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Capecitabine (Xeloda) For the Treatment of Cancer HF#5543

 

Description
Capecitabine is a chemotherapy medicine 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.  There are several schedules for taking Capecitabine.  Your schedule is:

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Common Side Effects

  • Changes in the amount of blood thinning medicine needed.  (Warfarin/Coumadin®)
  • Diarrhea can be severe – Intravenous fluids may be needed.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
  • Mouth sores.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Constipation.
  • Pain, swelling or redness of palms of hands and/or soles of 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: 09/16/2011

Copyright © 09/16/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5543

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