Capecitabine (Xeloda) For the Treatment of Cancer
Description
Capecitabine is chemotherapy given to treat cancer.
How It Is Given
It is taken by mouth and should be taken during or right after a meal. Each dose is often more than one tablet. Doses in the morning and evening may be different. Be sure to read your label. Most often taken for two weeks followed by one to two weeks of not taking the drug.
Common Side Effects
- Changes in the amount of blood thinning medicine needed.
- Diarrhea can be severe - rehydration may be necessary.
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- Mouth sores.
- Abdominal pain.
- Constipation.
- Pain, swelling or redness of hands and/or feet.
- Tiredness, weakness, or dizziness.
- Headache.
- Fever.
Call your health care provider if any of the following occurs
- Diarrhea - more than 4 bowel movements each day or any diarrhea at night
- Vomiting - not controlled with medicine
- Stomatitis - pain, redness, swelling or sores in your mouth
- Pain, swelling or redness of hands and/or feet
- Fever/infection - temperature above 100.8° F or other evidence of infection
Special Concerns:
- Speak with your doctor if you are taking any blood thinning medicine. Treatment with capecitabine may require that clotting time be checked and dosage of blood thinning medicine may need to be altered.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 06/07/2007
Reproduced, with permission, from the 1989-2006 United State Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. Printed in 3/2006 by the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority, Department of Nursing, Madison, WI. UWH #5543
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