Capecitabine
Capecitabine is in a class of drugs known as antimetabolites. Capecitabine resembles a
normal cell nutrient needed by cancer cells to grow. The cancer cells take up the
capecitabine, which then interferes with their growth. The length of treatment depends on
the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of
cancer you have.
Capecitabine is used to treat
- metastatic colorectal cancer
- metastatic breast cancer
Side effects of Capecitabine
Nausea (feelings of sickness) and vomiting. This is usually mild and
there are now very effective anti-sickness drugs to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting.
If you do feel sick tell your doctor, who can prescribe anti-sickness drugs.
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you
may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Diarrhoea. This can be quite severe; however, it can usually be
controlled with medicines. If you have diarrhoea more than 4-6 times a day, contact your
specialist for advice immediately. You may be advised to stop taking capecitabine;
however, it is often possible to restart the treatment at a lower dose. It is important to
drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea.
Abdominal pain and constipation. It may help to drink plenty of
fluids, eat a high fibre diet and take gentle exercise. Sometimes you may need to take
medicines to stimulate your bowel. These can be prescribed by your doctor.
Loss of appetite. A dietician or specialist nurse at your hospital can
give advice.
Skin changes. Soreness and redness of the palms of the hands and soles
of the feet (sometimes known as palmar plantar syndrome or hand-foot syndrome) can occur.
You may be prescribed vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) which can help to reduce this. A rash, and
dry or itchy skin may also occur. If you notice this, contact your specialist.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of Capecitabine
Temporary reduction in production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, bruising or bleeding and an increased risk of infection. This
effect can begin about 7 days after the treatment has been given and usually reaches its
lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy. The number of blood cells in your blood
will then increase steadily and will usually return to normal within 21-28 days. Your
blood count will be checked to see how well your bone marrow is working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F) or you develop any unexplained bruising
or bleeding, or suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact your doctor
or the hospital straight away.
Hair loss. Hair loss is uncommon but your hair may thin, or
occasionally be lost completely. If this happens it usually begins about 3-4 weeks after
starting treatment, although it may occur earlier. It is temporary, and the hair will
start to regrow once the treatment is finished.
Headaches and dizziness. Tell your doctor if you have headaches or
feel dizzy and lightheaded while taking capecitabine.
Increased production of tears. This may be caused by capecitabine, and
is temporary. |