Capecitabine

Who is Capecitabine for ?

Capecitabine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer. Your doctor may prescribe Capecitabine for other uses, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Capecitabine works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells.

When should I be careful taking Capecitabine ?

Before taking Capecitabine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Capecitabine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications or herbal products you are taking.
• tell your doctor if you have or ever had any bleeding disorders.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking Capecitabine. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is not known if Capecitabine is excreted into breast milk. Because of the possible adverse effects to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended. Consult your doctor if you are considering breast-feeding.
• Safety and efficacy for the use of Capecitabine in children have not been established.

Capecitabine Side Effects

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• mild diarrhea
• headache
• dry skin
• painful rash or swelling, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet
• nausea
• vomiting
• weakness
• tiredness
• constipation

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• painful swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms or legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe diarrhea ( more than 4 stools per day or stools at night)
• vomiting (2 to 5 or more episodes per day)
• dehydration (dry mouth, eyes, excessive thirst, weakness)
• painful rash and swelling of the hands and feet that interferes with daily living
• loss of appetite
• signs of infection (fever > 100.5 degrees F (38 C), chills)
• fainting
• rash