Capecitabine

Information About Capecitabine

Uses of Capecitabine

Capecitabine is commonly used to treat breast cancer, cancer of colon and rectum, head and neck cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer

How Capecitabine Works

Capecitabine is a prodrug of fluorouracil which is then converted by the liver and tissue into fluorouracil. Fluorouracil will inhibit thymidylate synthetase which is essential to DNA and RNA synthesis and cell replication.

Side Effects of Capecitabine

Hand and Foot Syndrome, Chest pain, Eye irritation, Increased lacrimation, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Dehydration, Weight gain, Joint pain, Insomnia

Authorship

Written By

Dr Sri Viknarajan

MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed By

Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli

MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Capecitabine Related Warnings

Alcohol Safe

There is no contraindication nor any pervious data to suggest interaction between Capecitabine and alcohol. The side effects profile of Capecitabine also does not suggest any augmentation of the alcohol side effects.

Pregnancy Not Safe

There is no human pregnancy data on the usage of Capecitabine but animal reproductive studies suggest high teratogenicity and harm during pregnancy. It is, therefore, contraindicated to be used during pregnancy.

Lactation Not Advisable

It is contraindicated to breastfeed while on this medication eventhough it is not known whether Capecitabine will be secreted into the human breastmilk or not.

Driving Not advisable

It is not advisable to drive when on Capecitabine treatment as potential side effects such as eye irritation and dizziness may occur which can affect the ability to drive and concentrate.

Kidney High Risk

Capecitabine dosage should be adjusted on people with mild to moderate renal impairment and is contraindicated in severe renal impairment.

Liver Use With Care

Despite insufficient data to recommend dosage adjustment, precautionary measures should be taken in people with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Close monitoring may be advisable in people with severe hepatic impairment.