Capecitabine 500mg.

Capecitabine 500mg. — Uses and Benefits

Capecitabine is a cancer medicine (chemotherapy) prescribed for specific types of cancer, mainly breast cancer and colorectal/colon cancer, including cases where cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of breast cancer, often after surgery or when other treatments have not worked
• Treatment of colorectal (colon and rectal) cancer
• Sometimes used along with other cancer medicines or radiotherapy as decided by your oncologist

HOW IT WORKS

• It is converted in the body into an active anti-cancer substance
• This substance interferes with the growth of cancer cells and stops them from multiplying
• Over time this helps shrink tumours or slow disease progression

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a painkiller or general medicine for infections
• It is not used for cancers unrelated to breast or colorectal cancer unless specifically advised by an oncologist
• It is not a substitute for surgery or radiotherapy when these are needed
• It should never be self-prescribed or used without an oncologist's supervision

How to Use Capecitabine 500mg.

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your oncologist, in the dose, cycle and duration advised for you
• Swallow the tablet whole with water, within 30 minutes after a meal
• Do not crush, break or chew the tablet
• Do not change the dose or stop the medicine on your own, even if you feel better
• Regular blood tests will be needed during treatment to check your safety

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Contact your oncologist or pharmacist for guidance rather than doubling the next dose
• Do not take a missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose
• Keep a record of doses taken to help your doctor plan your cycle correctly

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct heat, light and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Keep in original packaging until ready to use
• Dispose of unused or expired tablets safely, as advised by your pharmacist; do not flush down the toilet

Capecitabine 500mg. — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Redness, pain, swelling or peeling of skin on hands and feet (hand-foot syndrome)
• Tiredness and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Hair thinning
• Taste changes
• Skin rash or dryness
• Mild fever
• Dizziness

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe or persistent diarrhoea or vomiting causing dehydration
• Signs of infection such as high fever, chills or sore throat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Chest pain, breathlessness or irregular heartbeat
• Severe skin peeling or blistering
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Severe mouth ulcers preventing eating or drinking

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Capecitabine 500mg. — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and must be used strictly under the supervision of an oncologist.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to capecitabine or fluorouracil
• Have a known severe deficiency of the enzyme DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase)
• Have severe kidney disease, unless specifically advised by your doctor
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver or kidney problems
• Have heart disease
• Are breastfeeding
• Are taking blood thinners such as warfarin
• Have had previous severe reactions to chemotherapy

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Warfarin and other blood thinners
• Phenytoin (anti-seizure medicine)
• Other chemotherapy drugs
• Folic acid supplements in high doses
• Antacids in some cases

Always share your complete medicine list with your doctor before starting treatment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

It is best to avoid alcohol during chemotherapy as it may worsen side effects; ask your doctor.

Will this medicine affect fertility?

It may affect fertility in both men and women, so discuss family planning with your doctor before starting.

Can I take this medicine during pregnancy?

• No, it can harm the unborn baby, and effective contraception is recommended during and after treatment.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.