Chemo Drugs

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Xeloda (Capecitabine)

What Does It Look Like?

Peach Colored Tablets

How Is It Given?

By mouth (oral)

Why Am I Taking It?

Xeloda is an anti-cancer drug that stops cancer cells from dividing. This drug is used for the treatment of breast cancer that has spread outside the breast and is resistant to treatment with other types of chemotherapy. It is also used to treat metastatic colon cancers and is being tested for use in other cancers.

What Side Effects May Occur?

You may experience some, all, or none of those listed. Most side effects do not last long. Tell the doctor or nurse about any that you notice. The information here does not include all possible side effects; others may occur. Please report any problems to your doctor.

Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting and Mouth Sores

• Medications are available to help with these side effects.
• Call your doctor or nurse if you have 4 or more bowel movements each day or any diarrhea at night.
• Call if your nausea and vomiting are not controlled by your medicines.
• Call if you get sores or pain in your mouth.

Hand and Foot Syndrome

• Call your doctor or nurse if you have swelling, pain, numbness, tingling or redness of your hands and/or feet.
• It will be necessary to stop taking the xeloda until these symptoms are completely gone. Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to start taking the xeloda again. You may restart on a lower dose in order to avoid having problems with hand and foot syndrome.
• It is VERY important that you do NOT ignore these symptoms. They will NOT go away and usually get much worse if you continue taking the xeloda.
• Avoid tight socks, shoes, sleeves, etc as this seems to make the hand and foot syndrome worse.
• Your doctor may prescribe vitamin B6 doses for you to either help prevent or to treat hand and foot syndrome.
• Keeping your skin well hydrated with lanolin based lotions and salves may help if you develop redness or blistering. Some lanolin based products that are readily available include "Bag Balm" or "Udderly Smooth".

Low Blood Cell Counts

• Mild to moderate decreases in blood cells can be expected. Blood tests will be done to monitor this.
• Call your doctor or nurse if you notice any signs of infection or bleeding.
• Avoid situations where you might be exposed to people with infections.

Other Side Effects

• Tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache and fever

How Do I Take This Medication?

• Take the tablets within 30 minutes after the end of a meal (breakfast and dinner)
• Swallow the tablets with water only.
• If you are taking the vitamin Folic Acid, please inform your doctor or nurse.
• If you miss a dose of Xeloda, do NOT take the missed dose at all and do NOT double the next one. Instead, continue your regular dosing schedule and check with your doctor.

Special Notes

• Changes in your menstrual cycle or sperm counts may occur. Discuss birth control measures with your doctor as it is not advisable to conceive or to father children while taking this drug.