Capecitabine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Capecitabine?

What is Capecitabine used for?

Capecitabine is a drug that works to treat several types of cancer, such as breast cancer and colon cancer. Capecitabine is a drug that belongs to the class of cytotoxic chemotherapy (cytotoxic chemotherapy) which will slow or kill the growth of cancer cells and shrink the size of the tumor.

Usually this drug is given in conjunction with other chemotherapy drugs or even radiation therapy. This depends on the condition of each patient.

How do I use Capecitabine?

Always follow the rules that have been given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

Read the drug's guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by the pharmacy, if available, before you get this medication and each time you buy again. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You will be prescribed an oral medication that is taken 2 times a day every morning and night, or according to your doctor's instructions. It is recommended to take this medicine with one glass of mineral water (240 ml) 30 minutes after eating. The tablet must be swallowed completely. Do not split or crush the tablet.

Capecitabine is generally taken every day for 2 weeks, then stopped for 1 week. The dosing schedule can be repeated according to the doctor's instructions.

If you are taking an antacid product that contains aluminum or magnesium, take capecitabine 2 hours before or after. The content of these two minerals can affect how your body absorbs capecitabine.

The dosage is always given based on your weight, health condition, and how you respond to therapy. You may be required to take capecitabine in different sizes. Always pay attention to the dose prescribed for you and the size of the tablet to make sure you are getting the right dose

It is not recommended to take these medicines in excess of the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Increasing the dose does not guarantee the speed of the healing process, and will increase the risk of side effects.

Capecitabine can be absorbed by the skin. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy to take this medicine.

How do I store Capecitabine?

The best way to store capecitabine is to keep it at room temperature, away from direct light and a damp place. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Capecitabine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the capecitabine dosage for adults?

The dose will be adjusted according to each disease suffered.

Breast cancer

For patients whose cancer has spread and is resistant to chemotherapy drugs paclitaxel and anthracycline, the required dose is 1,250 mg / m2 taken 2 times a day (morning and evening.

This medication is taken for 2 weeks followed by a 1 week rest period after a 3 week treatment cycle. Take this medication with one glass of mineral water (240 ml) 30 minutes after eating.

A dose of 1,000 mg / m2 taken 2 times a day (morning and evening; equivalent to 2,000 mg / m2 maximum daily dose) for 2 weeks, followed by a 1 week rest period may also be used as an alternative.

Colon cancer

When the patient is on fluoropyrimidine therapy, the capecitabine dose is 1,250 mg / m2 taken 2 times a day (morning and evening; equivalent to 2,500 mg / m2 maximum daily dose). This medication is used for 2 weeks followed by a 1 week rest period after a 3 week treatment cycle. Take this medication with one glass of mineral water (240 ml) 30 minutes after eating.

Meanwhile, the alternative dose is 1,000 mg.m2 taken 2 times a day (morning and evening; equivalent to 2,000 mg / m2 maximum daily dose) for 2 weeks, followed by a 1 week period.

What is the dose of Capecitabine for children?

There is no provision for the dose of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is Capecitabine available?

The dosage form of the drug Capecitabine is a drinking tablet with a dosage of 150 mg and 500 mg.

Capecitabine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Capecitabine?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects when using capecitabine are:

• Nausea, loss of appetite, stomach ache
• Severe diarrhea
• Black, bloody, or runny, sticky stools
• Bleeding cough
• The vomit has a rough texture like coffee grounds
• Fever
• The body feels uncomfortable and aches
• bruising or bleeding
• canker sores in the mouth or on the lips;
• Pale skin
• Get tired quickly
• The skin feels tender, sore, reddish, blistered, swollen or peeling.
• Swelling
• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)

While other side effects of capecitabine are:

• Constipation
• Mild skin irritation
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Capecitabine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Capecitabine?

It is not recommended to take capecitabine if you are allergic to capecitabine or fluorouracil (Adrucil), or if you have:

• Acute kidney disease
• DPD deficiency metabolic disorders (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase)

To make sure capicetabine is safe for you to take, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions:

• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Have had coronary heart disease
• Are taking blood thinners (warfarin, coumadin, jantoven)

Is Capecitabine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category D according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = Not at risk

B = No risk in several studies

C = May be risky

D = There is positive evidence of risk

X = Contraindicated

N = Unknown

Capecitabine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Capecitabine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription or non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is usually not recommended, your doctor may not recommend that you continue using the drugs below or change your prescription according to your needs.

• Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
• Tegafur

In some cases, it may be necessary to take buspirone together with other medicines. If these medicines are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Adenovirus vaccine type 4, Live
• Adenovirus vaccine type 7, Live
• Flu vaccine
• Mumps vaccine
• Measles vaccine
• Rubella virus vaccine
• Chickenpox vaccine
• Typhoid vaccine
• Varicella virus vaccine
• Warfarin
• Hepatitis vaccine

Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Fosphenytoin
• Leucovorin
• Levoleucovorin
• Phenytoin

Can food or alcohol interact with Capecitabine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Capecitabine?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• 5-fluorouracil allergy
• Acute kidney disease
• DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency metabolic disorders - Banned for use in patients with these conditions
• Coronary heart disease, have had - Capecitabine can increase the risk of side effects
• Dehydration
• Mild and moderate kidney disease
• Liver disease — Capecitabine can worsen your health condition
• Infection — Capecitabine can weaken the immune system to fight infection

Capecitabine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Throws up
• Stomach ache
• Fever, chills, sore throat, other signs of infection
• The stool is black or has a sticky texture and is runny
• There is bruising and bleeding;
• Tired easily and tired

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.