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.
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.
