Capecitabine

In Aotearoa New Zealand, capecitabine is available as tablets (150 mg and 500 mg). It’s important to know what the 2 different strengths look like so you don’t mix them up. Capecitabine is usually prescribed by a cancer specialist; the prescription can be taken to a  pharmacy to get filled.

• The dose of capecitabine will be different for different people. It’s calculated based on your weight and height, your condition, blood test results and response to treatment.
• Your dose may be a combination of the 2 different strengths of tablets. If you don’t understand the instructions, ask your healthcare provider for help.
• You usually take your dose 2 times a day (morning and evening).
• In most cases, you’ll take the capecitabine for 14 days followed by a rest period of taking no tablets for 7 days.
• Always take your capecitabine exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much capecitabine to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

• Timing: Take capecitabine at the same times each day, in the morning and the evening. Swallow your tablets whole with a full glass of water. Don’t cut, crush or chew your tablets.
• Food: Take capecitabine after finishing your breakfast and dinner. The medicine works best when it’s taken on a full stomach, so taking capecitabine at the end of your meal is ideal.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the usual time. Don't take double the dose. If you're not sure what to do, ask your healthcare provider.
• It's important to take it as prescribed: See tips to help you remember to take your medicines regularly.(external link)

Here are some things to know when you're taking capectabine. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Driving: Capecitabine can make you feel sick (nauseous), dizzy and tired. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Alcohol: If capecitabine makes you feel tired, avoid or limit alcohol as this can make this side effect worse.
• Infections: Most chemotherapy medicines can lower the number of white cells in your blood which can increase your risk of getting infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you come into contact with someone who has a contagious illness or if you feel unwell with a sore throat and a high temperature.
• Other medicines: capecitabine interacts with some medicines, (eg, warfarin, omeprazole and allopurinol), herbal supplements, rongoā Māori, and medicines you can buy over the counter, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting capecitabine and before starting any new products.
• Sun: Capecitabine can make you sensitive to the sun, even on a cloudy day. When you're outside, protect your skin and eyes by using a good sunscreen (at least SPF30+) and wearing sunglasses, a sunhat and clothing that protects you from the sun.
• Contraception: Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after stopping capecitabine. It’s important that you don't get pregnant or father a child while you're taking capecitabine.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider straight away if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.
• Vaccinations: While you are taking capecitabine and for 6 months after you have stopped the treatment, talk to your doctor before having any vaccinations.
• Monitoring: You'll need to have regular blood tests before and during each treatment. These are to check your blood cells, how well your liver and kidneys are working and your response to the chemotherapy. You need to have blood counts because chemotherapy can lower blood cell levels.
• Tell your healthcare providers: Make sure you tell anyone providing you with health, dental or medical care that you are taking capecitabine.

Like all medicines, capecitabine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The list below is for capecitabine only so if you’re taking it together with other types of chemotherapy medicines you may experience different side effects.  

You’ll be monitored for side effects of capecitabine but if you're worried, it’s important you talk to your healthcare provider.

Read more about:

• Side effects of chemotherapy
• Medicines and side effects
• Reporting a reaction that you think might be a side effect.