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XELODA Pill: Frequently Asked Questions

Many patients diagnosed with cancer have questions about their treatment. Here you'll find helpful answers to common patient questions about XELODA. There are also answers to questions about the treatment of breast and colorectal cancer. Your doctor should always be your first choice for detailed information about your medical condition and XELODA.

To learn more, select a category from the list below.

 

About XELODA

About Taking XELODA

About the Side Effects of XELODA

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Q: What is XELODA?

A: XELODA (zeh-LOE-duh) also known as capecitabine (CAPE-site-ah-bean) is a medicine you take by mouth (orally). XELODA is used to treat specific types of cancer.

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Q: What is XELODA used to treat?

A: XELODA is used to treat specific types of cancer

In patients with breast cancer, XELODA is used to treat:

  • Breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. In this case, XELODA is taken with another medicine, docetaxel. This type of cancer is called metastatic breast cancer
  • 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 doxorubicin

In patients with colorectal cancer, XELODA is used to treat:

  • Stage III (Dukes' C) colon cancer after surgery (called adjuvant therapy)
  • 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.

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Q: How does XELODA work?

A: XELODA is a medicine you take by mouth (orally). XELODA is changed in the body to a substance called 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In some patients with colon, rectum, or breast cancer, 5-FU stops cancer cells from growing and decreases the size of the tumor.

Q: How can I find out if XELODA may be right for me?

A: Take the "Is XELODA Right for Me?" questionnaire and share the results with your doctor.

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Q: Who makes XELODA?

A: XELODA is manufactured by Genentech USA, Inc. Visit www.gene.com for more information.

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Q: How long has XELODA been available?

A: XELODA has been on the market since 1998, when it was the first oral chemotherapy approved by the FDA for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. In 2001, it became the first oral chemotherapy approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. It received FDA approval for the treatment of Stage III (Dukes' C) colon cancer in 2005.

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Q: Is XELODA being used to treat other types of cancer?

A: XELODA is being studied as a potential treatment for other types of cancer. But right now it is approved only for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer that did not improve after treatment with taxoines and anthracyclines, metastatic colorectal cancer, and Stage III (Dukes' C) colon cancer.

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Q: Can XELODA be used in combination with other drugs?

A: XELODA is approved to be taken along with docetaxel in metastatic breast cancer. There are studies under way to see how XELODA works with other drugs and in other cancers.

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Q: Is XELODA covered by my insurance?

XELODA is covered by most insurance plans. To find out about your specific insurance plan, XELODA Access Solutions™ may be able to help.

XELODA Access Solutions Specialists look at what you may need to know about your health insurance plan's coverage and issues that may affect reimbursement for use of our medicines.

To speak live with one of our Specialists, call (888) 249-4918 from 6 am–5 pm PT, Monday to Friday, fax (888) 249-4919 or visit XELODAAccessSolutions.com

Learn more about coverage and reimbursement for XELODA

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Q: Is there a generic version of XELODA available?

A: No. XELODA is a branded prescription medicine. Currently, there is no generic. If someone tries to offer you a generic version of XELODA, be sure to contact your doctor and/or local authorities right away.

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Q: Who should not take XELODA?

A: 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 the "Is XELODA Right for Me?" interactive questionnaire

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Q: How should I take XELODA?

A: Take XELODA exactly as your doctor tells you to. Your doctor will prescribe a dose and treatment plan that is right for you. Your doctor may ask you to take various combinations of 150 mg and 500 mg tablets together for each dose. You need to know what each type of tablet looks like. Taking the wrong tablets could cause an overdose (too much medicine) or an underdose (too little medicine).

  • 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)
  • Swallow XELODA tablets with water

Always be sure to take XELODA exactly as your doctor has prescribed.

Learn more about How to Take XELODA

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Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of XELODA?

A: If you miss a dose of XELODA:

  • Do not take the missed dose at all
  • Do not double the next dose
  • Continue your regular dosing schedule and check with your doctor

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Q: What if I take too much XELODA?

