CAPECITABINE

Capecitabine is an anticancer medication that belongs to the antimetabolite class of medicines. It received approval in April 1998 for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Capecitabine has been developed as a first-line agent to treat advanced and metastatic colorectal cancer and also indicated as an adjunct treatment for stage III colon cancer after the failure of Irinotecan therapy. Capecitabine is also prescribed to treat breast cancer after the failure of taxane-based therapy.

Capecitabine is available in the form of 500mg tablets. Swallow a tablet with water 30 minutes after food. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, seek help from a healthcare provider specialized in the usage of cytotoxic medications to crush or cut the tablet. The accurate dose will be calculated by your healthcare provider and the recommended dosing cycle is twice a day for 2 weeks followed by a 7-days rest period.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Capecitabine are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, skin reactions, stomatitis, abdominal pain, constipation, hair loss, rashes, erythema, tiredness, lethargy, dizziness, loss of appetite, conjunctivitis, anaemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.

It is not recommended to take Capecitabine Tablet if you are allergic to Capecitabine or any of its ingredients. During the Capecitabine treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your complete blood counts, prothrombin time, INR, blood sugar, electrolytes, liver panel, and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with stomach ulcers, cataract, lung disease, problems in your heart, liver, skin, kidneys. Tell your physician before you undergo eye surgery or dental procedures.

Capecitabine Tablet may impair fertility in male and female patients. Capecitabine is not recommended during pregnancy as it causes harm to the unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during and for 3 months after the last dose of Capecitabine. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while you are on the treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose of Capecitabine.

Capecitabine Tablet may cause skin dryness; use an effective moisturiser for your skin. Ensure adequate hydration and maintain a balanced diet. Store the medicine in the original package at room temperature (25°C). Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and pets. It is important to take the dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a scheduled dose, contact your doctor to reschedule. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience dizziness, nausea or tiredness during treatment with Capecitabine.

Genentech USA, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on March 2015] [ Accessed on 9th March 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/020896s037lbl.pdf KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 864. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1698.