Common Use

Xeloda is a medication used to treat cancer. It is a pro-drug that converts into the cytotoxic compound 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the body. The conversion of 5-FU occurs primarily in tumors with the help of thymidine phosphorylase, minimizing its systemic impact on healthy tissues. Xeloda is prescribed for treating breast cancer, colorectal cancer (including metastatic cases), and cancers resistant to paclitaxel and anthracyclines.

Dosage and Direction

Take Xeloda exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The treatment typically involves a 2-week on and 1-week off cycle, repeated up to 8 times. The medication should be taken orally with a full glass of water, 30 minutes after a meal. The recommended daily dose is 2.5 g/sq.m/day, divided into two separate intakes.

Precautions

• Use effective birth control while on Xeloda.
• Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, a history of coronary artery disease, or are taking folic acid, blood thinners (e.g., Coumadin, warfarin), phenytoin (Dilantin), or leucovorin (Wellcovorin).
• Regular blood tests may be required during treatment.
• Avoid driving or operating machinery as Xeloda may cause dizziness or fainting.

Contraindications

Do not use Xeloda if you are allergic to capecitabine or fluorouracil (Adrucil), have kidney disease, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are under 18 years of age.

Possible Side Effects

• Severe vomiting or diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain, stomatitis, constipation, or epigastric pain.
• Dry mouth, flatulence, loss of appetite, or oral candidiasis.
• Hyperbilirubinemia, pain or redness of hands or feet.
• Fever, flu symptoms, jaundice, or angina.
• Sudden numbness or weakness, fainting, itching, fluid loss, edema, or difficulty breathing.

Patients over 80 years of age are at higher risk of experiencing side effects.

Drug Interactions

• Anticoagulants of the coumarin type should be prescribed at least one month after Xeloda treatment to avoid hypocoagulation and bleeding.
• Xeloda enhances the effects of indirect anticoagulants and increases phenytoin blood levels.
• Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxide raise capecitabine and 5'-Deoxy-5-fluorocytidine levels.
• Cyclophosphamide increases toxicity by enhancing thymidine activity.
• Calcium folinate increases capecitabine toxicity due to elevated fluorouracil levels.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, bloody stools, or coughing up blood. Seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Storage

Store Xeloda in a dry place away from sunlight at room temperature, between 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for general guidance only and does not cover all instructions, drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions tailored to your condition. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information and are not responsible for any consequences resulting from its use or self-treatment.