Xeloda (Capecitabine)

Description

Indications

Capecitabine is utilized concomitantly with other medications to manage breast cancer that has recurred following prior treatments with alternative medications. It can also be utilized alone to manage breast cancer that has not shown improvement after previous treatments with other medications.

Capecitabine can also be employed to manage colon or rectal cancer that has either progressed or metastasized to other areas of the body. Additionally, it is used to prevent colon cancer from spreading in patients who have undergone surgery to extract the tumor. Capecitabine falls under the category of antimetabolite medications. Its mechanism of action involves impeding or decelerating the progression of cancer cells.

Uses and Dosage

Administer this medication orally in accordance with your physician’s instructions, typically twice daily, with a 12-hour interval between doses. Your doctor may advise you to take this medication within a treatment cycle, adhere to their guidelines.

Take the tablets whole with water within 30 minutes of a meal, and refrain from crushing, chewing, or splitting them. If you experience difficulty swallowing the tablets whole, seek advice from your healthcare provider.

The prescribed dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or use this medication more frequently or for a longer duration than directed by your physician. Doing so will not expedite your recovery and could increase your likelihood of adverse effects.

If you vomit after ingesting a dose, refrain from taking another dose at that time. Take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

Since this medication can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may pose a risk to a developing fetus, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not handle this medication or inhale dust from the tablets.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• stomach pain or upset stomach
• constipation
• loss of appetite
• change in ability to taste food
• increased thirst
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• dizziness
• headache
• hair loss
• skin rash
• back, join, or muscle pain
• red, swollen, itchy, or teary eyes
• trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• sores in the mouth
• swelling, pain, redness, or peeling of skin on the palms and soles of the feet
• fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of an infection
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• chest pain or pressure
• fast heartbeat
• dark urine
• yellowing of skin or eyes

Caution

Before initiating capecitabine therapy, disclose to your physician or pharmacist any allergies you may have, including an allergy to capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil, as well as any other allergies. This product may include inactive ingredients that could lead to an allergic reaction or other complications.

Prior to using this medication, inform your physician or pharmacist of your medical history, especially if you have a particular enzyme deficiency, blood disorders, heart problems, kidney disease, or liver problems.

Capecitabine increases your risk of contracting infections or worsening any existing infections. Avoid contact with individuals who may have infections that can be passed on to others. Speak with your doctor if you have come into contact with an infection or for further information.

Before receiving any immunizations/vaccinations, notify your healthcare provider that you are taking capecitabine. Avoid contact with individuals who have recently received live vaccines.

To reduce the risk of cuts, bruises, or injury, exercise caution when handling sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid participating in activities like contact sports.

This medication can induce dizziness. Alcohol or marijuana can increase dizziness. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in any activity that requires alertness until you are confident that you can do so safely.

Older adults may be more susceptible to side effects from this medication, especially nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hand-foot syndrome.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while taking capecitabine, as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. Your doctor should perform a pregnancy test before beginning treatment with this medication. Inquire about dependable forms of birth control.

Women of childbearing age should use reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for six months after the final dose. Men with female partners of childbearing age should use reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for three months following the final dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, speak with your doctor immediately regarding the potential risks and benefits of capecitabine.

As this medication can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, pregnant women or those who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or inhale dust from the tablets.

It is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk. Due to the potential danger to the infant, it is not advised to breastfeed while taking this medication during treatment and for one week after the final dose.

Form and Strength

Xeloda is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Xeloda tablet:
  • 150mg
• capecitabine tablet:
  • 150mg
  • 500mg

FAQ

Is Xeloda considered chemo?

Xeloda is a type of chemotherapy.

Will I lose my hair on Xeloda?

When used on its own, Xeloda occasionally causes some temporary hair thinning. It very rarely causes complete hair loss.

Resources

1. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/capecitabine#:~:text=Capecitabine%20is%20a%20type%20of%20chemotherapy.,also%20have%20it%20with%20radiotherapy
2. https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/going-through-treatment-breast-cancer/chemotherapy/capecitabine-xeloda#:~:text=When%20used%20on%20its%20own,eyebrows%2C%20eyelashes%20and%20body%20hair
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/capecitabine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20062501?p=1
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7906/xeloda-oral/details
5. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699003.html
6. https://www.drugs.com/xeloda.html