Xeloda

Xeloda

Generic Name: capecitabine (KAP e SYE ta been)

Brand Names: Xeloda

What is Xeloda?

Xeloda (capecitabine) is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their spread in the body

Xeloda is used to treat breast cancer and colon or rectum cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Xeloda may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Xeloda

You should not take Xeloda 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. Do not use Xeloda if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control while you are taking Xeloda, whether you are a man or a woman. Tell your doctor if a pregnancy occurs during treatment. You should not breast-feed while you are taking Xeloda.

Before you take Xeloda, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, a history of coronary artery disease, or if you are also taking folic acid (contained in many vitamin and mineral supplements), leucovorin (Wellcovorin), phenytoin (Dilantin), or a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin).

While taking Xeloda, you will need blood tests at your doctor's office on a regular basis. Do not miss any appointments. You must remain under the care of a doctor while you are taking Xeloda.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe vomiting or diarrhea, fever or flu symptoms, pain or redness of your hands or feet, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), chest pain, sudden numbness or weakness, or fainting.

Before taking Xeloda

You should not take Xeloda 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.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Xeloda:

kidney disease;

liver disease;

a history of coronary artery disease; or

if you are also taking folic acid (contained in many vitamin and mineral supplements), leucovorin (Wellcovorin), phenytoin (Dilantin), or a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin).

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Xeloda if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

See also: Xeloda pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Xeloda, 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 Xeloda. People over 80 years old may be more likely to have certain side effects from Xeloda.

How should I take Xeloda?

Take Xeloda exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Xeloda is usually given in a treatment cycle of 2 weeks on and 1 week off. This 3-week cycle is repeated up to 8 times (24 weeks). Your Xeloda dosage may be different. Follow your doctor's instructions.

During the weeks when you take Xeloda, take the medication once in the morning and once in the evening, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You may also be given other medications as part of a combination cancer treatment.

Xeloda should be taken with food or within 30 minutes after eating a meal. Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any follow-up visits. You must remain under the care of a doctor while you are taking Xeloda.

Store Xeloda at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

See also: Xeloda dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in your stools, coughing up blood.

What should I avoid while taking Xeloda?

Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends.

Xeloda side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Xeloda: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

severe diarrhea (more than 4 times per day, or during the night);

vomiting (more than once in 24 hours);

nausea, loss of appetite, eating much less than usual;

weakness, feeling light-headed, hot or dry skin;

pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling skin on your hands or feet;

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

swelling, white patches, or sores in your mouth or throat;

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

sudden numbness, weakness, headache, confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance; or

slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop).

Less serious Xeloda side effects may include:

stomach pain or upset, constipation;

tired feeling;

temporary hair loss;

mild skin rash;

headache, dizziness;

altered sense of taste;

back pain, joint or muscle pain;

eye irritation.

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.

See also: Xeloda side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Xeloda?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

bosentan (Tracleer);

fluoxetine (Prozac);

fosphenytoin (Cerebyx);

montelukast (Singulair) or zafirlukast (Accolate);

rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rifamate);

selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar);

voriconazole (Vfend);

cancer medication such as paclitaxel (Taxol) or tamoxifen (Soltamox);

heart or blood pressure medications such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), carvedilol (Coreg), losartan (Hyzaar, Cozaar), or torsemide (Demadex);

type 2 diabetes medications such as glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), nateglinide (Starlix), pioglitazone (Actos, Actoplus Met), repaglinide (Prandin), rosiglitazone (Avandia, Avandamet), or tolbutamide (Orinase); or

sulfa drugs (Bactrim, Gantanol, Gantrisin, Septra, SMX-TMP, and others).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Xeloda. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Xeloda resources

Xeloda Side Effects (in More Detail)

Xeloda Dosage

Xeloda Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Drug Images

Xeloda Drug Interactions

Xeloda Support Group

3 Reviews for Xeloda - Add your own review/rating

Xeloda Prescribing Information (FDA)

Xeloda MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Xeloda Monograph (AHFS DI)

Xeloda Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Capecitabine Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Xeloda with other medications

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer, Metastatic

Colorectal Cancer

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Renal Cell Carcinoma

Stomach Cancer

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about Xeloda.