Xeloda 500mg (Generic)

WHAT IS THIS MEDICATION FOR?

Xeloda 500mg (Generic) is an antimetabolite, prescribed for breast cancer and colorectal cancer. It prevents the growth of cancer cells.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Capecitabine harms cancer cells causing their death.

HOW TO USE?

The recommended dose is 1250 mgm2 administered orally twice daily (morning and evening; equivalent to 2500 mgm2 total daily dose) for 2 weeks followed by 1-week rest period given as 3-week cycles. It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with food, two times per day.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Upset stomach or throwing up. Loose stools (diarrhea). Feeling tired or weak. Swelling in the feet or hands. Belly pain. Eye irritation. Skin irritation. Mouth irritation or sores. Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count.

WHAT TO DO IF I MISS A DOSE?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

PRECAUTIONS:     

Do not take Capecitabine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while being treated with Capecitabine, alert your doctor immediately. Capecitabine may cause harm to your unborn child. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods while being treated with Capecitabine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor. Alert your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Capecitabine. Alert your doctor immediately if you ever had an allergic reaction with another cancer medicine called 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Capecitabine may not be suitable for you if you ever had an allergic reaction to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Alert your doctor if you have been told that your body does not have the enzyme DPD (dihydropyridimidine dehydrogenase).

WHEN DO I NEED TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP?

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain. Trouble breathing. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Very loose stools (diarrhea). Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Pain and irritation of feet or hands. Any bruising or bleeding. Very bad skin irritation. Very bad mouth irritation. Sudden change in eyesight, eye pain, or irritation. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

CAN I TAKE IT WITH OTHER MEDICINES?

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. Taking them together can cause bad side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

FOOD RESTRICTIONS:

Avoid Alcohol.

HOW TO STORE:

Store it at room temperature 25oC.

PREGNANCY CATEGORY:

Category D: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION:

Cytotoxic Chemotherapy.