In this Article

• What is capecitabine (Xeloda)?
• What are the possible side effects of capecitabine (Xeloda)?
• What is the most important information I should know about capecitabine (Xeloda)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking capecitabine (Xeloda)?
• How should I take capecitabine (Xeloda)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Xeloda)?
• What happens if I overdose (Xeloda)?
• What should I avoid while taking capecitabine (Xeloda)?
• What other drugs will affect capecitabine (Xeloda)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking capecitabine (Xeloda)?

You should not take this medication 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 capecitabine:

• 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 capecitabine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking capecitabine, 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 capecitabine.

People over 80 years old may be more likely to have certain side effects from this medication.

How should I take capecitabine (Xeloda)?

Take this medication 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.

Capecitabine 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 capecitabine dosage may be different. Follow your doctor's instructions.

During the weeks when you take capecitabine, 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.

Capecitabine 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 capecitabine.

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