About capecitabi ne
Anticancer medicine; fluoropyrimidine
Used for
- Treats certain breast cancers
- Treats colorectal cancer
- Treats stomach and other gastrointestinal cancers
Usual adult dose
Usually 1,250 mg/m² by mouth twice daily for 14 days, then 7 days off; regimen varies by cancer.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or mouth sores
- Hand-foot syndrome: redness, pain, or peeling
- Tiredness and reduced blood cell counts
- Liver problems or abdominal pain
Important warnings
- Can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, or low blood counts
- Do not use with severe dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency
- Use only under specialist supervision; blood tests are needed
- Tablets should be swallowed whole with water after food
Pregnancy
Can harm an unborn baby. Pregnancy prevention is needed during treatment and for six months afterward.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for one week after the final dose.
Interactions
- Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists: increased bleeding risk
- Phenytoin: blood levels may rise
- Allopurinol may reduce effectiveness
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may increase capecitabine exposure
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.