Capecitabine (Xeloda)

Class of Drugs: Antimetabolites-Antineoplastic Agents

Manufacturer: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. (Roche Laboratories Inc.)

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Description: This is an oral medication that is prescribed as tablets, usually taken twice a day within half an hour after eating. Capecitabine is administered in a 21-day cycle consisting of 14 days of therapy followed by a 7-day rest period.

Ingredient: Capecitabine.

Use: Capecitabine interferes with the growth of cancer cells. It is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and is resistant to both paclitaxel and an anthracycline-containing chemotherapy regimen or resistant to paclitaxel and for whom further anthracycline therapy is not indicated, e.g. patients who have received cumulative doses of 400 mg/m² of doxorubicin or doxorubicin equivalents.

Warnings:
Capecitabine tablets should be swallowed with water only.

Other medical problems may affect the use of capecitabine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems. If you have a history of heart disease the risk of a side effect that affects the heart may be increased. Any prior liver disease must be discussed with your doctor. The amount of capecitabine in the body, as well as the risk of liver damage, may be increased in patients with liver disease.

If you miss taking a dose of this medicine, do not take the missed dose. Never double the next one. Just go back to your regular schedule and inform your doctor.

Capecitabine can cause diarrhea, which may be severe.

Side Effects: STOP taking the medication and check with your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of an infection. These signs include cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination, sneezing, sore throat, stuffy nose, white spots inside the mouth or throat, or a fever of 100.5°F or higher.

STOP taking this medicine and check with your doctor immediately if you notice pain, blistering, peeling, redness, or swelling of the palms of your hands and/or the bottoms of your feet that interfere with your normal activities; pain and redness, swelling, or sores in your mouth or on your lips that interfere with eating; diarrhea that is four to six stools a day more than usual; any diarrhea at night; nausea strong enough to keep you from eating or vomiting that occurs twice, or more, in any 24-hour period.

If you notice any other side effects, check with your doctor.

References: Capecitabine (Xeloda)

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This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice. All treatment decisions should be made with your team of medical professionals and prescriptions must be given by your doctor. See TERMS AND CONDITIONS.