Capecitabine

Capecitabine is an oral chemotherapy drug used to treat a variety of cancers. It is a type of chemotherapy known as a fluoropyrimidine. It works by stopping the growth of cancer cells. It works best when used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. Capecitabine is commonly used to treat breast, colorectal, and stomach cancers. It is also used to treat certain types of pancreatic cancer.

Capecitabine, sold under the brand name Xeloda among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat various types of cancer, including:

• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancer)
• Gastric cancer (stomach cancer)
• Esophageal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer

It is typically taken orally as tablets twice a day.

How it works:

• Capecitabine is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive in its original form. Once inside the body, it is converted into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), an active chemotherapy agent, mainly in tumor tissues.
• 5-FU works by interfering with the growth and division of cancer cells. It does this by inhibiting the synthesis of thymidine, a building block of DNA, which is essential for cell growth and replication.

Important points to remember:

• Capecitabine can cause various side effects, including:
  • Digestive issues: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
  • Skin problems: hand-foot syndrome (pain, swelling, redness on hands and feet)
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Increased risk of infections
  • Low blood cell counts
• It is crucial to consult a doctor before taking Capecitabine to discuss potential benefits, risks, and side effects, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.
• Do not take Capecitabine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as it can harm the baby.