This page contains drug information on Xeloda.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Xeloda
the possible side effects of Xeloda
what happens if you miss a dose of Xeloda
what happens if you overdose with Xeloda
the most important information about Xeloda
how to use Xeloda
other drugs that may affect Xeloda
what to avoid while using Xeloda
 
Generic Name: capecitabine (cah peh SIGH tah bean)
Brand Names: Xeloda
 
What is the most important information I should know about xeloda?
 •  xeloda should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
 •  Talk to your doctor if you are taking the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin). In some cases, severe bleeding and death have resulted when these medications were taken together, or when treatment with warfarin (Coumadin) was started in the month following treatment with xeloda. If treatment with both medications is determined by your doctor to be necessary, special monitoring will be required.
 •  If the dose of xeloda prescribed for you requires a combination of different strength tablets, it is very important that you correctly identify the tablets to ensure the correct dose. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions regarding a dose.
 •  Stop taking xeloda and notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: more than 4 bowel movements per day or diarrhea at night vomiting more than once in a 24-hour period the amount of food you eat each day is much less than usual or if you are only able to eat at certain times pain, redness, swelling, or sores in or around the mouth tingling, numbness, pain, swelling, or redness of the hands and/ or feet (hand-and-foot syndrome) or fever (temperature greater than 100.5 degrees) or other evidence of infection.

What is xeloda?
 •  xeloda is a cancer (chemotherapeutic) medication. xeloda interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
 •  xeloda is used in the treatment of some types of breast and colorectal cancers.
 •  xeloda may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking xeloda?
 •  Do not take xeloda without first talking to your doctor if you are allergic to fluorouracil (Adrucil).
 •  Before taking xeloda, tell your doctor if you
      · have liver disease or a history of liver problems
      · have kidney disease
      · have heart or coronary artery disease or
      · are taking any other medicines especially warfarin (Coumadin), phenytoin (Dilantin), folic acid (found in some vitamins), or leucovorin (Wellcovorin).
 •  You may not be able to take xeloda, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. xeloda is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Contraceptive measures are recommended for both men and women during treatment with xeloda.
 •  It is not known whether xeloda will harm a nursing infant. Do not take xeloda without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
 •  The safety and effectiveness of xeloda in patients younger than 18 years of age have not been established.
 •  If you are over the age of 80, you may be more likely to experience side effects from xeloda.

How should I take xeloda?
 •  xeloda should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
 •  Take xeloda exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Each dose of xeloda should be swallowed with water.
 •  Take xeloda within 30 minutes after the end of a meal (usually breakfast and dinner).
 •  If the dose of xeloda prescribed for you requires a combination of different strength tablets, it is very important that you correctly identify the tablets to ensure the correct dose. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions regarding a dose.
 •  xeloda is usually taken for 14 days followed by a 7 day rest period (no drug given), in a 21 day cycle. Follow your doctors instructions.
 •  Take all of the xeloda that has been prescribed for you.
 •  Store xeloda at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  If you miss a dose of xeloda, do not take the missed dose at all and do not double the next one. Instead, continue your regular dosing schedule and check with your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention.
 •  Symptoms of a xeloda overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, and bleeding.

What should I avoid while taking xeloda?
 •  There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities while taking xeloda, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of xeloda?
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking xeloda and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
      · an allergic reaction (shortness of breath closing of your throat difficulty breathing swelling of your lips, face, or tongue or hives)
      · diarrhea (more than 4 bowel movements each day or any diarrhea at night)
      · vomiting (more than once in 24 hours)
      · nausea or a loss of appetite (if the amount of food you eat each day is much less than usual or if you are only able to eat at certain times)
      · fever (temperature greater than 100.5 degrees) or other signs of infection
      · tingling, numbness, pain, swelling, or redness of the hands and/ or feet (hand-and-foot syndrome) or
      · pain, redness, swelling, or sores in or around the mouth.
 •  Other less serious side effects may occur more frequently. Continue to take xeloda and talk to your doctor if you experience:
      · dehydration
      · a rash or dry or itchy skin
      · tiredness
      · dizziness
      · headache
      · constipation
      · sleeplessness or
      · eye irritation.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect xeloda?
 •  Talk to your doctor if you are taking the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin). In some cases, severe bleeding and death have resulted when these medications were taken together, or when treatment with warfarin (Coumadin) was started in the month following treatment with xeloda. If treatment with both medications is determined by your doctor to be necessary, special monitoring will be required.
 •  Do not take any of the following medicines during treatment with xeloda without first talking to your doctor:
      · phenytoin (Dilantin)
      · leucovorin (Wellcovorin) or
      · folic acid.
 •  You may not be able to take xeloda, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with xeloda. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.