Capecitabine, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)

Generic and brand names: capecitabine, oral; Xeloda

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat metastatic (spreading) breast cancer or colorectal cancer. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• a weakened immune system due to illness or medicines
• heart problems
• kidney or liver disease
• seizures

Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.

How should I take it?

Usually you will take this medicine at the end of a meal. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the tablets. Swallow them whole with a glass of water. You will take the medicine for 2 weeks, followed by 1 week without the medicine. Continue these 3-week cycles as long as your healthcare provider tells you to do so. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage according to your response to the medicine. Follow your healthcare provider's directions exactly.

Take any antacids 2 hours before or after doses of this medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual bruising or bleeding.

What should I watch out for?

You need to have frequent blood tests to see how this medicine is affecting you. Keep all appointments for these tests.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.

This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.

This medicine may cause your eyes to become dry and more sensitive. Wearing contacts may be uncomfortable.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

Men should use effective birth control because this medicine may affect the sperm and lead to birth defects.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever over 100.5°F (38°C); severe or bloody diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; mouth sores; redness, pain, or swelling of your hands or feet; yellowing of your skin or eyes; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness; unusual bleeding or bruising.

Other: Stomach pain, constipation, mild rash on your hands or feet, tiredness, eye irritation, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, hair loss.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• antacids (take them at least 2 hours before or after this medicine)
• medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• folic acid
• live virus vaccines
• phenytoin (Dilantin)

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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