Index
It is a drug that is used to treat breast cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer.
Its function consists of stopping the abnormal and progressive growth of cancer cells .
Capecitabine treatment
This drug should be prescribed by a specialist doctor after performing various tests that confirm the diagnosis of breast, colon or rectal cancer.
The patient should carefully read the information leaflet containing this medicine before starting the treatment and if he has any doubts, clarify them with his doctor.
Capecitabine is usually prescribed twice a day, usually one dose in the morning and one dose in the afternoon. It should be ingested 30 minutes after each meal without diluting or dividing the tablet.
The dosage time is subject to or will depend on how advanced the condition is, it is important that the patient correctly follow the doctor’s instructions and take the medication for the time and amount that is necessary without exceeding the recommended dose.
The condition of the affected person will not improve by arbitrarily increasing the dose, rather it increases the chances of suffering side effects.
Side effects
Capecitabine is a very invasive drug and can cause among the side effects:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea for a long time.
- I vomit hours after treatment.
- Constipation .
- Body weakness
- Chronic tiredness
- Excessive headache
- Difficulty getting to sleep.
- Sudden dizziness
Among the most severe side effects are nausea and vomiting, so the treating physician should, if the case warrants it, prescribe other medications to combat these discomforts.
Stomach upset or diarrhea may also occur in the first days of treatment and in some cases it may last until the end of Capecitabine use.
That is why the patient must drink plenty of fluids every day to avoid unexpected dehydration.
There is a possibility that the affected person begins to progressively lose hair as part of the side effects of the use of Capecitabine, but the growth will return to its normal state when the treatment is suspended or finished.
Nails are another part of the body that are easily weakened and may take on a different appearance, but will return to normal when capecitabine dosing is completed.
If the patient exhibits the following symptoms, you should immediately contact your treating physician and discontinue use of the drug:
- Inability to eat food of any kind.
- Nausea and excessive vomiting. It can be an average of two or three times a day.
- Painful swelling in some parts of the body.
- Appearance of sores in the mouth or on the tongue.
- Redness in the extremities of the body.
This medicine can cause a problem with the skin, usually on the hands and feet, so the patient must be very careful and protect them from heat or increased pressure.
You should avoid activities that force you to expose your hands to high temperatures, such as washing dishes with hot water, jogging or running for a long time, using household or garden tools, among others.
If your hands and feet are not taken care of, they can suffer:
- Prolonged inflammation.
- Numbness.
- Progressive pain.
- Blisters or redness.
- Cramps or numbness
Capecitabine can reduce fertility in men and women, so it can prevent the affected person from procreating while undergoing treatment.
In some cases, a decrease in the body’s defenses has been registered, so the patient is more prone to contracting diseases or even worsening any condition.
It is important that everyone who is being treated with Capecitabine avoid contact with people who suffer from a contagious disease to reduce the risk of suffering from an infection that worsens their health.
Serious allergic reactions are not common in patients who are being treated with Capecitabine, however, anyone who presents the following symptoms should contact their treating doctor:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Acne.
- Body flaking.
- Swelling of the face, tongue and throat.
- Elevated body temperature
- Severe dizziness
- Cardiac arrhythmia.
- Redness of the face.
Capecitabine Precautions
Before ingesting this medicine, the patient should notify their doctor if they present or have presented blood disorders, kidney or epic diseases, heart problems or lack of some enzymes such as dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase DPD.
Capecitabine together with alcohol or marijuana can increase the chances of severe dizziness and nausea. If the patient is using marijuana, they should notify their doctor.
Women who are being treated with this medicine should avoid becoming pregnant, as it can be detrimental to the proper development of the unborn.
It is recommended that women with planning to become pregnant until at least 6 months after completing the treatment.
In the case of men, they should not procreate until 3 months after the completion of treatment with Capecitabine, because this can cause problems in the development of the unborn.
Women who are breastfeeding and start treatment with Capecitabine, should avoid giving breast milk to the baby, because it is unknown if the drug can pass into breast milk affecting the baby.
Storage
Capecitabine should be kept in a space away from heat or moisture, in a tightly closed container, and at room temperature.
It should not be close to the reach of children or pets, since its consumption without medical supervision can be harmful to health.
