Capecitabine

What is Capecitabine?

Capecitabine is a kind of chemotherapy drug used to treat different types of cancer, including colon, rectum, gastric, stomach, pancreatic, and breast cancer. 

This anticancer medication is also called xeloda, which you can have alone or with other types of chemotherapy drugs. 

It is also used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Sometimes, it is used when cancer has spread to various parts of the body (metastatic). 

For instance, capecitabine 500mg is combined with docetaxel to treat breast cancer that has spread to other body parts in patients who have received other medicines that did not work. 

Doctors suggest this medicine in combination with other cancer treatments to prevent cancer from coming back after surgery. 

It is a prescription-only medicine so you can get it only with a doctor's prescription.  The drug is available as a low-cost generic medication.

The capecitabine cost per pill fits everyone's budget, but ensure you get it with a doctor's prescription. 

How does Capecitabine work?

Capecitabine is a type of chemotherapy known as anti-metabolite. When you consume this anticancer medication, it gets converted into 5-fluorouracil (chemical) inside the body. 

Fluorouracil is the active form of the drug capecitabine. This chemical slows down the synthesis of genetic materials such as DNA and RNA in the cancer cells. 

The chemical prevents cells from making the genetic material to grow and multiply. 

Cancer cells grow much faster than healthy cells, so this chemical affects them and kills them effectively. Therefore, cancer cells cannot grow and spread faster. 

Now, you get enough understanding of how does xeloda work in your body and fights against the cancer cells. 

How to use Capecitabine?

Follow all directions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides inside the drug. Ensure you use the medicine as directed. 

Take this drug twice a day to get its effectiveness altogether. In case this medication is a part of your cancer treatment program, you should take other medications on different schedules to avoid interactions.

Always follow your doctor's dosing instructions to avoid potential side effects. Take the drug with food or within 30 minutes after consumption of a meal.

Swallow the tablet as a whole with water. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet because it may reduce the drug's effectiveness. 

Consult the doctor immediately if you have trouble swallowing the tablet. Remember to take the capecitabine dose as per the given 3-week treatment cycle. 

You may be required to take the drug only on specific days of the treatment cycle. Follow the doctor's advice on the drug dosage, when and how long to take it. 

When speaking about how long does capecitabine stay in your system, it has long-lasting effects on your body.`

You may require medical tests to know how the drug works after the last dose. 

• Missed dose

Take the drug as soon as you get the remembrance of the missing dose. But you should skip the dose if it becomes time for the next dose. 

Never take two doses at a time that may affect your health adversely. 

• Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention when you realize that you have overdosed or experience symptoms such as trouble breathing, usual tiredness, and numbness.

Precautions and warnings

Before buying the medicine, check the xeloda cost, expiry date, and other vital details to avoid issues.

Visit the doctor to check your progress regularly to ensure the drug works correctly and for unnecessary side effects.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you must consult the doctor before taking this tablet because it may harm your child. 

Female patients must use effective birth control during and after six months of treatment. 

Combining this drug with the blood thinner may increase the risk of bleeding. So, check with your doctor if you have blood in the eyes, back pain, or joint pain.

The drug may cause heart problems. Visit the hospital immediately if you have chest pain that spreads to your neck, back, arms, or jaw. 

It may also cause kidney issues. Reach the doctor if you have confusion, depression, decreased urine output, nausea, or weakness.

The medicine may cause tiredness and dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machines or anything demanding concentration until you know how the drug affects you.

The drug can make you more likely to catch infections or may worsen the current infections. Stay away from people with an infection that may spread quickly, such as measles and flu.

When taking xeloda breast cancer treatment, stick to the treatment cycle properly and take the drug on time with other medications properly.

It is necessary to take the table twice a day regularly or as directed by the doctor. Wait for at least 30 minutes after the meal to consume the drug.

Never alter the dosage or stop the treatment suddenly because it may put your life at risk or, even worse, your cancer. 

Side effects of Capecitabine

Drugs used to treat cancer are extremely strong and can have several side effects. 

Before using this drug, ensure you understand all the benefits and risks. It is vital to work closely with your doctor during treatment. 

These are the common capecitabine side effects that may occur for everyone for no reason.

These symptoms usually disappear without intervention or sometimes need medical attention. 

• Nausea
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Pain
• Blistering 
• Swelling or redness of the hands and feet
• Numbness 

Less common and rare side effects are:

• Bruising and bleeding
• Tarry, bloody, or black stools
• Blood in the stools or urine
• Bleeding gums
• Constipation
• Trouble breathing
• Heavy menstrual pain
• Seizures
• Muscle and joint pain
• Dizziness
• Lack of appetite
• Change in skin color

If you experience any of these side effects, contact the doctor immediately.

Availability at Grant Pharmacy

Grant Pharmacy understands the critical need for access to effective cancer treatments and ensures the availability of capecitabine for patients in the community.

Storage

Store the drug in a tightly closed container and keep it at room temperature. Always keep the drug away from moisture and light.

Never store the medicine in the bathroom; keep it away from pets and children.

Discard the product safely when it is no longer needed or expired. 

Interactions

Capecitabine may interact with other medicines and herbal products. Tell your doctor about any medicines you take, which include herbal supplements, over-the-counter remedies, and vitamins.

The drug is much similar to fluorouracil so do not use medicine containing fluorouracil when using the capecitabine xeloda. Allopurinol may interact with this drug, so tell it to your doctor.

Taking a blood thinner such as Jantoven, Coumadin, and Warfarin can increase the risk of severe bleeding during or after the treatment with Capecitabine. This risk is higher in people who aged above 60years.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you use before starting Capecitabine treatment. 

Discuss with your doctor about the use of the drug with food, tobacco, or alcohol because interactions may occur.

Grant Pharmacy is dedicated to supporting individuals affected by cancer and providing access to quality medications like capecitabine to help them in their fight against the disease.

Frequently asked questions about Capecitabine (FAQs)

• Do I need to take any test while on Capecitabine treatment?

When consuming Capecitabine, the doctor will check you regularly to monitor your response to therapy and potential side effects. 

The doctor advises you to take a blood test to monitor your CBC (Complete Blood Count) and the functions of the liver and kidneys.

• Do I feel tired after consuming Capecitabine?

Yes! Capecitabine may make you feel weak and tired after consumption. Although it is a common side effect of the drug, you should avoid driving and operate heavy machinery while in treatment. It could affect your focus and concentration, which leads to big troubles. 

• How long should I need to take Capecitabine?

The treatment duration entirely depends on the nature of your illness and your response to treatment. Generally, Capecitabine is given as a series of treatment cycles in which every cycle lasts for 21 days.

It is often given for 14 days, followed by seven days of rest period. It is necessary to continue the drug for the time the physician prescribes.

• How long does Capecitabine take to start working?

The time the drug takes to work can differ for every person and depends on various factors such as the type of cancer you have, taking Capecitabine alone or together with other chemotherapy medication. 

You can discuss with your doctor if you are concerned about whether the medication works on your body.

• Does Capecitabine cause hair loss?

Taking Capecitabine alone does not cause hair loss. But, if it is combined with other chemotherapy medications, it may cause hair loss. 

Upon experiencing hair loss, you can immediately consult the doctor. Usually, hair will grow after the end of the chemotherapy session.