Capecitabine is used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, Testicular cancer., breast cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), blood cancer, lung cancer, bone cancer and urinary bladder cancer.

Capecitabine interferes with the growth of DNA and RNA of the cancer cells by substituting their building blocks. It prevents the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

Nausea, Vomiting, Weakness, Abdominal pain, Loss of appetite, Fatigue, Diarrhoea, Hand-foot syndrome, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)

• Capecitabine should be taken with water within half an hour of taking a meal.
• Inform your doctor if you are suffering from high or low levels of calcium, cardiac toxicity problems or hand and foot syndrome.
• Inform your doctor if you have a history of diabetes, nervous system disorders or are taking medication for blood thinning.
• Inform your doctor if you are taking any medications for gout (allopurinol), fits (phenytoin), or cancer (folinic acid, oxaliplatin, bevacizumab).
• Capecitabine may cause dizziness or nausea and so it is recommended not to drive or use heavy machinery immediately after taking it.
• Treatment with capecitabine need to be permanently discontinued in patients who experience a severe skin reaction.
• Women who are planning to become pregnant should use two methods of contraception while on this therapy and thereafter as recommended by the doctor. 
• Men who are going to use this therapy should not father a child while on this therapy and thereafter as recommended by the doctor. They should also seek guidance and counselling on sperm conservation before taking this therapy.

Ques. Q. Is Capecitabine a generic/ effective/ FDA approved?
Yes, Capecitabine is a generic. It is approved by the FDA. It is effective when taken for a condition at a dose for the duration prescribed by the doctor

Ques. Q. Is Capecitabine an anthracycline?
No, Capecitabine is not an anthracycline

Ques. Q. Is Capecitabine cytotoxic?
No. Capecitabine is a cytostatic (stops the growth of cells) agent

Ques. Q. How is it administered?
It is administered as a tablet

Ques. Q. Where is Capecitabine absorbed?
Capecitabine is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract

Ques. Q. How is it metabolized?
It is metabolized in the liver and tumor tissue

Ques. Q. How quickly does Capecitabine work?
Capecitabine works based on intensity and severity of cancer. Please ask the doctor how quickly it will work

Ques. Q. How long does it stay in the system?
Capecitabine and its metabolites stay in the system about two hours on an average

Ques. Q. Does Capecitabine cause hair loss/ tiredness/ diarrhea or affect skin?
Capecitabine is known to have side effects like hair loss/ tiredness/ diarrhea and affects skin. Please inform the doctor about any side effects that you observe while on therapy.