Other Brands/Names

Fercab, Xeloda, Binecap, Taceral.

How It Works

Capecitabine functions by helping to slow or completely stop their growth.

Indications

This medicine is commonly prescribed for the treatment of breast cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer (the part of the large intestine that connects directly to the anus).

Contraindications

• A known allergy to capecitabine.

• Severe kidney or liver impairment.

• Ongoing treatment with blood-thinning drugs.

• Very low counts of white blood cells (severe neutropenia or leukopenia) or very low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), which are essential for controlling bleeding.

Side Effects

• Some frequent side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, tiredness, weakness, headaches, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and changes in taste. Tell your doctor if any of these continue or worsen.
• Diarrhea is also a common effect. Drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration unless your doctor advises otherwise. Your doctor might recommend medicines such as loperamide to reduce diarrhea. Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Contact your doctor if you notice reduced urination, dry mouth, constant thirst, or dizziness.
• Temporary hair loss may occur while taking capecitabine. Hair usually regrows once treatment is stopped.
• Discontinue treatment and inform your doctor immediately if you experience serious effects, such as vomiting more than twice daily, inability to eat or drink, or painful redness, swelling, or sores inside the mouth or on the tongue.
• Because this medicine can weaken your immune system, it may increase the risk of infections or worsen existing ones. Seek medical advice right away if you develop symptoms like a long-lasting sore throat, fever, chills, or cough.
• Other serious side effects that require prompt attention include unusual bruising or bleeding, mood or mental health changes (such as depression), swelling in the ankles or feet, vision problems, symptoms of kidney trouble (such as reduced urination), yellowing of the skin or eyes, and dark-colored urine.
• Seek emergency help if you develop severe problems such as chest pain, pain spreading to the jaw or left arm, heavy sweating, fainting, or irregular/very slow/very fast heartbeat.

Types

Capecitabine is supplied as a 500 mg tablet.

Dosage

Adults aged 18 years and older: 1.25 g/m² taken twice daily for 14 days, followed by a 7-day rest period before repeating the next cycle.

Safety

• Capecitabine can increase vulnerability to infections or make current ones worse. Avoid close contact with people who have easily spread infections like measles, chickenpox, or influenza.
• Always inform your doctor or healthcare professional that you are taking capecitabine before receiving any vaccines.
• This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Limit direct sun exposure, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing outdoors. Get immediate medical help if you develop severe sunburn, blistering, or redness.
• Some people may feel dizzy while on this medication. Do not drive, use machinery, or do tasks that require full alertness until you are certain it is safe.

Drug Interactions

• Capecitabine can raise the levels of phenytoin (a seizure medication), leading to possible harmful effects.

• Allopurinol (used for reducing uric acid) may lower the effectiveness of capecitabine.

• Dangerous Interaction: When used with anticoagulants (such as warfarin or phenprocoumon), the risk of serious bleeding increases.

• Toxicity risk is higher when capecitabine is taken with brivudine (an antiviral medication).

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