You should not take Xeloda if you have severe kidney disease or a metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency.
If you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven), you may need to have more frequent "INR" or prothrombin time tests. Taking a blood thinner can increase your risk of severe bleeding while you are using Xeloda, and for a short time after you stop taking this medicine. This risk is higher in adults older than 60.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Xeloda if you are allergic to capecitabine or fluorouracil, or if you have:
severe kidney disease.
To make sure Xeloda is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency;
liver or kidney disease;
heart problems; or
if you use a blood thinner and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.
Capecitabine can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using Xeloda .
If you are a woman, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use birth control while using Xeloda and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
If you are a man, use birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.
Pregnancy may be less likely to occur while the mother or the father is using this medicine. Both men and women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.
Do not breastfeed while using Xeloda, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
How should I take Xeloda?
Take Xeloda exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Xeloda is usually taken twice per day, and may be only part of a treatment program that may also include other medications taken on different schedules. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Take with food or within 30 minutes after eating a meal.
Swallow the tablet whole with water and do not crush, chew, or break it. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the tablet.
Xeloda is given in a 3-week treatment cycle, and you may only need to take the medicine only on certain days of this cycle.
You may get dehydrated during prolonged illness. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
You may need frequent medical tests and your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results. Xeloda can have long lasting effects on your body. You may also need medical tests for a short time after your last dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
