Capecitabine

Generic name: capecitabine [ KAP-e-SYE-ta-been ]
Brand name: Xeloda
Dosage form: oral tablet (150 mg; 500 mg)
Drug class:Antimetabolites

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 4, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is capecitabine?

Capecitabine is used alone or in combination chemotherapy to treat colon cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer.

Capecitabine is sometimes used when cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).

Capecitabine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Taking a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven) can increase your risk of severe bleeding during and shortly after treatment with capecitabine. This risk is higher in adults older than 60.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take capecitabine if you are allergic to capecitabine or fluorouracil, or if you have:

• severe kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency;

• liver or kidney disease;

• heart problems; or

• if you use a blood thinner and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

Capecitabine can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

• If you are a woman, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use birth control while using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

• If you a...