Xeloda

Drugs

Generic Name: Capecitabine
Product Name: Xeloda

Indication of Xeloda
Action of Xeloda
Dose advice of Xeloda
Schedule of Xeloda
Common side effects of Xeloda
Uncommon side effects of Xeloda
Reference

Indication of Xeloda:

Xeloda is used in the treatment of advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer. It can also be used to treat advanced or metastatic breast cancer when treatment with taxanes and anthracyclines has failed, or if these agents are contraindicated. After failure of anthracycline containing therapy, Xeloda should be used in combination with docetaxal.

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Action of Xeloda:

Capecitabine is an oral antineoplastic agent that is metabolised to its active form, 5-fluorouracil, an enzyme that is found in tumours. 5-fluorouracil is an antineoplastic drug known as an antimetabolite. After entering cells and being activated, it interferes with the replication of rapidly dividing cells (including cancer cells) by preventing the conversion of folic acid to folinic acid, a building block for new DNA. 5-fluorouracil aims to reduce tumour size and prolong life for cancer sufferers.

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Dose advice of Xeloda:

Tablets should be swallowed with water 30 minutes after meals.If it is the only drug being taken:

1250mg/m2 twice daily (morning and evening).

Treat for two weeks followed by a one week break.

Xeloda is intended for long term use unless clinically inappropriate.In combination with docetaxal:

1250mg/m2 twice daily.

75mg/m2 docetaxal should be administered via intravenous infusion once every 3 weeks.Dose modifications:

Patients should be carefully observed for toxicities and dosage adjustments made on the basis of severity.

Temporary cessation of treatment may be required, with treatment only to begin again when parameters have returned to normal.

Dose should not be increased after a required dose reduction.

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Schedule of Xeloda:

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Common side effects of Xeloda:

The following effects are seen very commonly:

Diarrhoea, which can be severe.

Nausea, which can be severe.

Vomiting, which can be severe.

Stomatitis (inflammation of inside of mouth).

Abdominal pain.

Hand foot syndrome.

Dermatitis.

Fatigue.

Loss of appetite.The following effects are seen commonly:

Constipation.

Upper abdominal pain.

Stomach upset.

Dry mouth.

Flatulence.

Loose stools.

Oral pain.

Dry skin.

Hair loss.

Rash, which may be itchy.

Darkening of skin.

Nail disorders.

Fever.

Weakness.

Pain in limb.

Lethargy.

Rigors.

Headache.

Changes in skin sensation.

Dizziness.

Taste disturbance.

Insomnia.

Cough.

Vertigo.

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Uncommon side effects of Xeloda:

The following effects have been observed less commonly:

Oesophagitis.

Gastritis.

Duodenitis.

Colitis.

Gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

Photosensitivity.

Radiation recall syndrome (recurrence of side effects from previous radiotherapy).

Brittle nails.

Nail discolouration.

Bone marrow suppression resulting in decreased platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells, which can increase risk of bleeding, infection and agitation.

Confusion.

Impaired balance.

Abnormal coordination.

Jaundice.

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Reference:

[1] Consumer Medical Information[2] MIMS Australia. MIMSOnline Prescribing Information: Xeloda [online]. 2003 [cited: 23/6/03]. Available from URL: http://proxy8.use.hcn.com.au/ifmx-nsapi/mims-data/?MIval=2MIMS_abbr_pi&product_code=4745&product_name=Xeloda#.[3] Professional Information

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