Xeloda (Capecitabine) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Xeloda

Breast Cancer »

Breast cancer facts

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.
One in every eight women in the United States develops breast cancer.
There are many types of breast cancer that differ in their capability of spreading (metastasize) to other body tissues.
The causes of breast cancer are not yet fully known although a number of risk factors have been identified.
There are many different types of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is diagnosed with physician and self-examination of the breasts, mammography, ultrasound testing, and biopsy.
Treatment of breast cancer depends on the type of cancer and its stage (the extent of spread in the body).

According to the American Cancer society:

Over 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year.
Nearly 40,000 women will die of breast cancer in 2011.
There are over 2...

Read the Breast Cancer article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Xeloda User Reviews >>

Xeloda

Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures

font size

Xeloda Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

CAPECITABINE - ORAL

(cap-eh-SIT-uh-bean)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xeloda

WARNING: Capecitabine may interact with "blood thinners" (anticoagulants such as warfarin or phenprocoumon) and cause serious, rarely fatal bleeding. In some cases, this bleeding has occurred up to one month after stopping capecitabine as well as during treatment.

If you are using an anticoagulant, your laboratory tests (INR/PT) will be closely monitored. Report any signs of bleeding or bruising (such as black stools) to your doctor immediately.

USES: Capecitabine is used alone or with other treatments/medications to treat certain types of cancer (e.g., of the breast, colon, rectum). It works by slowing or stopping cancer cell growth and by decreasing tumor size.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking capecitabine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily in the morning and evening or as directed by your doctor. It is best to take this with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) within 30 minutes after the end of a meal. Capecitabine is usually taken every day for 2 weeks, then stopped for 1 week. This course of treatment may be repeated as directed by your doctor.

If you take any antacid products that contain aluminum or magnesium, take capecitabine 2 hours before or after taking any antacids because these products may change the way your body absorbs capecitabine.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to therapy. You may be taking a combination of different tablet sizes. Pay close attention to your dose and tablet sizes to avoid over- or under-dosing.

Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may increase.

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.