Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: CAPECITABINE - ORAL (cap-eh-SIT-uh-bean)
BRAND NAME(S): Xeloda
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: Capecitabine may interact with "blood thinners" (anticoagulants such as warfarin or phenprocoumon) and cause serious bleeding episodes; rarely, deaths have occurred. This increased bleeding risk (increased INR/PT) in some cases has occurred within one month of stopping capecitabine, as well as during treatment. If you are using warfarin, your laboratory tests (INR) will be closely monitored, and you should immediately report any signs of bleeding or bruising, including black stools.
USES: Capecitabine is used to treat cancer (e.g., breast or colorectal). Capecitabine kills cancer cells and shrinks tumors by blocking the process by which the cells divide and are formed (DNA/RNA synthesis).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually twice daily with food as directed by your doctor. It is best taken at the end of a meal with a full glass of water. Capecitabine is taken every day for 2 weeks followed by one week without taking this medication. This course of treatment may then be repeated as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your dosage may need to be adjusted using a different number of tablets and tablet strengths. Pay close attention to your dosage.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, constipation, weakness, body aches, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or dry, red, itchy skin may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Stop taking capecitabine and tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: severe vomiting (2 or more times per day), severe diarrhea (4 or more times per day), persistent sore throat or fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, pain/swelling/redness or numbness of the hands and feet, sores in mouth. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, chest pain, trouble breathing. If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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