* Generic Name: capecitabine
* Brand Name: Xeloda
* What is capecitabine (Xeloda)?
* What are the possible side effects of capecitabine (Xeloda)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
capecitabine (Xeloda)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
capecitabine (Xeloda)?
* How should I take capecitabine (Xeloda)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Xeloda)?
* What happens if I overdose (Xeloda)?
* What should I avoid while taking capecitabine (Xeloda)?
* What other drugs will affect capecitabine (Xeloda)?
* Where can I get more information (Xeloda)?
What is capecitabine (Xeloda)?
Capecitabine is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth
of cancer cells and slows their spread in the body.
Capecitabine is used to treat colon cancer, and breast or
colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Capecitabine is often used in combination with other cancer medications
and/or radiation treatments.
Capecitabine may also be used for purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of capecitabine (Xeloda)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* fever above 100.5 degrees;
* nausea, loss of appetite, eating much less than usual,
vomiting (more than once in 24 hours);
* severe diarrhea (more than 4 times per day, or during the night);
* blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble
swallowing;
* pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling
skin on your hands or feet;
* dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to
urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;
* heart problems--chest pain or pressure, uneven heartbeats,
shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling or rapid
weight gain;
* kidney problems--little or no urinating; painful or difficult
urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short
of breath;
* liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
(yellowing of the skin or eyes);
* low blood cell counts--fever or other flu symptoms, cough, skin
sores, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling
light-headed, rapid heart rate; or
* severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or
purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common side effects may include:
* stomach pain or upset, constipation;
* tired feeling;
* mild skin rash; or
* numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about capecitabine
(Xeloda)?
You should not take capecitabine if you have severe kidney disease or a
metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase)
deficiency.
If you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven), you
may need to have more frequent "INR" or prothrombin time tests.
Taking a blood thinner can increase your risk of severe bleeding while
you are using capecitabine, and for a short time after you stop taking
capecitabine. This risk is higher in adults older than 60.
Xeloda Patient Information including How Should I Take
Colorectal Cancer:Understanding Cancer of the Colon
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Slideshow Pictures
Digestive Disease Myths:Common Misconceptions
Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking capecitabine
(Xeloda)?
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to capecitabine
or fluorouracil (Adrucil), or if you have:
* severe kidney disease; or
* a metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase)
deficiency.
To make sure capecitabine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
any of these conditions:
* kidney disease;
* bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
* liver disease;
* a history of coronary artery disease; or
* if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).
Do not use capecitabine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn
baby.
Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking
capecitabine, whether you are a man or a woman. Tell your doctor if a
pregnancy occurs during treatment.
It is not known whether capecitabine passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are
taking capecitabine.
How should I take capecitabine (Xeloda)?
Capecitabine is usually taken twice per day. Follow the directions on
your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller
amounts or for longer than recommended.
Capecitabine is given in a 3-week treatment cycle, and you may only
need to take the medicine during the first 2 weeks of each cycle. Your
doctor will determine how long to treat you with capecitabine.
Capecitabine is only part of a treatment program that may also include
other medications taken on different schedules. Follow your doctor's
dosing instructions very carefully.
Capecitabine should be taken with food or within 30 minutes after
eating a meal.
Take capecitabine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, if you are
unable to eat because of stomach illness, or if you are sweating more
than usual. Prolonged illness can lead to dehydration or kidney
failure.
You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not
causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on
the results of these tests. Capecitabine can have long lasting effects
on your body. You may need frequent medical tests for a short time
after you stop using this medicine.
You must remain under the care of a doctor while you are taking
capecitabine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle
tightly closed when not in use.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets
provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions.
Xeloda Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
Colorectal Cancer:Understanding Cancer of the Colon
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Slideshow Pictures
Digestive Disease Myths:Common Misconceptions
Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
What happens if I miss a dose (Xeloda)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Xeloda)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking capecitabine (Xeloda)?
This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit).
Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body
fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers.
Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and
linens separately from other laundry.
What other drugs will affect capecitabine (Xeloda)?
If you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven), you may
need to have more frequent "INR" or prothrombin time tests. Taking
a blood thinner can increase your risk of severe bleeding while you are
using capecitabine, and for a short time after you stop taking
capecitabine. This risk is higher in adults older than 60.
Other drugs may interact with capecitabine, including prescription and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information (Xeloda)?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about
capecitabine.
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