Xeloda 500mg Tablet (Capecitabine) – Treatment for Breast, Colon & Rectal Cancers

Xeloda 500mg Tablet contains capecitabine, an oral chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer. As a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil, it specifically targets cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This tablet should be taken within 30 minutes after meals, twice daily for 14 days followed by a 7-day rest period in each 21-day cycle. Common side effects include hand-foot syndrome and gastrointestinal issues. Regular blood tests are essential to monitor blood cell counts and organ function during treatment.

Uses of Xeloda 500mg Tablet:

Treatment of metastatic breast cancer (after failure of anthracycline/taxane therapy)
Adjuvant therapy for colon cancer after complete resection
First-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer
May be combined with other chemotherapy agents

Benefits of Xeloda 500mg Tablet:

Xeloda offers oral convenience compared to IV chemotherapy, allowing home administration. Clinical studies show equivalent efficacy to 5-FU/LV regimens for colon cancer with fewer hospital visits. For breast cancer patients, it provides an effective option when other treatments fail. The drug’s unique activation primarily in tumor tissue helps reduce systemic side effects while maintaining anti-cancer activity.

Side Effects of Xeloda 500mg Tablet:

Very common side effects (>10% incidence):
– Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia)
– Diarrhea – Nausea – Fatigue – Stomatitis
Serious risks requiring medical attention:
– Severe diarrhea – Cardiotoxicity – Hepatic toxicity
– Neurotoxicity – Blood disorders – Dehydration

How to Use?

Take with food within 30 minutes after meals (breakfast and dinner). Swallow tablets whole with water – never crush or chew. The typical dosage is 1250mg/m² twice daily for 14 days followed by 7 days rest, repeated every 21 days. Dose adjustments may be needed based on side effects.

How Medicine Works?

Xeloda undergoes enzymatic conversion to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) primarily in tumor tissues through a 3-step process:

Converted to 5′-DFCR in liver
Changed to 5′-DFUR by cytidine deaminase
Transformed to active 5-FU by thymidine phosphorylase in tumors

The active 5-FU then inhibits thymidylate synthase, disrupting DNA/RNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Safety Advice:

Pregnancy: Absolutely contraindicated – risk of fetal harm
Contraception: Required during and for 6 months (women) or 3 months (men) after treatment
Liver/kidney impairment: Requires dose adjustment
Blood monitoring: Regular CBC and liver function tests needed
Drug interactions: Many significant interactions including warfarin

What If You Missed a Dose?

Do not take a missed dose. Continue with the next scheduled dose. Never take extra tablets to make up for missed doses as this increases toxicity risk.

FAQs:

Q1: Why must Xeloda Tablet be taken with food?

Food enhances absorption and reduces gastrointestinal irritation. Taking without food may increase side effects while decreasing effectiveness.

Q2: How to manage hand-foot syndrome?

Use urea-based creams, avoid hot water, and wear comfortable shoes. For Grade 2/3 reactions, your doctor may reduce the dose or interrupt treatment.

Q3: Can I take blood thinners with Xeloda Tablet?

No. Xeloda potentiates warfarin effect, increasing bleeding risk. INR must be monitored closely if co-administration is unavoidable.

Q4: What foods should I avoid during treatment?

Limit grapefruit/Seville oranges as they may increase drug levels. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to manage side effects.

Q5: How will I know if it’s working?

Your oncologist will monitor through regular scans, tumor markers, and symptom assessment – not by side effects. Response typically appears after 2-3 cycles.