Have you been prescribed Capecitabine (Xeloda) tablets? Let's talk about this simply.

Has your doctor told you or someone in your family to start a drug called Capecitabine because of cancer? It's normal to feel a little scared, curious, and have a lot of questions when you hear that. When we hear the word "chemo," we often get nervous. So, today we'll talk about this drug called Capecitabine, what it does, how to use it, and the things to be careful about in a very simple way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is Capecitabine?

Capecitabine is a special medicine that kills cancer cells. In medicine, we call this chemotherapy medicine. It is taken as a pill.

This medicine is often used:

• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• and treat conditions like rectal cancer.

Simply put, this drug works by stopping cancer cells from dividing and growing. Your doctor is more likely to prescribe it to you under the brand name Xeloda.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

This section is very important . It is essential that your doctor knows your complete health history to ensure the success of your treatment and to protect you from unwanted side effects.

If you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor before starting Capecitabine:

• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: This is something you definitely need to mention.
• If you are breastfeeding a baby.
• If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• If you have heart disease.
• If you have been previously told by a doctor that you have a deficiency in the enzyme DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase): This is a bit more complicated. Simply put, people with a deficiency in this enzyme may have difficulty tolerating this medication. Therefore, it is very important to inform your doctor about this.
• If you have been told that your blood has a low white blood cell or platelet count.
• If you are taking medication to prevent blood clots or thin the blood (e.g. warfarin).
• If you have a condition like dehydration.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to capecitabine, fluorouracil, or any other medicine or food.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to take it as prescribed.

• Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.
• These pills should be taken within 30 minutes of eating . Do not take on an empty stomach.
• Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets like chewing gum. Swallow the tablet whole.
• Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.

Giving medicine in 'cycles'

Your doctor may tell you that you don't need to take this medicine all the time. It is given in "cycles." This means that you take it for a few days (e.g., 2 weeks), then stop taking it for a few days (e.g., a week), and then start again. Your doctor will decide this schedule based on your condition. It is very important to follow this schedule exactly. Taking more than the prescribed amount can cause serious side effects.

Be careful when handling the medicine.

It is best to be careful when handling this medicine. If possible, use a pair of clean gloves when handling the pills. Ask your doctor for more information about this.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, skip it altogether. Take your next dose at the usual time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Things to be very careful about when taking medicine

You need to be a little more careful about your body while taking this medicine.

Protect yourself from infections.

This medicine may weaken your immune system, which means you are more likely to get sick.

• If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or cough , do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately.
• Stay away from people with illnesses like colds and flu during this time.

Bleeding and bruising

You may experience bleeding or bruising easily.

• Don't brush your teeth too hard. Use a soft toothbrush .
• If you develop unexplained bruises or spots on your body, or if you have bleeding from your nose or gums, inform your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

This is an extremely important point.

• Women: Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medication and for 6 months after stopping the medication.
• Men: Avoid fathering a child while you are taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping the medicine.
• Avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after stopping.

Severe diarrhea, vomiting, and skin reactions

• If you have a severe stomachache, persistent vomiting , or excessive sweating, you may be at risk of dehydration. So tell your doctor right away.
• Sometimes this medicine can cause serious skin reactions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as a red rash, fever or a feverish feeling , blistering or peeling skin , sores inside your mouth , or swelling of your face or lips .

What side effects might I experience?

Like any medicine, Capecitabine can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The most important thing is to recognize any problems quickly and tell your doctor.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

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