What is Xeloda? Uses, effects, side effects & warnings

What is Xeloda?

Xeloda is a medicine for cancer that blocks the growth of cancerous cells and reduces their spread throughout the body.

Xeloda can be used as a stand-alone treatment or as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen in the fight against colon cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer.Xeloda can be used when the cancer is spreading to different regions within your body (metastatic).

Warnings

It is not recommended to use Xeloda when you suffer from an extreme kidney disorder or metabolic condition referred to as DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency.

If you are taking one of the blood thinners (warfarin, coumadin, or Jantoven), you may have to take periodic "INR" or prothrombin time tests. A blood thinner could increase your risk of serious bleeding when you're using Xeloda as well as for a short period of time following the discontinuation of this medication. This risk is more prevalent in people older than 60.

Before you take this drug

It is recommended not to use Xeloda when you are allergic to capsecitabine or fluorouracil or are suffering from:

serious kidney disease.

To ensure that Xeloda is safe for you, ask your doctor if you've previously had:

A metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency;
Kidney or liver disease;
Heart issues heart issues
When you're using a blood thinner and have the routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

Capecitabine may harm an unborn baby in the event that either the father or the mother is taking Xeloda.

If you're female, you may need an ultrasound test to be sure you're not pregnant. Utilize birth control while taking Xeloda and at least six months after the last dose.
If you're male, use birth control when your sex partner is likely to become pregnant. Use birth control for a minimum of 3 months following the last dose.
Contact your doctor immediately in the event of a pregnancy.

The likelihood of pregnancy is higher when either the father or mother uses this medication. Women and men alike must still utilize birth control to stop pregnancies because this medication could affect a newborn baby.Don't breastfeed while taking Xeloda or for at least two weeks following the last dose.

How to take Xeloda?

You should take Xeloda exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label and study all medication guides or instruction sheets.Xeloda is generally taken two times daily, but it could be part of a program that also comprises other medications that are taken at different times. Follow the instructions of your doctor for dosage extremely carefully.

Eat in with food or within 30 minutes following eating a meal.Take the tablet in whole water. Do not crush, chew, or tear it. Inform your physician if you are having difficulty taking the tablet.

Xeloda is available as a 3-week cycle of treatment. It is possible that you require the medication only on specific days of the cycle.It is possible to become dehydrated in the course of a long-term illness. Consult your doctor if you have a fever, nausea, or diarrhea.

You could require regular medical tests, and the treatment for cancer could be delayed based on the results. Xeloda may have long-lasting effects on the body. It's possible you'll need medical tests for a brief period following your last dose.Keep the bottle at room temperature, free of heat and moisture. Close the bottle when not being used.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose of Xeloda for Colorectal Cancer:

MONOTHERAPY:
First-line treatment for patients suffering from metastatic colorectal tumors where treatment with fluoropyrimidine is the preferred option:
Recommended dosage 1250 mg/m2 oral 2 times per day (morning and evening, approximately 2500 mg/m2 as a total daily intake) for 2 weeks, followed by a one-week rest period, which is characterized as three weeks.
ADJUVANT TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH DUKES' C COLON CANCER:
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE: 1250 mg/m2 taken orally two times per day (morning and evening, approximately 2500 mg/m2 as a total daily dosage) for 2 weeks, followed by a one-week rest period, which is characterized as three weeks, each cycle consisting of eight cycles (24 weeks).
Comments:
The tablets should be ingested whole, along with water, within 30 minutes after having eaten.
Use:
Colorectal Cancer:
as a monotherapy in adjuvant therapy for patients suffering from Dukes C colon cancer that have undergone a complete removal of the primary tumor, when fluoropyrimidine alone is recommended as this drug is not superior to 5-fluorouracil or leucovorin (5-FU/LV) to improve disease-free survival (DFS), and physicians must be aware of the results of combo chemotherapy trials that have shown improvements both in DFS and OS when prescribing this drug as an adjuvant treatment for Dukes C colon cancer.
As a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal tumors in cases where treatment with fluoropyrimidine alone is preferable, combination chemotherapy has demonstrated an advantage over 5-FU/LV by itself, but the benefit of survival over 5-FU/LV hasn't been established using this drug as a single therapy; the use of this drug in place of 5-FU/LV as a combination therapy is not well-studied to ensure safety or the preservation of the survival benefit.

Usual Adult Dose of Xeloda for Breast Cancer:

MONOTHERAPY:
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE 1250 mg/m2 taken orally two times per day (morning and evening, approximately 2500 mg/m2 in total daily dosage) for 2 weeks, followed by a rest of one week, accompanied by docetaxel 75 mg/m2 for an IV infusion lasting 1 hour each time for 3 weeks.
IN COMBINATION WITH DOCETAXEL:
Recommended dosage 1250 mg/m2 taken orally two times per day (morning and evening equal 2500 mg/m2 in total daily intake) for two weeks, then a one-week break.The term is used to describe three weeks.Comments:
The information provided by the manufacturer prescribing docetaxel must be reviewed for advice regarding premedication.
The tablets should be taken whole and accompanied by water within 30 minutes following eating.
Use:
Breast Cancer:
In combination with docetaxel for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior anthracycline-containing chemotherapy as monotherapy for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer resistant to both paclitaxel and an anthracycline-containing chemotherapy regimen or resistant to paclitaxel and for whom further anthracycline therapy There is no indication for it (e.g. those with dosages cumulatively of 400 mg/m2 the drug doxorubicin, or equivalent doxorubicin) and resistance is defined as a progressive illness when receiving treatment, whether including or without an initial response, or relapse within 6 months of completing treatment with an anthracycline-containing adjuvant regimen

What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but avoid your missed dose if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided Xeloda?

Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or activities.

Side effects of Xeloda

Take immediate medical care. If you are experiencing symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Xeloda (hives or breathing problems and swelling of your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever and throat soreness, eye burning, irritation, and red or purple skin itching, blistering, and peeling),

Diarrhea could occur, and it could be very serious. Stop taking Xeloda and inform your doctor immediately if the number of bowel movements you typically experience each day increases by more than four or if you notice frequent bowel movements during the night.

Stop taking Xeloda and contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from:

severe diarrhea;
bloody diarrhea that causes intense stomach pain and fever
extreme sickness or lack of appetite that causes you to eat less than you normally do;
vomiting (more than one time in one day);
fever above 100.5 degrees;
ulcers or sores in your mouth; swelling or redness of your tongue and mouth; difficulty swallowing or eating;
jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
Dehydration symptoms: feeling very thirsty, hot, or hungry and not being able to urinate; excessive sweating; hot, sweaty skin;
"hand and foot syndrome" It is characterized by redness, pain, tenderness, and blisters, as well as peeling or scaly skin appearing on the feet or hands.
heart issues chest pain, irregular heartbeats, swelling in your lower limbs, fast weight gain, feeling lightheaded or short of breath,
Low blood cells, such as chills, fever, fatigue, lips sores, rashes, easily bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold feet, and hands, being lightheaded or weak of breath

The treatment for cancer may be delayed or discontinued permanently in the event of certain adverse effects.

Common Xeloda adverse reactions could include:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain;
Being tired or weak;
Foot and hand syndrome hand and foot syndrome;

This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. If you experience any adverse reactions to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.