Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: capecitabine, oral; Xeloda
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat metastatic (spreading) breast cancer or colorectal cancer. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your provider if you take warfarin (Coumadin).
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.
Usually you will take this medicine 30 minutes after breakfast and dinner. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the tablets. Swallow them whole with a glass of water. You will take the medicine for 2 weeks, followed by 1 week without the medicine. Continue these 3-week cycles as long as your healthcare provider tells you to do so. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage according to your response to the medicine. Follow your healthcare provider's directions exactly.
Take any antacids 2 hours before or after doses of this medicine.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual bruising or bleeding.
This medicine may increase the effect of blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin). If you take blood thinners during and after treatment with this medicine, you need to have blood tests to see how fast your blood clots. Your provider may need to change the dose of your blood thinner. You are more at risk of bleeding problems if you are over the age of 60, or if you have cancer.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.
This medicine may cause your eyes to be dry and more sensitive. Wearing contacts may be uncomfortable.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
Men should use effective birth control because this medicine may affect the sperm and lead to birth defects.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever over 100.5°F (38°C); severe or bloody diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; mouth sores; redness, pain, or swelling of your hands or feet; yellowing of your skin or eyes; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness; unusual bleeding or bruising.
Other: Stomach pain, constipation, mild rash, itchy or dry skin, tiredness, eye irritation, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, change in sense of taste, hair loss.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
