Xeloda
Form: Tablet
Strength: 500 mg
Generic Name: Capecitabine
MRP:৳ 220.74 (Box=10)
Per Piece: ৳ 22.07
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Xeloda is used for the treatment of various types of cancer, including:
- Colon Cancer (in adjuvant therapy for Dukes’C colon cancer)
- Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (as a first-line treatment with fluoropyrimidine therapy)
- Metastatic Breast Cancer (in combination with docetaxel after previous treatment failure)
- As a monotherapy for patients resistant to both paclitaxel and anthracycline treatments
Pharmacology
Xeloda is an oral chemotherapy medicine that works by turning into fluorouracil inside the body, which helps stop the growth of cancer cells. Fluorouracil targets cancer cells by interfering with their DNA and RNA, slowing their growth and division.
Dosage & Administration
Monotherapy: 1250 mg/m² twice a day for 2 weeks, followed by a 1-week break.
Adjuvant Treatment: Recommended for 6 months (8 cycles).
Combination with Docetaxel: 1250 mg/m² twice a day for 2 weeks, followed by a 7-day break, combined with 75 mg/m² of docetaxel every 3 weeks.
The tablets should be taken within 30 minutes after meals (morning and evening). They should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or cut.
Doctors experienced with anticancer medicines should prescribe Xeloda.
Interaction
Xeloda may interact with:
- Anticoagulants: Frequent monitoring of blood clotting is required.
- Phenytoin: The dose of phenytoin may need to be reduced.
- Leucovorin: Can increase the effects and side effects of fluorouracil.
- CYP2C9 Substrates: Caution is needed when used together.
- Food: Can reduce how much of the medicine is absorbed by the body.
Contraindications
Xeloda should not be used by people who have:
- Severe kidney problems
- Allergic reactions to any component of the medicine
- Low white blood cell or platelet count
- Severe reactions to fluoropyrimidine treatments
- Complete DPD enzyme deficiency
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Side Effects
Possible side effects include:
- Abdominal pain
- Skin rash, dryness, or itching
- Tiredness and loss of appetite
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores
- Hand-and-foot skin reactions
- Fever and infections
- Chest pain and rare serious reactions like Steven-Johnson Syndrome
Pregnancy & Lactation
Xeloda is not safe during pregnancy as Xeloda may harm the unborn baby. Women should consult a doctor before using Xeloda. Breastfeeding should be stopped while taking Xeloda and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
Precautions & Warnings
Precautions include:
- Monitoring blood clotting if using anticoagulants.
- Stopping treatment if severe diarrhea or other side effects occur.
- Be cautious if the patient has heart problems or dehydration.
- Should be avoided or stopped if there is a severe reaction to the skin or mucous membranes.
- Not suitable for patients with very low or absent DPD enzyme activity.
- Can affect the liver, kidneys, and blood counts.
Overdose Effects
Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, gastrointestinal bleeding, and bone marrow suppression. Immediate medical attention is needed to treat these symptoms and prevent complications.
Therapeutic Class
Xeloda is a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug.
Storage Conditions
Store in a dry place below 30°C. Keep away from light and out of the reach of children.