Xeloda is used to cure breast cancer in advanced stage when it is resistant to therapy with other drugs such as paclitaxel (Taxol) and to drugs of anthracycline family such as doxorubicin (Adriamycin). This medicine is converted to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by the body, which for many years has been given intravenously and was used to treat a colorectal cancer. This is a type of cancer that 5-FU treated frequently. 5-FU works as the inhibitor of the both DNA and protein production by the cancerous cells. They both are necessary for cells division and growing the cancer in size.
FDA approved Xeloda in 1998 for the curing the breast cancer and in 2005 for curing the colorectal cancer.
Usually you should take Xeloda two times a day with not less than 12 hours between two doses and 30 minutes after taking meal. Usually Xeloda is taken in repeating cycles of 3 weeks - 2 consecutive weeks taking a drug and the next week without. For some patients the dosage may be lower or delayed. Follow the prescribed by your Physician dose.
If you forget to take a dose, do not take two doses at one time, just skip the missed dose and go back to the regular schedule.
This medicine is stored at room temperature. Keep Capecitabine away from light and heat.
Xeloda Safety information
If you take this medicine you should keep all laboratory appointments made by your doctor. If you need to take any dental or medical cure, surgery or other emergency care you should talk to the doctor about taking this medicine because it may decrease your infection resistance. Avoid contacting with people with cold and other infection to prevent your infection. Wash carefully your hands before touching your eyes or nose. If you need to take immunuzation (vaccination) while taking this medicine, consult with your doctor first. This medicine is also harmful for human fetus, so consult with your doctor all risks of this medicine before planning the pregnancy. You should not breast-feed if you take this medicine despite the fact that the excretion of this medicing to the breast milk was not studied. You can take this medicine only if it is prescribed to you by your doctor, do not share it with other people. Use this medicine only for prescribed health condition.
Store it away from children. Take care of refilling your supply of Capecitabine in case of using the medicine for a long time.
Xeloda Side effects
You can find such side effects while taking Xeloda: nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fatique, painful swelling in the mouth, rash and swelling of hands and feet, low count of blood platelet (it can cause bleeding), low count of white blood cells (it may lead to infections), anemia. When you stop to take a drug or lower your dose, these side effects, found at one of three patients, usually stop or reverse.
