Coping with colon and colorectal cancers
It can be especially hard to cope with cancer of the colon and rectum. Besides the
emotional issues that come with the diagnosis, you may have physical issues, too. Digestive problems, fatigue, and nausea or vomiting are common symptoms of colorectal cancer. And if you had surgery to treat your cancer, you may be dealing with pain, weakness, or a colostomy bag.
As with all cancers, it is important to eat well and stay as active as you can. Talk with your healthcare team before starting any new activities. This can be hard if you are having side effects from treatment. It can help to reach out to others for support.
The following organizations were created for people with colon or colorectal cancer:
Colorectal Cancer Coalition: www.fightcolorectalcancer.org
Colon Cancer Alliance: www.ccalliance.org
When you are being treated for cancer, your healthcare team members are your primary sources of medical advice and support. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare team about your medical condition or treatment.
Find more resources and support
Disclaimer:
Genentech is neither affiliated with nor endorses any of the above organizations. The information provided by Genentech or these organizations is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace your physician's medical advice. By selecting any of the links above, you will be going to a site that is not controlled by or affiliated with Genentech.
Who is XELODA for?
XELODA is used to treat:
- Cancer of the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer) that has spread to other parts of the
body.
This is called metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). XELODA is used as a single medicine to treat
mCRC.
In medical studies, people lived longer when they took other cancer medicines at the same time that they
took 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin. In medical studies, XELODA used as a single medicine was no worse
than 5-FU and leucovorin taken together. XELODA did not improve survival compared with these 2 medicines.
- Cancer of the colon after surgery.
- Breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
This is called metastatic breast cancer (mBC). For this kind of breast cancer, XELODA is taken
together with another medicine called docetaxel.
- Breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and has not improved after treatment with
other medicines. These medicines include paclitaxel and anthracycline-containing medicine such as
doxorubicin.
What is the most important safety information I should know about XELODA?
It is very important that your doctor knows if you are taking a medicine used to thin your
blood, such as warfarin (COUMADIN®). XELODA may increase the effect of this medicine. This
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. He or she will change the dose of the blood thinner, if needed.
Who should not take XELODA?
Do not take XELODA if:
- You are nursing a baby. XELODA may pass through your breast milk and to the baby and harm the baby
- You are allergic to the chemotherapy medicines 5-FU and capecitabine or to any of the ingredients in
XELODA
- Your body doesn't have enough of the enzyme DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase)
What should I tell my doctor before taking XELODA?
Tell your doctor if you:
- Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. XELODA may harm your unborn child. Men and
women should use effective birth control while taking XELODA
- Take a blood thinner, such as warfarin
- Take phenytoin (DILANTIN®)
- Have kidney, liver, or heart problems
- Take folic acid, a B complex vitamin, or a multivitamin containing folic acid
Stop taking XELODA immediately and contact your doctor right away if you have any of these serious
common side effects or any other side effects that worry you:
- Diarrhea* — at least 4 more bowel movements each day than is normal for
you or if you wake up because you need to have a bowel movement
- Throwing up (vomiting)* — more than once in 24 hours
- Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)* — if you don't feel like eating
and if the amount of food you eat each day is much less than usual
- Pain, redness, swelling, or sores in your mouth (stomatitis)*
- Hand-and-foot syndrome — pain, swelling, or redness of your hands or
feet that prevents normal activity
- Fever or infection — a temperature of 100.5°F or higher or other
signs of infection
If you do have any of the side effects listed above, or if you have other side effects that
worry you, your doctor can change your dose of XELODA or stop your XELODA treatment for a while. This may
help to reduce the side effects and stop them from getting worse.
What are the other common side effects of XELODA?
- Constipation*
- Loss of appetite*
- Stomach area pain* or upset stomach
- Too much water loss from the body (dehydration)*
- Rash or dry, itchy, discolored skin
- Nail problems
- Hair loss
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness or headache
- Pain, including chest, back, joint, or muscle pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Problems with your sense of taste
You may have different side effects if you take XELODA with docetaxel. Please talk with your doctor about
possible side effects that may be caused by taking XELODA with other medicines.
Please be sure to talk with your doctor if you have any questions about your cancer or treatment.
Please see complete Prescribing Information.
Coumadin is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Dilantin is a registered trademark of Pfizer
Inc.
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