Capecitabine is a tablet that you take by mouth. It works as follows:- 

Capecitabine is a prodrug that becomes active within tumors, converting into a substance called fluorouracil, which is toxic to cancer cells. This conversion is facilitated by an enzyme called thymidine phosphorylase. Once activated, fluorouracil breaks down into two substances, 5-fluoro-2-deoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) and 5-fluorouridine triphosphate (FUTP), which interfere with the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins within both normal and tumor cells. By disrupting these processes, capecitabine effectively inhibits the growth of cancer cells. It mainly targets cells in the S-phase of the cell cycle.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist

Primary uses are to treat Breast cancer and Colorectal cancer.

Secondarily this drug is also used to treat Pancreatic cancer.

Research studies are going on this drug to check if this medicine can be used to treat other type of cancer. 

Visit our Research Division Doctors in Online Consults for more details.

 If you miss a dose of capecitabine, take it as soon as you can if it is within 6 hours of the missed dose. If it is over 6 hours since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual dosing time. Let your healthcare team know during office hours if you have missed a dose.

If you vomit after taking capecitabine, do not take a second dose. Call your healthcare team during office hours for advice.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist.

Anemia, Low white blood cell count, Hand-foot skin reaction, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Mouth sores or Mouth ulcers, Liver enzyme increase, Abdominal pain.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist

Other drugs such as Warfarin, Phenytoin , and Fosphenytoin may interact with capecitabine. Tell your doctor if you are taking these or any other drugs as you may need extra blood tests or your dose may need to be changed. 

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist

Capecitabine may damage sperm and may harm the baby if used during pregnancy. It is best to use birth control while being treated with capecitabine. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Do not breast feed during treatment.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist