Common use
Capecitabine is an oral chemotherapy medication classified as a fluoropyrimidine carbamate — a type of antimetabolite that interferes with cancer cell growth and replication. Unlike many chemotherapy drugs that require intravenous administration, Capecitabine is taken by mouth and is converted into the active anti-cancer agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) preferentially within tumor tissue, which allows for targeted action against cancer cells while reducing exposure to healthy tissues.

Capecitabine is primarily used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, and locally advanced or metastatic gastric (stomach) cancer. It may be used as a single agent (monotherapy) or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs and targeted therapies to enhance treatment effectiveness. Capecitabine is also used as adjuvant therapy following surgery for stage III colon cancer to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

If you are looking to buy Capecitabine online, this oral chemotherapy medication offers the convenience of home-based cancer treatment under physician supervision, eliminating the need for frequent hospital visits for intravenous infusions. Generic Capecitabine provides the same proven anti-cancer efficacy as the brand-name product Xeloda at a more accessible price point.

Dosage and direction
Capecitabine is taken orally, usually twice daily (morning and evening) within 30 minutes after a meal, with a full glass of water. The dosage is individually calculated by your oncologist based on your body surface area (BSA), which takes into account your height and weight, as well as the type of cancer being treated and your overall health status.

Capecitabine is typically administered in treatment cycles: 14 days of active treatment followed by a 7-day rest period (a 21-day cycle). This cyclical dosing allows the body to recover between treatment periods. The number of treatment cycles will be determined by your doctor based on your cancer response and tolerance to the medication. Swallow the tablets whole with water — do not crush, cut, or chew them. Take your doses at approximately the same times each day for consistent drug levels.

Precautions
Before starting Capecitabine chemotherapy, inform your oncologist about your complete medical history, including any heart disease, coronary artery disease, kidney problems, liver disorders, or history of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency, as this rare enzyme deficiency can lead to life-threatening toxicity from fluoropyrimidine drugs.

Capecitabine commonly causes hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia), characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and peeling of the skin on the palms and soles. Report any early signs of this condition to your doctor promptly, as dose adjustment may be necessary. Regular monitoring of blood counts, liver function, and kidney function is essential during treatment.

Capecitabine can cause severe diarrhea, which may lead to dangerous dehydration. Stay well hydrated during treatment and contact your doctor immediately if you experience more than 4 bowel movements per day above your baseline or any nighttime diarrhea. Avoid sun exposure, as Capecitabine can increase skin sensitivity.

Contraindications
Capecitabine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to capecitabine, 5-fluorouracil, or any component of the formulation. It must not be used in patients with known complete absence of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity, as this can result in fatal toxicity.

This chemotherapy medication should not be used during pregnancy, as it can cause severe harm to the developing fetus. Effective contraception must be used during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Breastfeeding is contraindicated during Capecitabine therapy and for 2 weeks after the final dose. Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min) should not take Capecitabine.

Possible side effects
Common side effects of Capecitabine include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, hand-foot syndrome (painful redness and peeling of palms and soles), mouth sores (stomatitis), and abdominal pain. These side effects are often dose-dependent and may be managed with dose adjustments or supportive medications.

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include severe diarrhea (more than 4 extra bowel movements per day), persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, chest pain or irregular heartbeat (cardiotoxicity), severe hand-foot syndrome with blistering, fever or signs of infection (which may indicate dangerously low white blood cell counts), unusual bleeding or bruising, and signs of liver problems (jaundice, dark urine). Contact your oncologist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Drug interaction
Capecitabine has clinically significant interactions with several medications. Warfarin and other coumarin-based anticoagulants may have dramatically increased effects when combined with Capecitabine, requiring frequent INR monitoring and dose adjustments. Phenytoin levels may also increase, raising the risk of toxicity.

Leucovorin (folinic acid) can enhance both the therapeutic and toxic effects of Capecitabine. Allopurinol may decrease Capecitabine effectiveness. Patients should inform their oncologist about all medications they are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions during chemotherapy treatment.

Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Capecitabine, do not take the missed dose — skip it entirely and take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not double the next dose to make up for the missed one, as this may significantly increase the risk of serious side effects. Contact your oncologist if you miss multiple doses or are unsure how to proceed, as consistent dosing is important for treatment effectiveness.

Overdose
A Capecitabine overdose may result in severe and potentially life-threatening side effects, including extreme nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding and inflammation, bone marrow suppression (leading to dangerous drops in blood cell counts), and multi-organ toxicity. In case of suspected overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Treatment is supportive and may include hemodialysis in severe cases.

Storage
Store Capecitabine tablets at room temperature between 59-77 F (15-25 C) in the original packaging to protect from moisture. Keep away from direct light and heat. Do not store in the bathroom or other humid environments. Ensure that this chemotherapy medication is kept out of reach of children, pets, and anyone who is not prescribed this drug. Use before the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.