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Xeloda (Capecitabine)
Drug Uses
Xeloda is used for treating women with breast cancer that is resistant to other more commonly-used drugs. It also is used following surgery for colorectal cancer if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes (Dukes' C stage).
How Taken
Xeloda generally is taken twice daily, with the two doses approximately 12 hours apart. Tablets should be taken 30 minutes after eating. Xeloda usually is prescribed in repeated cycles of 3-weeks, with the drug taken for two consecutive weeks followed by a week without drug. Some patients may need lower or delayed dosing. As always, the physician's dosing instructions should be followed.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Xeloda is an oral medication for treating advanced breast cancers that are resistant to combination therapy with the drugs of choice, paclitaxel (Taxol) and a drug from the anthracycline family of drugs, for example, doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Xeloda is converted by the body to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a drug which has been given intravenously for many years to treat various types of cancer. It is not surprising, therefore, that xeloda also is effective in the treatment of colorectal cancer, a type of cancer which is treated frequently with 5-FU. 5-FU inhibits the production of both DNA and protein by the cancerous cells that are necessary for the cells to divide and the cancer to grow in size. Xeloda was approved by the FDA in 1998 for the treatment of breast cancer and in 2005 for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature away from heat and light.