An antimetabolite - It slows the growth of cancer cells
FDA Alerts
Alterations in Anticoagulant Effects
Altered coagulation parameters (e.g., increased PT, increased INR) and/or bleeding, sometimes fatal, reported in patients, with or without liver metastases, receiving capecitabine concomitantly with coumarin-derivative anticoagulants. Generally occurs within several days to months following initiation of therapy, but has been reported within 1 month following discontinuance of therapy. (See Coagulopathy under Cautions and also see Specific Drugs under Interactions.)
Age >60 years and diagnosis of cancer may independently increase risk of coagulopathy.
Monitor anticoagulant response (PT or INR) frequently in patients receiving concomitant capecitabine and oral coumarin-derivative therapy; adjust anticoagulant dosage accordingly.
CAPECITABINE (ka pe SITE a been) is a chemotherapy drug.
It slows the growth of cancer cells. This medicine is used to treat breast cancer, and also colon or rectal cancer.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bleeding or blood disorders
dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency
heart disease
infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
kidney disease
liver disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to capecitabine, 5-fluorouracil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water, within 30 minutes of the end of a meal. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Your doctor may want you to take a combination of 150 mg and 500 mg tablets for each dose. It is very important that you know how to correctly take your dose. Taking the wrong tablets could result in an overdose (too much medication) or underdose (too little medication).
A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, do not take the missed dose at all.
Do not take double or extra doses. Instead, continue with your next scheduled dose and check with your doctor.
This list may not describe all possible interactions.
Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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