CAPECITABINE contains Capecitabine, which is an anti-cancer medication and is cytotoxic (causes cell death). When taken, it gets converted into 5-fluorouracil (chemical), which hampers the synthesis of genetic materials (DNA) in the cancer cells, thereby interferes with their growth. As a result, cancer cells’ growth is slowed down and eventually and they are killed.
Take CAPECITABINE as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take CAPECITABINE for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon your medical condition. You may experience certain common side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, loss of appetite, increased risk of infection, hair loss, diarrhoea, decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets), mouth ulcers, blisters on fingers/feet in some cases. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Before taking CAPECITABINE, inform your doctor if you have any infection because CAPECITABINE may worsen the infections. Some patients may experience increased sensitivity to light while taking CAPECITABINE; it is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant as CAPECITABINE can cause harmful effects on the unborn baby. Both women and men using this CAPECITABINE should use birth control to avoid pregnancy. You should not take this CAPECITABINE during breastfeeding; inform your doctor if you take CAPECITABINE. Use the CAPECITABINE with caution in elderly patients. If you have had leukaemia (blood cancer) and are in remission, do not take live vaccines three months after your last chemotherapy. You and your surrounding people, such as family members, should not take the polio vaccine.
Uses of CAPECITABINE
Breast cancer, Stomach, rectal and Colon Cancer
Medicinal Benefits
CAPECITABINE belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines containing Capecitabine that is cytotoxic (cause cell death). It is used to treat cancer of the colon, breast and stomach. When taken, it gets converted into 5-fluorouracil (chemical), which hampers the synthesis of genetic materials (DNA) in the cancer cells, thereby interferes with their growth. As a result, the growth of cancer cells is slowed down and eventually; they are killed.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of CAPECITABINE
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Increased risk of infection
- Hair loss
- Diarrhoea
- Decreased blood cells
- Mouth ulcer
- Blisters on fingers/feet
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking CAPECITABINE, inform your doctor if you have any infection because CAPECITABINE may worsen the infections. If you have any allergy symptoms, talk to your doctor, a metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency, heart problems, one marrow depression, kidney disease, liver disease, and treatment with chemotherapy or radiation inform your doctor. Some patients may experience increased sensitivity to light while taking CAPECITABINE, and it is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant as CAPECITABINE can cause harmful effects on the unborn baby. Both women and men using this CAPECITABINE should use birth control to avoid pregnancy. The use of this CAPECITABINE by either parent may result in congenital disabilities. You should not take this CAPECITABINE during breastfeeding, inform your doctor if you take CAPECITABINE. Use the CAPECITABINE with caution in elderly patients. If you have had leukaemia (blood cancer) and are in remission, do not take live vaccines 3 months after your last chemotherapy. You and your surrounding people, such as family members should not take the polio vaccine. Avoid smoking or going near naked flames as the fabric (bedding, clothing, dressings) in contact with CAPECITABINE catches fire and burns easily. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: CAPECITABINE interacts with other anti-cancer medicines (folinic acid, oxaliplatin, bevacizumab, cisplatin, irinotecan), antibiotic (metronidazole), medicines used to reduce the harmful effects of anti-cancer medicines (calcium leucovorin), a medicine used to treat gout (allopurinol), a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers (cimetidine), blood thinner (warfarin, coumarin), antivirals (brivudine, sorivudine), and anti-epilepsy medicine (phenytoin).
Drug-Food Interactions: CAPECITABINE is known to interact with alcohol and increase dizziness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: CAPECITABINE should not be given to patients with liver, heart or kidney problems, diabetes, glaucoma (increased eye pressure), myelosuppression (bone marrow activity is decreased), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency, stomatitis, infections, bleeding disorder.
Safety Advice
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ALCOHOL
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking CAPECITABINE to avoid unpleasant side-effects. Alcohol intake, along with CAPECITABINE, may cause increased drowsiness.
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PREGNANCY
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
CAPECITABINE should not be used during pregnancy because it causes harm to the fetus (newborn baby). Both women of childbearing potential and men must use an effective contraception method while taking fluorouracil and for at least 6 months afterwards. Please consult your doctor about any concerns regarding this.
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BREAST FEEDING
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
CAPECITABINE should not be taken during breastfeeding as it passes into the breastmilk and may harm the nursing baby. It is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers.
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DRIVING
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
CAPECITABINE may cause dizziness and drowsiness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
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LIVER
If you have had a history or evidence of any liver-related diseases, please consult the doctor before taking CAPECITABINE. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
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KIDNEY
If you have had a history or evidence of any kidney-related diseases, please consult the doctor before taking CAPECITABINE. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
