An Oral Chemotherapy Option
Xelodais the brand name forcapecitabine.
It is an oral chemotherapy (chemo) medication that treatsmetastatic breast cancer.
Metastatic means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
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As a breast cancer chemo pill, Xeloda may be given alone or combined with other anti-cancer medications.
It is often prescribed after other chemotherapy does not work or when the cancer recurs, or returns.
Xeloda can be used to treat colorectal (CRC) cancers too.
This depends on the throw in, stage, and size of the cancer.
Before starting Xeloda, you will receive education about the drug and how side effects can be managed.
Your healthcare provider may order baseline blood tests or anelectrocardiogram(ECG orEKG).
Is There a Xeloda Generic?
Yes, Xeloda is the brand name for capecitabine.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the Xeloda generic in 2013.Its made the drug more widely available.
The drug company that makes the Xeloda brand also has afinancial aid program.
How It Works
Xeloda kills cancer cells by imitating part of a cancer cells genes.
This makes the cell die before it can divide, which slows or stops cancer from growing.
It is classified as an antimetabolite.
Efficacy
Efficacy refers to the effectiveness of a medicine.
Studies show that Xeloda is an effective medication in the treatment of breast cancer.
It helps to decrease the chance of cancer returning and prolongs survival for those withmetastaticbreast cancer.
Its generally taken twice a day, ideally about 30 minutes after a meal and with plenty of water.
The pills should not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved.
If you miss a dose, you should wait until your next dose is due and take only that.
You should not take an extra dose to compensate for the missed dose.
Your healthcare provider will decide how long youll stay on this cycle.
Ideally, you should get about 90 ounces of water per day.
This includes water you get from food.
If you experience mouth or tongue sores, replace your usual toothbrush with a soft-bristled kind.
If you experience dizziness, plan to take it easy.
If youre extremely nauseous, your healthcare provider may recommend anti-nausea medications to help you through.
Note the dates and times they occur and the severity of each symptom.
This puts you at risk of bleeding more than usual, even with minor cuts.
Tell your healthcare provider if you take blood thinners.
They may want to prescribe a lower dose of Xeloda or monitor your bloodwork more frequently.
Drug Interactions and Supplements
Warfarin and other blood thinners are drugs that interact with Xeloda.
Hand-foot syndrome can occur with Xeloda.
It often starts with darkening of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Xeloda can causephotosensitivity, which means you may get a sunburn more easily.
It can be given alone or in combination with other chemotherapy medications.
Typically, it is given when other treatment does not work or stops working.
It can also be used for colon and rectal cancers.
Xeloda kills cancer cells by imitating part of the cells genes.
This stops or slows the cancer from growing.
If any of these become severe, or you develop a fever, call your healthcare provider.
Those with severe kidney impairment or hypersensitivity to Xeloda or any of its components should not take this medication.
Your healthcare team will decide how long you will be on the medication based on your case.
However, the effects of the medication last longer and side effects can occur later.
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