Capecitabine: how to take it safely
Xeloda
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats bowel, breast and stomach cancers.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow tablets whole with water, within 30 minutes after a meal.
- Moisturise your hands and feet daily.
When to take it
Take it twice a day, about 12 hours apart, for 14 days, then 7 days off, as your doctor says.
Take it with
Within 30 minutes after a meal.
What to avoid
- Warfarin and similar blood thinners unless your doctor monitors your blood tests.
- Antacids close to the dose.
- Taking it on an empty stomach.
- Pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or have had a reaction to fluorouracil (DPD deficiency).
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Redness, pain and peeling of the hands and feet (hand-foot syndrome), diarrhoea, nausea, mouth sores, tiredness.
Get help if
Severe diarrhoea, severe mouth sores, painful peeling or blisters on hands and feet, fever, signs of infection or chest pain: stop it and get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.