Uses of undefined

Capecitabine has been developed as a first-line agent to treat advanced and metastatic colorectal cancer and also indicated as an adjunct treatment for stage III colon cancer after the failure of Irinotecan therapy. Capecitabine is also prescribed to treat breast cancer after the failure of taxane-based therapy.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Capecitabine is available in the form of 500mg tablets. Swallow a tablet with water 30 minutes after food. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, seek help from a healthcare provider specialized in the usage of cytotoxic medications to crush or cut the tablet. The accurate dose will be calculated by your healthcare provider and the recommended dosing cycle is twice a day for 2 weeks followed by a 7-days rest period.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

It is not recommended to take Capecitabine Tablet if you are allergic to Capecitabine or any of its ingredients. During the Capecitabine treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your complete blood counts, prothrombin time, INR, blood sugar, electrolytes, liver panel, and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with stomach ulcers, cataract, lung disease, problems in your heart, liver, skin, kidneys. Tell your physician before you undergo eye surgery or dental procedures. 

Precautions

Capecitabine Tablet may impair fertility in male and female patients. Capecitabine is not recommended during pregnancy as it causes harm to the unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during and for 3 months after the last dose of Capecitabine. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while you are on the treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose of Capecitabine.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Capecitabine are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, skin reactions, stomatitis, abdominal pain, constipation, hair loss, rashes, erythema, tiredness, lethargy, dizziness, loss of appetite, conjunctivitis, anaemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.

Word Of Advice

Capecitabine Tablet causes skin dryness so it is advised to use an effective moisturiser for your skin. Ensure that you stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. Store the drug in the original package at room temperature (25°C). Do not freeze. Keep it out of reach from children and pets. It is important to get the dose at the scheduled time. If you missed the schedule, contact your doctor and reschedule the dose. Avoid driving or operating heavy machines if you experience dizziness, nausea or tiredness while on treatment with Capecitabine.

Frequently Asked Question

• Is Capecitabine prescribed as a monotherapy?
• Capecitabine is prescribed as a monotherapy and also in combination with other anticancer agents like Docetaxel and Oxaliplatin to treat breast and colorectal cancer respectively.

• What tests are essential before starting treatment with Capecitabine?
• Before starting treatment with Capecitabine, your healthcare provider will recommend test for pregnancy, DPD deficiency, prothrombin time, INR, kidney function tests and serum electrolytes.

• Is it safe to undergo a surgery during the treatment with Capecitabine?
• It is suggested to avoid planning for surgery while on treatment with Capecitabine. Tell your physician before you undergo surgery or dental procedures.

• What should you do if you missed a dose of Capecitabine?
• If you missed taking a dose of Capecitabine Tablet, skip this dose. Do not take two tablets to make up for the missed dose. Report to your healthcare provider right away if you missed taking more than two doses of Capecitabine.

• Who should not take Capecitabine?
• Capecitabine is not recommended for people who are allergic to Capecitabine, 5-fluorouracil and their ingredients. It is also contraindicated in people with severe kidney disease and DPD deficiency.

• Can you smoke while on treatment with Capecitabine?
• It is not recommended to smoke cigarettes while on treatment with Capecitabine as smoking can reduce the concentration of Capecitabine in the body.

• How should you store Capecitabine?
• Store Capecitabine tablets and capsules at 15-30°C, away from the reach of children. Protect from moisture.

• How do you know if you have overdosed on Capecitabine?
• Watch out for symptoms like nausea, gastric irritation, diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding and seek immediate medical attention from a nearby healthcare facility.