Capecitabine (Xeloda): Benefits, Risks, and Precautions for Cancer Treatment
Capecitabine, sold under brand names such as Xeloda, is an anticancer drug used to treat breast, stomach and colorectal cancer.
For breast cancer, it is usually used with docetaxel. It is taken by mouth.
Common side effects include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and rash. Other serious side effects include blood clotting problems, allergic reactions, heart problems (such as cardiomyopathy), and low blood counts.
Use of the drug during pregnancy may cause harm to the fetus. Capecitabine is converted to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the body and works as such. It belongs to the fluoropyrimidine class of drugs, which also includes 5-FU and tegafur.
Capecitabine was patented in 1992 and approved for medical use in 1998. The drug is included in the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines.
Active Ingredient And Mechanism of Action about Capecitabine Tablets
Active ingredient: It is a prodrug, which means it is converted into an active form in the body. Once inside the body, capecitabine is metabolized to 5 – fluorouracil (5 – FU).
Mechanism: 5 – FU interferes with the synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in cancer cells.
By inhibiting the enzymes involved in nucleotide metabolism, it prevents cancer cells from growing, dividing, and repairing themselves, ultimately leading to cell death.
Xeloda Capecitabine interferes with the ability of cancer cells to repair and copy DNA and RNA. This causes the cells to stop growing and die.
Precautions
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Xeloda is contraindicated in pregnant women as it can cause harm to the developing fetus.
Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment. Breastfeeding is also not recommended while taking this drug because it can pass into breast milk and potentially harm the baby.
Liver and kidney function: Patients with impaired liver or kidney function may require dose adjustments. Regular monitoring of liver and kidney function tests is important during treatment.
Drug interactions: Capecitabine may interact with other medications. For example, it may interact with warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Healthcare providers need to be aware of all the medications a patient is taking to avoid potential interactions.
However, DengYue‘s efforts to increase the affordability of the medicine are critical to ensuring that more patients benefit from it. So please feel free to inquiry us for capecitabine tablets.
Information from DengYueMed, HongKong Drug Wholesale Distributor offers this information as a guide, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your doctor before any treatment.
