About Colorectal Cancer About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer is the medical term for any cancers that are found in the large intestine. This is the lower part of the digestive tract. These cancers can occur in the part of the large intestine next to the small intestine, called the cecum. Most often, they occur in the main part of the large intestine, known as the colon. Occasionally, they occur in the lowest part of the large intestine, called the rectum.

Colorectal cancers are the third most common form of cancer in the Western world. The odds of beating Colorectal Cancer are much better when the disease is detected early. That's why it's important to know the warning signs and risk factors. Some of the warning signs for Colorectal Cancer include a change in bowel habits, bloody stools, unexplained weight loss, and anemia. Some risk factors for Colorectal Cancer include age (most cases occur in the 60's and 70's), a history of cancer and a history of smoking. Other risk factors include a long-standing disease of the colon such as Crohn's disease

Would you like more information about the warning signs of colorectal cancer, or colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis? Download the free A Patient's Guide to Understanding Colorectal Cancer brochure. And be sure to visit our Resources section for links to Colorectal Cancer Resources.

XELODA and Colorectal Cancer

XELODA is used to treat certain types of Colorectal Cancer. This includes cancer of the colon or rectum (Colorectal Cancer) that has spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

You should know that in studies other medicines showed improved survival when they were taken together with 5-FU and leucovorin. In studies with XELODA, XELODA was no worse than 5-FU and leucovorin taken together. But it did not improve survival compared to these 2 medicines.

XELODA can also be used to treat the adjuvant (post-surgery) treatment of Dukes' C colon cancer. Adjuvant therapy is the standard treatment approach for Dukes' C colon cancer (cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes). This is when chemotherapy is given after the tumor has been surgically removed.

In this section of XELODA.com, you can find out more about Colorectal Cancer and how it is diagnosed. You can also learn about diagnostic tests and the types of treatments available, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. For the latest information about Colorectal Cancer, browse the Web sites listed in our Colorectal Cancer links.

Indications:
XELODA is used to treat:
 
Important Safety Information:
WARNING:
XELODA may increase the effect of other medicines used to thin your blood such as warfarin (COUMADIN®). It is very important that your doctor knows if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin because XELODA may increase the effect of this medicine and could lead to serious side effects. If you are taking blood thinners and XELODA, your doctor needs to check more often how fast your blood clots and change the dose of the blood thinner, if needed.
 
  • 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, and too much water loss from the body (dehydration) (These side effects are more common in patients age 80 and older). Other common side effects are hand-and-foot syndrome (palms of the hands or soles of the feet tingle, become numb, painful, swollen or red); rash; dry, itchy or discolored skin; nail problems; hair loss; tiredness; weakness; dizziness; headache; fever; pain (including chest, back, joint and muscle pain); trouble sleeping; and taste problems. Tell your doctor if you have heart problems because you could have more side effects related to your heart.
     
    These side effects may differ when taking XELODA with docetaxel (TAXOTERE). Please consult your doctor for possible side effects that may be caused by taking XELODA with other therapies.
     
    If you are concerned about these or any other side effects while taking XELODA, talk to your doctor.

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  • Do 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.
     
    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.
     
    Do not take XELODA if you are allergic to 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine or any of the ingredients in XELODA. Do not take XELODA if you have been told that you lack the enzyme DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase).

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  • Stop taking XELODA immediately and contact your doctor right away if you have the side effects listed below or other side effects that concern you. Your doctor can then adjust XELODA to a dose that is right for you or stop your XELODA treatment for a while. This should help to reduce the side effects and stop them from getting worse.
    • - Diarrhea: if you have an additional 4 bowel movements each day beyond what is normal or any diarrhea at night
    • - Vomiting: if you vomit more than once in a 24-hour time period
    • - Nausea: if you lose your appetite, and the amount of food you eat each day is much less than usual
    • - Stomatitis: if you have pain, redness, swelling or sores in your mouth
    • - Hand-and-Foot Syndrome: if you have pain, swelling or redness of your hands or feet that prevents normal activity
    • - Fever or Infection: if you have a temperature of 100.5°F or greater or other signs of infection
Please be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your condition or treatment.
 
Please see accompanying patient information and complete Prescribing Information.
 
Adriamycin is a trademark of Pharmacia & Upjohn Company.
Coumadin is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
Taxol is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
Taxotere is a registered trademark of Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC.
 
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For more information about XELODA, contact your physician or other healthcare professional.