Capecitabine is generally used in treatment of breast cancer, cancer of colon, rectum and stomach cancer
Side effects
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Fatigue
Increased bilirubin in the blood
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Painful blisters on hands and feet
Vomiting
Weakness
How to use
Consume this medicine in the dosage and duration as per your doctors advise. While taking Capecitabine, swallow it completely without crushing, breaking or chewing it. Capecitabine is to be taken with food.
How it works
Capecitabine is an anticancer drug. It works by interfering with the growth of genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells. This slows the growth of cancer cells and eventually kills them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Capecitabine a generic/ effective/ FDA approved? Yes, Capecitabine is a generic. It is approved by the FDA. It is effective when taken for a condition at a dose for the duration prescribed by the doctor
Q. Is Capecitabine an anthracycline? No, Capecitabine is not an anthracycline
Q. Is Capecitabine cytotoxic? No. Capecitabine is a cytostatic (stops the growth of cells) agent
Q. How is it administered? It is administered as a tablet
Q. Where is Capecitabine absorbed? Capecitabine is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
Q. How is it metabolized? It is metabolized in the liver and tumor tissue
Q. How quickly does Capecitabine work? Capecitabine works based on intensity and severity of cancer. Please ask the doctor how quickly it will work
Q. How long does it stay in the system? Capecitabine and its metabolites stay in the system about two hours on an average
Q. Does Capecitabine cause hair loss/ tiredness/ diarrhea or affect skin? Capecitabine is known to have side effects like hair loss/ tiredness/ diarrhea and affects skin. Please inform the doctor about any side effects that you observe while on therapy.
Expert Advice
Capecitabine should be taken with water within half an hour of taking a meal.Inform your doctor if you are suffering from high or low levels of calcium, cardiac toxicity problems or hand and foot syndrome.Inform your doctor if you have a history of diabetes, nervous system disorders or are taking medication for blood thinning.Inform your doctor if you are taking any medications for gout (allopurinol), fits (phenytoin), or cancer (folinic acid, oxaliplatin, bevacizumab).Capecitabine may cause dizziness or nausea and so it is recommended not to drive or use heavy machinery immediately after taking it.Treatment with Capecitabine need to be permanently discontinued in patients who experience a severe skin reaction.Women who are planning to become pregnant should use two methods of contraception while on this therapy and thereafter as recommended by the doctor. Men who are going to use this therapy should not father a child while on this therapy and thereafter as recommended by the doctor. They should also seek guidance and counselling on sperm conservation before taking this therapy.
Product Details
SKU: PC-63031 Product Description: Capeta Nova 500 mg Tablet is manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Packing: Strip Condition: New Sold by: Pulse Pharmacy India Pvt. Ltd.