What to expect with XELODA Like all chemotherapy treatments, XELODA has certain side effects. For some people, milder side effects may suddenly become severe. However, the side effects of XELODA can be controlled. In clinical studies, XELODA was generally tolerated well by patients.

Common side effects with XELODA are:

  • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis (mouth and throat sores), abdominal (stomach area) pain, upset stomach, constipation, loss of appetite, and dehydration (excessive loss of water from the body). These side effects are more common in patients who are 80 or more years of age
  • Hand-and-Foot Syndrome (pain, swelling or redness of your hands or feet that prevents normal activity), dry, itchy or discolored skin, rash, nail problems, and hair loss
  • Tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fever, pain (such as chest, back, joint, and muscle), difficulty sleeping, and taste problems
If you take XELODA in combination with Taxotere® (docetaxel) you may experience some different side effects. Please ask your doctor about possible side effects that may be caused by taking XELODA with Taxotere®.
 
 
It is helpful to keep track of side effects you have, when they occur, and how much they affect your day. This way your doctor can give you suggestions for controlling them or make adjustments to your treatment plan if needed. Be sure to report side effects right away to a member of your treatment team.
 
 

Side Effect Simon

This interactive tool will help you learn more about how XELODA might affect different areas of your body.
 
Click here to view Side Effect Simon  Click here to view Side Effect Simon

When to Contact Your Doctor Right Away

Stop taking XELODA immediately and contact your doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
  1. Diarrhea: If you have more than 4 bowel movements each day or any diarrhea at night
  2. Vomiting (being sick): If you vomit more than once in a 24-hour period
  3. Nausea: If you lose your appetite and the amount you eat each day is much less than usual
  4. Stomatitis (mouth sores): If you have pain, redness, swelling or sores in your mouth
  5. Hand-foot skin reaction: If you have pain, swelling, or redness in your hands or feet
  6. Fever or infection: If you have a temperature of 100.5°F (38°C) or greater or show any other signs of infection such as swelling or irritation
If caught early, most side effects usually improve after you stop taking XELODA. If they do not improve within 2 to 3 days, call your doctor again. After side effects have improved, your doctor will tell you whether to start taking XELODA again and, if so, what dose to use.
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.

    •  
  • 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).

    •  
  • 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.