Question 1

What is Capecitabine used for?

Accepted Answer

Breast cancer, colon cancer (cancer of the large intestine), rectal cancer, stomach cancer

Question 2

How do you take Capecitabine?

Accepted Answer

Your oncologist (cancer doctor) will calculate your exact dose based on your body size. It is usually taken twice a day — morning and evening — within 30 minutes after finishing a meal, with a full glass of water. Treatment typically follows a cycle: 14 days on the drug, then 7 days off. Swallow the tablets whole, do not crush or chew them. In Nigeria, Capetero 500 Tablets is a common brand — always follow the exact dose your doctor prescribes.

Question 3

What are the side effects of Capecitabine?

Accepted Answer

Diarrhoea (frequent watery stool), nausea and vomiting, tiredness and weakness, redness, pain or peeling of the palms of your hands and soles of your feet (called hand-foot syndrome), loss of appetite

Question 4

Who should not take Capecitabine?

Accepted Answer

People who are allergic to capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), people with a known deficiency of an enzyme called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) as the drug can become dangerously toxic, people with severe kidney or liver problems, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and anyone currently on the antiviral drug sorivudine or similar drugs.

Question 5

Is Capecitabine safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Capecitabine

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