What is Xeloda used for?

This medicine 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.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, 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 doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Xeloda be stored?

Store between 65 and 85 degrees F. Keep tightly closed.

General drug information:

When should Xeloda not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or 5-fluorouracil you have severe kidney problems you are breastfeeding

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 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

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

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

What are the side effects of Xeloda?

Most severe:  Severe or bloody diarrhea; irregular heartbeat; severe nausea or vomiting; mouth sores that prevent you from eating or drinking; fever higher than 105 degrees F; unusual tiredness; chest pain.

Most common:  Diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; sores in mouth and throat; stomach pain; constipation; appetite loss; dehydration; tingling, numbing, pain, blistering; swelling or redness in the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

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 should I take Xeloda?

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 the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Swallow Tablet with water within 30 minutes after a meal. This medicine is usually taken in the morning and evening. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Stop taking this medicine 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 this medicine. Women should avoid breastfeeding and becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. This medicine 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 this medicine without checking with your doctor. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. 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.