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What is capecitabine?
Capecitabine is a cancer (chemotherapeutic) medication. capecitabine
interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and
spread in the body.
Capecitabine is used in the treatment of some types of breast
and colorectal cancers.
Capecitabine may also be used for purposes other than those listed
in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking capecitabine?
donot Do not take capecitabine without first talking to your doctor if
you are allergic to fluorouracil (Adrucil).
Before taking capecitabine, tell your doctor if you
* have liver disease or a history of liver problems;
* have kidney disease;
* have heart or coronary artery disease; or
* are taking any other medicines especially warfarin (Coumadin), phenytoin
(Dilantin), folic acid (found in some vitamins), or leucovorin (Wellcovorin).
You may not be able to take capecitabine, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during therapy if you have any of the
conditions listed above.
nopreg Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or could become
pregnant during treatment. capecitabine is in the FDA pregnancy category
D. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby.
Contraceptive measures are recommended for both men and women during treatment
with capecitabine.
nobrfeed It is not known whether capecitabine will harm a nursing infant.
Do not take capecitabine without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding.
nochild The safety and effectiveness of capecitabine in patients younger
than 18 years of age have not been established.
If you are over the age of 80, you may be more likely to experience side
effects from capecitabine.
How should I take capecitabine?
Capecitabine should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare
provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Take capecitabine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them
to you.
water Each dose of capecitabine should be swallowed with water.
food Take capecitabine within 30 minutes after the end of a meal (usually
breakfast and dinner).
If the dose of capecitabine prescribed for you requires a combination
of different strength tablets, it is very important that you correctly
identify the tablets to ensure the correct dose. Contact your doctor or
pharmacist if you have questions regarding a dose.
Capecitabine is usually taken for 14 days followed by a 7 day
rest period (no drug given), in a 21 day cycle. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
finish Take all of the capecitabine that has been prescribed for you.
rt Store capecitabine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
donot If you miss a dose of capecitabine, do not take the missed dose
at all and do not double the next one. Instead, continue your regular
dosing schedule and check with your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
emt Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a capecitabine overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
stomach upset, and bleeding.
What should I avoid while taking capecitabine?
There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities while taking
capecitabine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of capecitabine?
emt If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop
taking capecitabine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your
doctor immediately:
* an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat;
difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
* diarrhea (more than 4 bowel movements each day or any diarrhea at night);
* vomiting (more than once in 24 hours);
* nausea or a loss of appetite (if the amount of food you eat each day
is much less than usual or if you are only able to eat at certain times);
* fever (temperature greater than 100.5 degrees) or other signs of infection;
* tingling, numbness, pain, swelling, or redness of the hands and/or feet
(hand-and-foot syndrome); or
* pain, redness, swelling, or sores in or around the mouth.
Other less serious side effects may occur more frequently. Continue to
take capecitabine and talk to your doctor if you experience:
* dehydration;
* a rash or dry or itchy skin;
* tiredness;
* dizziness;
* headache;
* constipation;
* sleeplessness; or
* eye irritation.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect capecitabine?
donot Talk to your doctor if you are taking the blood thinner warfarin
(Coumadin). In some cases, severe bleeding and death have resulted when
these medications were taken together, or when treatment with warfarin
(Coumadin) was started in the month following treatment with capecitabine.
If treatment with both medications is determined by your doctor to be
necessary, special monitoring will be required.
donot Do not take any of the following medicines during treatment with
capecitabine without first talking to your doctor:
* phenytoin (Dilantin);
* leucovorin (Wellcovorin); or
* folic acid.
You may not be able to take capecitabine, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any
of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with capecitabine.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has additional information about capecitabine written
for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Capecitabine is available with a prescription under the brand
name Xeloda. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially
if it is new to you.
* Xeloda 150 mg–oblong light peach-colored tablets
* Xeloda 500 mg-oblong peach-colored tablets
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