What is Capecitabine?

Capecitabine is a prescription anticancer medicine used in the treatment of several types of cancers, especially breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and stomach cancer. It is an oral chemotherapy pill designed to target cancer cells while allowing patients to take treatment at home. This page explains how it works, what it treats, dosage guidance, side effects, precautions, and important usage instructions.

Capecitabine Used For

Capecitabine is commonly used to treat:

Breast cancer, especially when other treatments are not suitable
Colorectal cancer, including cancer of the colon and rectum
Gastric cancer (stomach cancer)

Doctors may prescribe it alone or in combination with other chemotherapy medicines. It helps shrink tumors, slow cancer growth, and improve survival outcomes.

Chemical Composition

The active chemical in this medicine is Capecitabine, a type of fluoropyrimidine carbamate. Each tablet contains Capecitabine in different strengths along with supportive inactive ingredients that help stabilize the medicine and aid absorption.

Capecitabine Mechanism

Capecitabine is a prodrug, which means it becomes active only after entering the body. Once taken, the liver and cancer tissues convert it into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). This active form blocks DNA production inside cancer cells, stopping their ability to grow and multiply. Because more 5-FU is formed inside tumor cells, it aims to limit damage to healthy tissues.

How It Helps Treat Cancer

Cancer cells grow quickly and need DNA to keep forming new cells. Capecitabine slows this process and helps destroy cancer cells over time. By targeting rapidly growing cells, it reduces tumor size, controls cancer spread, and can improve response to treatment. Many patients find Capecitabine helpful because it allows oral treatment instead of frequent hospital-based chemotherapy.

Other Benefits

Offers flexibility as an oral chemotherapy tablet
Often used when patients cannot tolerate IV chemotherapy
Can be combined with radiation for certain cancers
Helps reduce the risk of cancer returning after surgery
Allows treatment to continue at home with monitoring

Dosages

Available Strengths or Dosage

Capecitabine tablets are available in strengths such as:

150 mg tablet
500 mg tablet

Your doctor will calculate your dose based on your body surface area (BSA), cancer type, and treatment cycle.

How and When to Take It

Capecitabine must be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. General guidelines include:

Take tablets within 30 minutes after a meal
Swallow them whole with water
Do not crush or chew the tablets
Follow your treatment cycle (commonly 14 days on, 7 days off)

If you miss a dose, do not double up. Follow your doctor’s advice.

Overdose Caution

Too much Capecitabine can cause dangerous side effects. Signs of overdose include:

Severe nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Bleeding
Stomach pain
Fever or infection signs
Extreme tiredness

Seek immediate medical help if overdose is suspected.

Who Can Use/Take Capecitabine?

Capecitabine is prescribed for adults diagnosed with specific cancers. It is not recommended for children.

People who may safely use it:

Adults with breast, stomach, or colorectal cancer
Patients who need an oral alternative to IV chemotherapy

Use with extra caution if you have:

Liver or kidney problems
Heart conditions
Previous severe reactions to chemotherapy
Enzyme deficiency (DPD deficiency)
Severe infections

Pregnant or breastfeeding women must avoid this treatment unless advised by an oncologist, as it can harm the baby.

Side Effects & Precautions

What Are the Side Effects?

Common side effects include:

Tiredness or weakness
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Mouth sores
Skin peeling or redness
Hand-foot syndrome (tingling, swelling, or redness in palms and soles)

Less common but serious side effects:

Chest pain
Breathing difficulty
Unusual bleeding
Severe infection
Irregular heartbeat

Report any serious or sudden symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Precautions to Avoid Side Effects

Follow the exact dose and schedule given by your doctor
Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet
Avoid alcohol unless approved by your healthcare provider
Wash hands regularly and avoid people with infections
Protect your skin from the sun
Attend regular blood tests to monitor liver, kidney, and blood count levels
Do not take it with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium unless allowed

Careful monitoring helps reduce complications and improve treatment success.

Always consult your oncologist before starting Capecitabine. If prescribed, you can order Capecitabine tablets safely online from trusted pharmacy sources to ensure timely and consistent access during your treatment plan.