XELODA Side Effects

All chemo has side effects. Your doctor can help you manage them.

Like all chemotherapy treatments, XELODA has side effects. However, in clinical studies, XELODA was generally tolerated well. And XELODA side effects can generally be managed. The key to managing XELODA side effects is to report them to your doctor immediately.

How to Take XELODA (en Español)

When to stop taking XELODA

Don't wait to report XELODA side effects

Steps you can take to manage XELODA side effects

How your doctor can help you manage side effects

Let your doctor know right away if you have side effects. Your doctor can then adjust your dose or stop your XELODA treatment for a while. For many patients, this stops the side effects from getting worse and may eliminate them entirely.

What causes chemotherapy side effects?

Chemotherapy works by killing fast-growing cells — such as breast cancer or colorectal cancer cells. But cancer cells are not the only cells in your body that grow rapidly. Normal, fast-growing cells can also be damaged by chemotherapy, which can cause side effects.

Watch for the most common XELODA side effects:

• 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-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

When to stop taking XELODA

Your doctor wants to know about any side effects you experience. But some side effects are serious enough so that you should stop taking XELODA immediately, even before speaking to your doctor. If you have a side effect that fits any of the descriptions below, stop taking XELODA and contact your doctor right away.

• Diarrhea: If you have an additional 4 bowel movements each day beyond what's normal, or any diarrhea at night
• Vomiting: If you vomit more than once in a 24-hour 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-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

For some people, milder XELODA side effects may suddenly become severe. If caught early, most of these 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.

Don't wait to report XELODA side effects

Some patients think that side effects mean their treatment is working really hard. It's not necessary to experience severe side effects for the drug to work, and some side effects can be dangerous. Patients may also be afraid that if they report XELODA side effects, they'll be taken off XELODA. The fact is, in many cases, the doctor can adjust the dose to reduce or eliminate the side effect. Remember, adjusting the dose to be right for each patient is an important part of treatment.

We have created a downloadable XELODA Treatment Planner, which includes a diary you can use to keep track of XELODA side effects, when they occur, and how much they affect your day. Your doctor may find that information helpful in adjusting your treatment plan and suggesting other ways you can reduce side effects.

Steps you can take to manage XELODA side effects

In addition to speaking to your doctor, there are a number of things you can do to manage common XELODA side effects.

Mouth sores

• Use good dental hygiene (rinse with weak salt water mouthwash often)
• Avoid irritants to mouth (citrus fruits and juices, tobacco, and spicy foods)
• Speak with your doctor about a prescription mouth rinse

Hand-foot syndrome

• Avoid injury to feet and hands (avoid tight-fitting shoes and activities that cause prolonged heat or pressure on the skin of your hands or feet)
• Apply emollient cream to hands and feet

Nausea

• Eat small, frequent meals (such as half a sandwich or non-citrus fruit)
• Eat chilled food (such as salad or chilled boiled egg)
• Avoid strong odors (such as cabbage or fish)
• Your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medicine

Mild diarrhea

• Speak with your doctor about anti-diarrheal medicines