A: If you take too much XELODA, contact your doctor or local poison control center or go to an emergency room right away.

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Q: How long will I need to take XELODA?

A: 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.

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Q: Can I have sex while taking XELODA?

A: Yes. 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.

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Q: Can I breast-feed my child while taking XELODA?

A: Do not breast-feed while taking XELODA. XELODA may pass through your milk and harm your baby.

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Q: What should I tell my doctor before taking XELODA?

A: Tell your doctor if you:

  • take a blood thinner such as warfarin. 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. 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. You could have more side effects related to your heart
  • take the vitamin folic acid. It may affect how XELODA works

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Q: How should I store XELODA?

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

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Q: Can I take XELODA to treat other conditions?

A: Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Only use XELODA to treat the condition it was prescribed to treat.

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Q: Can I give XELODA to someone else to treat his/her cancer?

A: Do not give XELODA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. A doctor should always be involved in the choice of whether or not to use a prescription medicine.

Q: What if someone else takes my XELODA tablets?

A: Never share XELODA with anyone. If someone else swallows your XELODA by accident, call your doctor or local poison control center or go to an emergency room right away.

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Q: Is there a support program available for patients who take XELODA?

A: People taking XELODA have a convenient, no-cost place to turn for additional support. XTRA is a personalized, confidential support service. It is run by an independent company and funded by Genentech, the makers of XELODA. XTRA puts patients in touch with an oncology nurse, who is trained to provide information about your XELODA therapy and keeps in contact with your doctor to stay on top of your current treatment plan. Remember, your doctor should always be your first choice for detailed information about your condition and treatment. To enroll in XTRA, download XTRA Enrollment Form. You can also sign up online.

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Q: What are the most common side effects of XELODA?

A: 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 generally managed and often reversed if you act quickly. In clinical studies, XELODA was generally tolerated well by patients.

The most common side effects of XELODA are:

  • Hand-foot syndrome (pain, swelling, or redness of your hands or feet)
  • 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)

The following side effects may also occur:

  • 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
  • Taste problems
  • Pain (including chest, back, joint, and muscle pain)

These side effects may differ when taking XELODA with docetaxel. Please consult your doctor for possible side effects that may be caused by taking XELODA with docetaxel.

If you are concerned about these or any other side effects while taking XELODA, talk to your doctor.

See tips for controlling the side effects of XELODA and learn what foods to avoid.

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Q: What should I do if I experience a side effect?

A: Many of the side effects of XELODA can be generally managed and often reversed if you act quickly. If you have side effects, contact your healthcare team for suggestions or see tips for controlling the side effects of XELODA. Ask your doctor about enrolling in the XTRA service for more help with managing side effects.

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Q: When do I need to contact my doctor?

A: It is important to STOP your XELODA therapy and call your doctor if:

  • You have pain, redness, swelling, or sores in your mouth
  • You have pain, swelling, or redness of your hands or feet that prevents normal activity
  • You have an additional 4 bowel movements each day beyond what is normal, or any diarrhea at night
  • You vomit more than once in a 24-hour time period or you lose your appetite and the amount of food you eat each day is much less than usual
  • You have a temperature of 100.5°F or greater, or other signs of infection

If you have these side effects, do not continue to take XELODA until you have talked to your doctor.

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Indications:

XELODA is used to treat:

  • cancer of the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer) that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic colorectal cancer). XELODA is used as a single drug to treat 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, XELODA used as a single drug was no worse than 5-FU and leucovorin taken together, but did not improve survival compared to these two medicines.
  • cancer of the colon after surgery.
  • breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer) 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 such as paclitaxel and anthracycline-containing medicine such as doxorubicin.

Important Safety Information:

WARNING:

XELODA may increase the effect of other medicines used to thin your blood such as warfarin. 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: hand-and-foot syndrome, 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 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. 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.

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For more information about XELODA, contact your physician or other healthcare professional.