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Capecitabine

This page contains brief details about the drug capecitabine, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Capecitabine is an anticancer drug that belongs to the category of medicines known as antimetabolite. It was approved in April 1998 to treat Metastatic colorectal cancer.

Mechanism of Action of Capecitabine

It gets converted into its active form called fluorouracil and interferes with cell signalling, ultimately preventing the multiplication of cancer cells. Capecitabine is prescribed alone and also in combination with other anticancer medications like Docetaxel and Oxaliplatin.

AVAILABLE BRANDS

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Xeloda 500mg Tablet
ROCHE PRODUCTS INDIA PVT LTD ₹1150.00
Capecite 500mg Tablet
ABBOTT ₹605.00
Zocitab 500mg Tablet
FRESENIUS KABI INDIA PVT LTD ₹757.00
Capiibine 500mg Tablet
DR REDDY'S LABORATORIES LTD ₹1500.00

Uses of Capecitabine

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.

Capecitabine 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 Capecitabine

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

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.
Before starting treatment with Capecitabine, your healthcare provider will recommend test for pregnancy, DPD deficiency, prothrombin time, INR, kidney function tests and serum electrolytes.
It is suggested to avoid planning for surgery while on treatment with Capecitabine. Tell your physician before you undergo surgery or dental procedures.
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.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.