Capecitabine is an antimetabolite that acts by blocking or slowing the growth of cancer cells.
What is Capecitabine?
Capecitabine may be used alone or in combination with other drugs used in the treatment of relapse of breast cancer as well as other forms of breast cancer that do not respond to initial treatments. It is also used in the treatment of colorectal cancers that are becoming more severe or metastasizing or to prevent the spread of colon cancer after surgical removal of the tumor. Additionally, in some cases, it is used to treat stomach cancer in an advanced stage of development.
How should Capecitabine be taken?
Capecitabine is administered orally in tablet form. The dosage is usually 2 servings a day – once in the morning and one in the evening – to be taken for 2 weeks, which are followed by a week's break before a new cycle. The tablets should be taken within 30 minutes of a meal with a glass of water without being chewed.
Side effects associated with Capecitabine
When taken together with anticoagulants capecitabine can cause dangerous bleeding. Among the other possible adverse effects of the drug are included the following:
- increased thirst
- dizziness
- constipation
- sleep disorders
- pain in your back, joints or muscles
- headache
- eyes red or swollen, itchy or watery eyes
- hair loss
- loss of appetite
- stomach problems
- skin rash
- excessive tiredness or weakness
- changes in taste
It is also important to immediately contact a doctor if capecitabine triggers:
- fast heartbeat
- diarrhea
- pain or tightness in the chest
- fever, chills, sore throat or other symptoms of an infection
- swelling of hands, feet, ankles or calves
- swelling, pain, redness or peeling of the palms or soles of the feet
- jaundice
- nausea
- sores in mouth
- dark urine
- vomiting
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Capecitabine
Prior to administration of capecitabine it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active ingredient, excipients, fluorouracil or any other medication
- You are taking other medicines, herbal or dietary supplements, especially phenytoin, leucovorin or folic acid
- You have a deficiency of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase enzyme
- You suffer (or have suffered) from kidney, liver or heart diseases
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
