Xeloda

The active ingredient in Xeloda is capecitabine. It is an antineoplastic (cancer medicine) drug that belongs to a class called antimetabolites. Once within the body, Xeloda is transformed into 5-fluorouracil, the medication's active form. It stops cells from producing the genetic material needed for growth and multiplication. Fluorouracil is more effective against cancer cells because they grow at a much higher rate than healthy cells. As a result, cancer cells cannot grow and spread as effectively.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Xeloda. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Xeloda:

• Xeloda is often taken twice daily and may be part of a therapy regimen that includes additional drugs administered on different schedules. Follow your doctor's dosing recommendations carefully.
• Take with or within 30 minutes of having a meal.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water and avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking it. Tell your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing the tablet.
• Xeloda is administered in a three-week treatment cycle, and you may only need to take the medication on certain days during this cycle.

The most common side effects of Xeloda seen in clinical trials include:

• Hand-foot syndrome (palms of the hands or soles of the feet tingle, become numb, painful, swollen, or red).
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Open mouth sores.
• Fatigue and tiredness.
• Hair loss.
• Sore throat.
• Constipation.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Loss of appetite.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Xeloda. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe diarrhea or bloody stool.
• Severe skin reactions or allergic reactions include skin rash, blisters, peeling skin, and severe swelling.
• Heart disorders include heart attacks, chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heart rhythm.
• Lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Xeloda. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Xeloda, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Severe kidney disease.
• A genetic condition known as dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase or DPD deficiency. This can result in life-threatening or fatal toxicity in people taking Xeloda.
• Liver disease.
• Heart problems.
• Low red blood cells (anemia).
• Low white blood cells (thrombocytopenia).
• If you take blood thinners and have regular "INR" or prothrombin time testing. Taking a blood thinner may raise your risk of bleeding while taking Xeloda and for a short time after stopping it. This risk is increased for persons over the age of 60.

Boxed Warning

When capecitabine is used with oral coumarin-derivative anticoagulants like warfarin, the INR or prothrombin time must be monitored often, and warfarin doses may need to be adjusted. According to reports, simultaneous capecitabine usage causes impaired coagulation, bleeding, and even death, with effects appearing days to months after starting and up to a month after ceasing. Patients over the age of 60 and those with cancer are at an increased risk.

Hypersensitivity to capecitabine or fluorouracil.

The time it takes Xeloda to work varies from person to person. It depends on several circumstances, including the type of cancer you have and whether you are taking Xeloda alone or in combination with radiation or other cancer treatments. Blood tests, scans, and your symptoms will help your doctor determine how well Xeloda treats your cancer. If you have any concerns about whether Xeloda is working for you, speak with your doctor.

When Xeloda is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Warfarin or other blood thinners.
• Fluoropyrimidine.
• Leucovorin.
• Phenytoin.
• Anthracycline.

Your provider will determine your dose of capecitabine using your body surface area (BSA), which includes your height and weight. The dose and length of therapy are also determined by the type of cancer being treated and any other anticancer drugs or treatments (such as radiation).

The normal dose is 625 mg/m2 - 1250 mg/m2 orally twice a day.

If you are having radiation, you will normally take Xeloda for several weeks.

If you are not undergoing radiation, Xeloda is typically administered for two weeks of each three-week treatment cycle.

If you vomit after taking a dose, don’t take another pill. Take your next dose 12 hours later, as usual. If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Roche Pharmaceuticals is the company that manufactures Xeloda.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Xeloda.

It is not advised to suddenly stop taking Xeloda. If you would like to stop taking the medication, make sure to speak to your healthcare provider first.

Pregnancy may be less likely to occur if the mother or father is using this medication. Both men and women should continue to take birth control to avoid pregnancy because the medication can harm an unborn child.

If you are a female who can become pregnant, use an effective form of birth control while on Xeloda and for 6 months after your last dose. If you are a male with a partner who can become pregnant, use an effective form of birth control, like condoms, while on Xeloda and for 3 months after your last dose.

Do not breastfeed while using Xeloda or for at least two weeks following the last dose.