Xeloda (Capecitabine)

Do’s

• Before starting Xeloda and each time you receive a refill, read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
• This medication should be taken by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, typically twice daily with approximately 12 hours between each dose. Your healthcare provider may instruct you to take this medication in a treatment cycle, carefully follow their instructions.
• To administer this medication, swallow the tablets whole with water within 30 minutes after a meal. If you encounter difficulty swallowing the tablets whole, seek advice from your healthcare provider.
• The dosage of Xeloda is determined based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.

Don’t

• Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets.
• Do not increase the dose or use this drug more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed, as doing so may not improve your condition any faster and could increase the risk of side effects.
• In the event of vomiting after taking a dose, do not take another dose at that time. Instead, the next dose should be taken at the regular scheduled time.
• Xeloda can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may pose a risk to an unborn baby. Therefore, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling this medication or breathing the dust from the tablets.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Feeling weak or tired
• Jaundice

Severe Side Effects:

• Hand-foot syndrome
• Severe skin reactions
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Allergic reaction

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and others may occur. If any side effects are experienced, seek medical advice from a healthcare provider.

Xeloda may interact with other drugs. Consult a healthcare provider before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Xeloda may increase the exposure to phenytoin, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to phenytoin. Close monitoring of phenytoin levels and dosage adjustment may be necessary when Xeloda is used concomitantly with phenytoin.

Concomitant use of Xeloda with other drugs known to cause renal toxicity may increase the risk of renal toxicity. Close monitoring for signs of renal toxicity is recommended when Xeloda is used concomitantly with nephrotoxic drugs such as platinum salts, irinotecan, and methotrexate.

Xeloda should not be taken by individuals with severe kidney disease or a metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency. Additionally, caution is advised when taking Xeloda concomitantly with blood thinners, as it may increase the risk of severe bleeding, particularly in adults older than 60.

There is a warning about the increased risk of bleeding with the concomitant use of vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin. Altered coagulation parameters and/or bleeding, including death, have been reported in patients taking Xeloda concomitantly with vitamin K antagonists.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions. Consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive understanding of the potential warnings and precautions associated with Xeloda.