia).
This medication can lower your ability to fight an infection.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
Get medical help right away if you have chest/jaw/left arm pain or fainting.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.
Interactions
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
This medication may affect how other drugs work. Examples of affected drugs include:
Do not use medications containing fluorouracil while using capecitabine.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Notes: Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., bilirubin levels, complete blood counts, kidney and liver function tests) should be performed regularly to monitor your progress and check for side effects.
Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, do not take the missed dose and do not double the next dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule and check with your doctor.
Storage: Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Brands
Available brands
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