XELODA is used to treat:

cancer of the colon after surgery

cancer of the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer) that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic colorectal cancer).

breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer) together with another medicine called Taxotere (docetaxel)

breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and has not improved after treatment with other medicines such as paclitaxel and anthracycline-containing medicine such as Adriamycin (Doxorubicin)

Xeloda (Capecitabine) (pronounced ka-pe-sight-a-been) is a chemotherapy drug that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer, including advanced bowel cancer or breast cancer.

It is important to take your Xeloda (Capecitabine) tablets at the right times. You must take them as directed by your doctor, specialist nurse or pharmacist
Keep the Xeloda (Capecitabine) tablets in a safe place where children cannot reach them, as Xeloda (Capecitabine) could harm them. If your doctor decides to stop the Xeloda (Capecitabine) treatment, return any remaining tablets to the pharmacist.

It is important to take your tablets at the right times. You must take them as directed by your doctor, specialist nurse or pharmacist

Keep the tablets in a safe place where children cannot reach them, as Xeloda (Capecitabine) could harm them.

If your doctor decides to stop the Xeloda (Capecitabine) treatment, return any remaining Xeloda (Capecitabine) tablets to the pharmacist. Do not flush the Xeloda (Capecitabine) tablets down the toilet or throw the Xeloda (Capecitabine) tablets away.

If you are sick just after taking the Xeloda (Capecitabine) tablets let your doctor know as you may need to take another dose. Do not take another Xeloda (Capecitabine) tablet without first telling your doctor. If you forget to take a Xeloda (Capecitabine) tablet do not take a double dose.

Inform your doctor and keep to your regular Xeloda (Capecitabine) dose schedule.

You should not take XELODA if you:

are nursing a baby. Tell your doctor if you are nursing. XELODA may pass to the baby in your milk and harm the baby
are allergic to 5-Fluorouracil
are allergic to capecitabine/ingredients
have been told that you lack the enzyme DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase)

Take XELODA tablets in the combination prescribed by your doctor for your morning and evening doses
Take the tablets within 30 minutes after the end of a meal (breakfast and dinner)
are allergic to capecitabine/ingredients
Swallow XELODA Tablets with water.
Always be sure to take XELODA exactly as your doctor has prescribed.

XELODA is usually taken for 14 days. This is followed by a 7-day rest period (no drug). Together this is called a 21-day cycle. However, your doctor is the best person to tell you how many days you have to take XELODA and how many cycles of treatment you will need.

Women should not become pregnant while taking XELODA. XELODA may harm your unborn child. Use effective birth control while taking XELODA. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant. Men should use birth control while taking XELODA.

Tell your doctor if you:

take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin«). This is very important because XELODA may increase the effect of medicines used to thin your blood. If you are taking blood thinners and XELODA, your doctor needs to know. That's because XELODA may increase the effect of this medicine and could lead to serious side effects. If you are taking XELODA along with a blood thinner, your doctor needs to check more often how fast your blood clots. Your doctor will adjust your dose of the blood thinner if needed.
take phenytoin (Dilantin«). Your doctor needs to test the levels of phenytoin in your blood more often or change your dose of phenytoin.
are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. XELODA may harm your unborn child.
have kidney problems. Your doctor may prescribe a different medicine or lower the XELODA dose.
have liver problems. You may need to be checked for liver problems while you take XELODA.
have heart problems because you could have more side effects related to your hear.
take the vitamin folic acid. It may affect how XELODA works.

Store XELODA at normal room temperature (about 65¦ to 85¦ F). Keep XELODA and all other medicines out of the reach of children.

The most common side effects of XELODA are:
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
sores in the mouth and throat (stomatitis)
stomach area pain (abdominal pain)
upset stomach
constipation
loss of appetite
too much water loss from the body (dehydration)