Xeloda

Xeloda

     * Generic Name: capecitabine
     * Brand Name: Xeloda


     * What is capecitabine (Xeloda)?
     * What are the possible side effects of capecitabine (Xeloda)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       capecitabine (Xeloda)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       capecitabine (Xeloda)?
     * How should I take capecitabine (Xeloda)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Xeloda)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Xeloda)?
     * What should I avoid while taking capecitabine (Xeloda)?
     * What other drugs will affect capecitabine (Xeloda)?
     * Where can I get more information (Xeloda)?

What is capecitabine (Xeloda)?

   Capecitabine is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth
   of cancer cells and slows their spread in the body.

   Capecitabine is used to treat colon cancer, and breast or
   colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

   Capecitabine is often used in combination with other cancer medications
   and/or radiation treatments.

   Capecitabine may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of capecitabine (Xeloda)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * fever above 100.5 degrees;
     * nausea, loss of appetite, eating much less than usual,
       vomiting (more than once in 24 hours);
     * severe diarrhea (more than 4 times per day, or during the night);
     * blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble
       swallowing;
     * pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling
       skin on your hands or feet;
     * dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to
       urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;
     * heart problems--chest pain or pressure, uneven heartbeats,
       shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling or rapid
       weight gain;
     * kidney problems--little or no urinating; painful or difficult
       urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short
       of breath;
     * liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
       loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
       (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * low blood cell counts--fever or other flu symptoms, cough, skin
       sores, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling
       light-headed, rapid heart rate; or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * stomach pain or upset, constipation;
     * tired feeling;
     * mild skin rash; or
     * numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about capecitabine
(Xeloda)?

   You should not take capecitabine if you have severe kidney disease or a
   metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase)
   deficiency.

   If you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven), you
   may need to have more frequent "INR" or prothrombin time tests.
   Taking a blood thinner can increase your risk of severe bleeding while
   you are using capecitabine, and for a short time after you stop taking
   capecitabine. This risk is higher in adults older than 60.

   Xeloda Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Colorectal Cancer:Understanding Cancer of the Colon

   Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Slideshow Pictures
   Digestive Disease Myths:Common Misconceptions

   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking capecitabine
(Xeloda)?

   You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to capecitabine
   or fluorouracil (Adrucil), or if you have:
     * severe kidney disease; or
     * a metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase)
       deficiency.

   To make sure capecitabine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
   any of these conditions:
     * kidney disease;
     * bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
     * liver disease;
     * a history of coronary artery disease; or
     * if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

   Do not use capecitabine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn
   baby.

   Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking
   capecitabine, whether you are a man or a woman. Tell your doctor if a
   pregnancy occurs during treatment.

   It is not known whether capecitabine passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are
   taking capecitabine.

How should I take capecitabine (Xeloda)?

   Capecitabine is usually taken twice per day. Follow the directions on
   your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller
   amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Capecitabine is given in a 3-week treatment cycle, and you may only
   need to take the medicine during the first 2 weeks of each cycle. Your
   doctor will determine how long to treat you with capecitabine.

   Capecitabine is only part of a treatment program that may also include
   other medications taken on different schedules. Follow your doctor's
   dosing instructions very carefully.

   Capecitabine should be taken with food or within 30 minutes after
   eating a meal.

   Take capecitabine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

   Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, if you are
   unable to eat because of stomach illness, or if you are sweating more
   than usual. Prolonged illness can lead to dehydration or kidney
   failure.

   You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not
   causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on
   the results of these tests. Capecitabine can have long lasting effects
   on your body. You may need frequent medical tests for a short time
   after you stop using this medicine.

   You must remain under the care of a doctor while you are taking
   capecitabine.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle
   tightly closed when not in use.

   Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets
   provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
   questions.

   Xeloda Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Colorectal Cancer:Understanding Cancer of the Colon

   Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Slideshow Pictures
   Digestive Disease Myths:Common Misconceptions

   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Xeloda)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Xeloda)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking capecitabine (Xeloda)?

   This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit).
   Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body
   fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers.
   Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and
   linens separately from other laundry.

What other drugs will affect capecitabine (Xeloda)?

   If you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven), you may
   need to have more frequent "INR" or prothrombin time tests. Taking
   a blood thinner can increase your risk of severe bleeding while you are
   using capecitabine, and for a short time after you stop taking
   capecitabine. This risk is higher in adults older than 60.

   Other drugs may interact with capecitabine, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
   your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
   medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Xeloda)?

   Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about
   capecitabine.
     __________________________________________________________________

   Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
   children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
   medication only for the indication prescribed.
   Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
   Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
   but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
   herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
   use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
   therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
   States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
   Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
   recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
   resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
   for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
   supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
   knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
   warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
   construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
   effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
   any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
   aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
   not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
   warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
   you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
   doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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