Capecitabine Tablets uses, description and side effects.

What is capecitabine?

Capecitabine is a medication used in the treatment of breast and colon and rectal cancer by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.

How do I use capecitabine?

Capecitabine is used by swallowing the tablets whole with a full glass of water within 30 minutes after a meal. The dosage of capecitabine Tablets is based on your condition, body weight, and response to treatment.

Capecitabine may harm unborn babies, thus pregnant women should not use this medication or handle it as it may be absorbed through the skin.

What are the side effects of using capecitabine?

Side effects of capecitabine include:

· Nausea

· Vomiting

· Headache

· Appetite loss

· Constipation

· Tiredness

· Dizziness

· Insomnia

· Changes in taste

· Diarrhea

· Temporary hair loss

Stop taking capecitabine if you:

· Vomit more than twice a day

· Are unable to keep fluid or food in the stomach.

· Have painful redness or swelling or sores in the mouth or tongue

Furthermore, capecitabine may cause users to develop a skin problem called hand-foot syndrome. This syndrome can be avoided by protecting hands and feet from excessive heat or increased pressure.

Capecitabine may severely compromise your ability to fight off infections, making you more likely to get a serious infection or make existing infections severe.

What should I avoid while taking capecitabine?

Before taking capecitabine, let your doctor or pharmacist know if you have a blood disorder, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, or lack dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase – DPD enzyme.

Capecitabine may make you more sensitive to sunlight thus avoid staying in the sun for too long, tanning booths and sunlamps.

Capecitabine may make you feel dizzy, and alcohol or marijuana use may be worsening this effect. Thus avoid alcohol and marijuana use while on capecitabine.

Capecitabine May harm an unborn baby dose you should avoid getting pregnant while using this medication. If you are pregnant, avoid using this medication and consult your doctor about potential alternatives to this medication. Breastfeeding is not recommended until at least two weeks after the last dose of this medication has been used.