Tablet

Hoffman-LaRoche, Roche Pharmaceuticals

Xeloda (capecitabine) is used to treat cancer of the colon and rectum that has spread to other parts of the body. It is also used alone or in combination with docetaxel to treat advanced breast cancer in patients who do not respond to or cannot take other cancer medications.

Do not take Xeloda (capecitabine) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Xeloda (capecitabine) or 5-fluorouracil you have severe kidney problems you are breastfeeding

Before using Xeloda (capecitabine), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant if you are taking any other prescription medicine (particularly blood thinners), nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement (vitamin E, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) if you have heart problems if you have kidney or liver problems if you have any other medical condition

Severe and sometimes fatal bleeding can occur if Xeloda (capecitabine) is taken with coumadin (warfarin) or any other blood thinning medications.

Other:  Nosebleed; sore throat; runny nose; flushing; swelling of the lymph nodes; hair loss; nail disorder; rash; itchy or dry skin; tiredness; weakness; dizziness; headache; fever; dry mouth; changes in taste; eye irritation; changes in vision; breathing difficulty; cough; sore throat; back pain; joint pain; limb pain; abnormal skin sensations; mood changes; depression; swelling.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Xeloda (capecitabine) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Swallow Tablet with water within 30 minutes after a meal. Xeloda (capecitabine) is usually taken in the morning and evening. Take Xeloda (capecitabine) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Stop taking Xeloda (capecitabine) and contact your doctor if any of the following occurs: Severe diarrhea (more than 4 bowel movements each day or any diarrhea at night); vomiting more than once a day; nausea, painful redness, swelling, or sores of the mouth or tongue; painful redness and swelling or discomfort of the hands or feet; fever above 105 degrees F or other signs of infection (chills, sore throat). Talk with your doctor if you are taking folic acid, phenytoin ( Dilantin ), or warfarin ( Coumadin ) while taking Xeloda (capecitabine). Women should avoid breastfeeding and becoming pregnant while taking Xeloda (capecitabine). Xeloda (capecitabine) may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements (particularly vitamin E, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen). Do not stop taking Xeloda (capecitabine) without checking with your doctor. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Xeloda (capecitabine). Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. If a dose is missed, do not take the missed dose at all or double the next dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. Restart therapy and advise your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Xeloda (capecitabine) between 65 and 85 degrees F. Keep tightly closed.