Chemotherapy (Antimetabolite / Anti-cancer drug)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Capecitabine is a cancer-fighting drug (chemotherapy) that you take by mouth as a tablet. Once inside your body, it gets converted into a substance called 5-FU which kills cancer cells by stopping them from growing and multiplying.
Inhibits thymidylate synthase by converting to its active metabolite (5-fluorouracil), blocking dTMP synthesis and preventing DNA replication in rapidly dividing cancer cells. Also incorporates into RNA, disrupting protein synthesis and triggering apoptosis in malignant cells.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
If you miss a dose, skip it entirely and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. Let your cancer doctor know if you miss doses frequently.
This is a powerful cancer drug: only use it as prescribed by a qualified cancer specialist, never buy it from roadside vendors or unregistered pharmacies. Do not share this medication with anyone else, even if they have a similar diagnosis. Report any unusual bleeding, persistent fever, or mouth sores to your doctor immediately as these may be signs your blood cells are being affected.
Blood thinners like warfarin can be dangerously affected by capecitabine, which increases the blood-thinning effect and causes serious bleeding. Phenytoin (used for seizures/convulsions) can have its levels raised in your blood by capecitabine. Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium may affect how the drug is absorbed, so discuss timing with your doctor.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Capecitabine with your other drugs?
Capecitabine is NOT safe during pregnancy as it can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, and it should NOT be used while breastfeeding. Women of childbearing age must use effective contraception during treatment and for some time after stopping.
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, avoiding hot cars or windows where sunlight hits directly, as Nigerian heat can damage the tablets. Keep in the original container and away from moisture. Always store far out of reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.