IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Medication Interactions
- Dosage and Storage
- Medication Images
Pronounced: (cap-eh-SIT-uh-bean)
Xeloda Oral Uses
Capecitabine is used alone or with other treatments/medications to treat certain types of cancer (e.g., of the breast, colon, rectum). It works by slowing or stopping cancer cell growth and by decreasing tumor size.
How To Use Xeloda Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking capecitabine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily in the morning and evening or as directed by your doctor. It is best to take this with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) within 30 minutes after the end of a meal. Capecitabine is usually taken every day for 2 weeks, then stopped for 1 week. This course of treatment may be repeated as directed by your doctor.
If you take any antacid products that contain aluminum or magnesium, take capecitabine 2 hours before or after taking any antacids because these products may change the way your body absorbs capecitabine.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to therapy. You may be taking a combination of different tablet sizes. Pay close attention to your dose and tablet sizes to avoid over- or under-dosing.
Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may increase.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised May 2010
Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
