---

Cancer Treatment Information

Treatment Options > Chemotherapy > OncoLink Rx

Capecitabine (Xeloda®)

Hematology-Oncology Patient/Family Education Comittee
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: July 22, 2006

Capecitabine (cap sye tah' been)
Other Name: Xeloda®

How it is given:	Capecitabine is taken by mouth in the form of a capsule. Take with water only.
How it works:	Capecitabine slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body.

Side Effects And Precautions

Let your doctor or nurse know if you have any allergies and what medications you are currently taking, both prescription and over the counter medications. This includes vitamins, herbs, nutritional supplements and any recreational drugs. Ask your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverage. Not everyone experiences side effects and most side effects are temporary. The side effects that you may experience are:

Common Side Effects

Nausea and Vomiting
What to do: Take your anti-nausea medications as prescribed. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of fluid a day. Avoid eating fatty foods, large meals, and acidic foods (e.g. tomatoes, lemons, oranges, grapefruits) and spicy or hot foods when you feel nauseated. Call your doctor or nurse if you are unable to keep fluids down for more than 12 hours or if you feel lightheaded or dizzy at any time.

Diarrhea
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you experience an increase in the number of stools, an increase in the volume of stool or if the stool becomes more liquid. Your doctor may recommend an over the counter or prescription antidiarrhea medication. Increase your fluid intake by drinking more liquids than usual (e.g. sports drinks, broth, gelatin, popsicles, soup). Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, unsweetened applesauce, toast, cereal and potatoes. If the diarrhea continues or if you feel lightheaded contact your doctor or nurse again.

Hand-and-Foot Syndrome
You may feel tingling, numbness, pain in the palms of the hands and feet. Your skin may become swollen or red. Blisters, ulcers, and sores may develop.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you experience these symptoms. You may be instructed to wear white cotton socks, keep feet and hands clean and dry and to apply creams and lotions frequently. Keep feet up as much as possible. Medication may be prescribed to relieve discomfort. P> Mouth ulcers (sores)
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if your mouth, tongue or inside of your cheek becomes white, ulcerated or painful. Brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush or cotton swab twice a day. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. A baking soda and/or salt warm water mouth rinse (2 level teaspoons of baking soda or 1 level teaspoon salt in an eight ounce glass of warm water) is recommended 4 times daily. If your mouth becomes dry, eat moist foods, drink plenty of fluids (6-8 glasses) and suck on sugarless hard candy. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and citrus juices, smoking and chewing tobacco.

Decrease in the number of white blood cells (neutropenia)
Puts you at risk for infection.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse for a fever of 100.4F or greater. Avoid people with the flu or colds. When working in your yard, wear protective clothing including long pants and gloves. Do not handle pet waste. Keep all cuts and scratches clean. Shower or bath daily and refer to Chemotherapy and You (NCI, 1997) for mouth care. Do not cut cuticles or ingrown nails. You may wear nail polish but not fake nails. Ask your doctor or nurse before scheduling dental appointments or procedures. Ask your doctor or nurse before you or a family member has any vaccinations.

Uncommon Side Effects

Decrease in red blood cells (anemia)
Causes loss of energy.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you feel more tired than usual or short of breath while doing normal activities.

Decreased appetite
What to do: Try to eat five or six small meals or snacks throughout the day. If you are not eating enough, nutritional supplements may help. Ask your nurse for a copy of the Eating Hints booklet (NCI, 1995) and about nutritional counseling services.

Constipation
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if your bowel movements are less than normal. Try drinking more fluids and eating more fiber. If this is not successful, your doctor can recommend an over the counter product to alleviate the discomfort.

Effects on skin
Capecitabine can cause dry or itchy skin.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you develop dry, itchy skin. Your doctor may prescribe skin creams and ointments.