Capecitabine
(Xeloda, United States)

More drugs used for Cancer.

Use:

Capecitabine or Xeloda is used for metastatic breast cancer.

How It Works:

Capecitabine or Xeloda is the prodrug of 5-fluorouracil, meaning that in the body it is converted to the active 5-fluorouracil by enzymes in the tumour.

Side Effects:

Because it is converted at the actual site of the tumour, less severe side effects occur - less bone marrow toxicity, less hair loss. It can cause, however, severe diarrhea, vomiting, and tingling, pain, or swelling of hands or feet.

Cautions for People:

Capecitabine or Xeloda can be given in combination with other anti cancer drugs, however because of its side effect profile, it must be given with care with any other drugs that can cause similar side effects.

Drug Interactions:

People who use Capecitabine or Xeloda are those who cannot take or are resistant to paclitaxel or the anthracyclines.

Further Reading:

Cancer Research 1998;58:685

Added to Virtual Drugstore June 1998.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.

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