Drug Information

What is Xeloda used for?

This medicine is used to fight cancer by killing and preventing the growth of cancer cells.

When should Xeloda not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications

What precautions should I follow when taking Xeloda?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have any other medical condition like liver, kidney, lung or heart disease.

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Xeloda?

It is important that you take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you vomit shortly after taking this medicine, contact your doctor for instruction on whether to take more medication or not. If you miss a dose of this medication, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

What are the side effects of Xeloda?

Most severe: Moderate or severe diarrhea (four or more episodes a day or any diarrhea during the night), pain, blistering, peeling, redness, or swelling of palms of hands or bottoms of feet (severe enough to interfere with normal activities), pain and redness, swelling or sores or ulcers in mouth or on lips (severe enough to interfere with eating), severe nausea with loss of appetite, severe vomiting

Most common: Constipation, loss of appetite, mild nausea or vomiting, dizziness, fingernail or toenail changes, headache, heartburn, increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight, muscle, bone, or joint pain, red, sore eyes, sleeping problems

Other: Mild blistering, peeling, redness, or swelling of palms of hands or bottoms of feet, mild or moderate abdominal or stomach pain, mild diarrhea (fewer than four episodes daily), mild or moderate unusual tiredness or weakness, numbness, pain, tingl

How should I take Xeloda?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. This medicine should only be given by a health care provider who is experienced in the use of this medicine. If severe diarrhea, stomach pain/cramps, or bloody stools occur, contact your health care provider at once. This could be a symptom of a serious side effect requiring instant medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without talking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medicines without talking with your health care provider.

How should Xeloda be stored?

Store at controlled room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F) in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets. Protect from excessive heat and moisture.

General Information:

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider.