Treatment FAQ

xeloda-how long is the treatment

by Preston King Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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You usually take the capecitabine tablets twice a day (in the morning and evening) for 14 days and then have a 7-day break from taking the tablets. This 21-day period is one treatment cycle.

Precautions

  • If you are a woman, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. ...
  • If you are a man, use birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
  • Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.

What should I avoid while taking Xeloda?

What happens if I overdose (Xeloda)? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. What should I avoid while taking capecitabine (Xeloda)? Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What should I do if I overdose on Xeloda?

Zoladex 10.8 is a special preparation of goserelin acetate which is designed to work in the body for 12 to 13 weeks after each injection. Most people will need one injection for each 12 to 13 weeks of treatment. Zoladex 10.8 is otherwise similar to Zoladex 3.6 mg which you may have received in the past. Zoladex 3.6 mg lasts for only 28 days.

How long should Zoladex take to work?

numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Other side effects of Xeloda include temporary hair loss. Normal hair growth should return after treatment with Xeloda has ended. Temporary nail changes may occur, which may rarely include fungal infections in the nail beds. Dose of Xeloda is calculated according to body surface area.

Will you have hair loss with Xeloda?

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How long do you stay on Xeloda?

Xeloda is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. For metastatic breast or colorectal cancer, you'll usually take Xeloda for as long as it continues to be safe and effective for you. For adjuvant treatment of colon cancer, you'll usually take Xeloda for 6 months (eight 3-week cycles).

How long is a course of capecitabine?

These doses are taken for 2 weeks, followed by 1 week rest, given as 3 weeks cycle. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

How many rounds does Xeloda have?

Standard Starting Dose Adjuvant treatment in patients with Dukes C colon cancer is recommended for a total of 6 months [ie, XELODA 1250 mg/m² orally twice daily for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period, given as 3-week cycles for a total of 8 cycles (24 weeks)].

When should I stop taking Xeloda?

If you have severe bloody diarrhea with severe abdominal pain and fever, stop taking Xeloda and call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

How long can you take oral chemotherapy?

The exact schedule depends on the specific drugs you are on. Initial treatment is usually 4 to 6 cycles, but usually cycles are 3 to 4 weeks long.

How successful is Xeloda?

Xeloda also improved overall survival: 89.2% of the women treated with Xeloda were alive. 83.9% of the women who didn't get chemotherapy were alive.

What is the success rate of capecitabine?

In particular, the 5-year EFS is 100% in patients with capecitabine duration ≥30 months compared to 43% in patients with capecitabine duration <30 months. In addition, the Kaplan-Meier estimate of the 5-year overall survival rate was 78% (95% CI: 63–96%).

Do you lose your hair on Xeloda?

When used on its own, capecitabine occasionally causes some temporary hair thinning. It very rarely causes complete hair loss. If capecitabine is taken in combination with another chemotherapy drug, most people will lose all their hair including eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair.

What happens when capecitabine stops working?

liver changes that are usually mild and unlikely to cause symptoms. It is very rare for your liver to stop working (liver failure) symptoms might include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. low levels of fluid in the body (dehydration) feeling very low in mood (depression)

What are the long term side effects of Xeloda?

These side effects may occur at any time during Xeloda treatment. To learn more about the possible long-term side effects of Xeloda, talk with your doctor or pharmacist....Long-term side effects reported with Xeloda include:chest pain.heart failure.infertility (not being able to conceive a child)

How long after chemo does your body get back to normal?

Most people say it takes 6 to 12 months after they finish chemotherapy before they truly feel like themselves again.

What does Xeloda do to your body?

XELODA can cause heart problems including: heart attack and decreased blood flow to the heart, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, changes in the electrical activity of your heart seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG), problems with your heart muscle, heart failure, and sudden death.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not take Xeloda if you are allergic to capecitabine or fluorouracil (Adrucil), or if you have: 1. severe kidney disease; or 2. a metabol...

How Should I Take Xeloda?

Xeloda is usually taken twice per day. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or...

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...

What Should I Avoid While Taking Xeloda?

Capecitabine can pass into body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit). Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body flu...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Xeloda?

If you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven), you may need to have more frequent "INR" or prothrombin time tests. Taking a blood thin...

How long does Xeloda last?

In combination with docetaxel, the recommended dose of Xeloda is 1250 mg/m 2 twice daily for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period, combined with docetaxel at 75 mg/m 2 as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks. Pre-medication, according to the docetaxel labeling, should be started prior to docetaxel administration for patients receiving the Xeloda plus docetaxel combination. Table 1 displays the total daily dose of Xeloda by body surface area and the number of tablets to be taken at each dose.

How long after eating can you take xeloda?

Xeloda tablets should be swallowed whole with water within 30 minutes after a meal. Xeloda is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 If Xeloda tablets must be cut or crushed, this should be done by a professional trained in safe handling of cytotoxic drugs using appropriate equipment and safety procedures. Xeloda dose is calculated according to body surface area.

What enzymes convert capecitabine to 5-fluorouracil?

Enzymes convert capecitabine to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in vivo. Both normal and tumor cells metabolize 5-FU to 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) and 5-fluorouridine triphosphate (FUTP). These metabolites cause cell injury by two different mechanisms. First, FdUMP and the folate cofactor, N 5-10 -methylenetetrahydrofolate, bind to thymidylate synthase (TS) to form a covalently bound ternary complex. This binding inhibits the formation of thymidylate from 2'-deoxyuridylate. Thymidylate is the necessary precursor of thymidine triphosphate, which is essential for the synthesis of DNA, so that a deficiency of this compound can inhibit cell division. Second, nuclear transcriptional enzymes can mistakenly incorporate FUTP in place of uridine triphosphate (UTP) during the synthesis of RNA. This metabolic error can interfere with RNA processing and protein synthesis.

How to store Xeloda?

Store Xeloda at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep Xeloda in a tightly closed container. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist how to safely throw away any unused Xeloda. Keep Xeloda and all medicines out of the reach of children.

How long after Xeloda is it safe to use contraception?

Based on genetic toxicity findings, advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months following the final dose of Xeloda [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ].

How long does it take for capecitabine to reach peak levels?

Following oral administration of 1255 mg/m 2 BID to cancer patients, capecitabine reached peak blood levels in about 1.5 hours (T max) with peak 5-FU levels occurring slightly later, at 2 hours. Food reduced both the rate and extent of absorption of capecitabine with mean C max and AUC 0-∞ decreased by 60% and 35%, respectively. The C max and AUC 0-∞ of 5-FU were also reduced by food by 43% and 21%, respectively. Food delayed T max of both parent and 5-FU by 1.5 hours [see Warnings and Precautions (5), Dosage and Administration (2), and Drug-Food Interaction (7.2)].

What are the adverse reactions of Xeloda?

In 875 patients with either metastatic breast or colorectal cancer who received Xeloda monotherapy, 62% of the 21 patients ≥80 years of age treated with Xeloda experienced a treatment-related grade 3 or 4 adverse event: diarrhea in 6 (28.6%), nausea in 3 (14.3%), hand-and-foot syndrome in 3 (14.3%), and vomiting in 2 (9.5%) patients. Among the 10 patients 70 years of age and greater (no patients were >80 years of age) treated with Xeloda in combination with docetaxel, 30% (3 out of 10) of patients experienced grade 3 or 4 diarrhea and stomatitis, and 40% (4 out of 10) experienced grade 3 hand-and-foot syndrome.

Drug details

Xeloda is a form of chemotherapy called an antimetabolite. It contains capecitabine, which is a pro-drug. A pro-drug is an inactive drug that your body changes into an active drug. When you take Xeloda, your body changes it into the active drug fluorouracil.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Xeloda, see the “ Xeloda uses ” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Xeloda can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Side effect details

Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Xeloda.

Is Xeloda a chemotherapy drug?

Yes, Xeloda is a chemotherapy drug. However, it’s different from most other chemotherapy drugs. Xeloda is taken by mouth instead of being given as an injection. It’s also slightly more targeted against cancer cells than other chemotherapy drugs.

Is Xeloda used for pancreatic cancer?

Yes, Xeloda is sometimes used to treat pancreatic cancer. However, this is an off-label use of the drug. Off-label use refers to using a drug for a purpose that hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Does Xeloda treat triple-negative breast cancer?

Yes, Xeloda can treat triple-negative breast cancer in certain situations. But it’s not specifically FDA-approved for this use.

How long after eating can you take xeloda?

XELODA tablets should be swallowed whole with water within 30 minutes after a meal. XELODA is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 If XELODA tablets must be cut or crushed, this should be done by a professional trained in safe handling of cytotoxic drugs using appropriate equipment and safety procedures. XELODA dose is calculated according to body surface area.

How long after Xeloda is it safe to use contraception?

Based on genetic toxicity findings, advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months following the final dose of XELODA [see Nonclinical Toxicology ].

How long does it take for capecitabine to reach peak levels?

Following oral administration of 1255 mg/m² BID to cancer patients, capecitabine reached peak blood levels in about 1.5 hours (Tmax) with peak 5-FU levels occurring slightly later, at 2 hours. Food reduced both the rate and extent of absorption of capecitabine with mean Cmax and AUC0-∞ decreased by 60% and 35%, respectively. The Cmax and AUC0-∞ of 5-FU were also reduced by food by 43% and 21%, respectively. Food delayed Tmax of both parent and 5-FU by 1.5 hours [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, and Drug-Food Interaction ].

What enzymes convert capecitabine to 5-fluorouracil?

Enzymes convert capecitabine to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in vivo. Both normal and tumor cells metabolize 5-FU to 5-fluoro-2’-deoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) and 5-fluorouridine triphosphate (FUTP). These metabolites cause cell injury by two different mechanisms. First, FdUMP and the folate cofactor, N 5-10 -methylenetetrahydrofolate, bind to thymidylate synthase (TS) to form a covalently bound ternary complex. This binding inhibits the formation of thymidylate from 2’-deoxyuridylate. Thymidylate is the necessary precursor of thymidine triphosphate, which is essential for the synthesis of DNA, so that a deficiency of this compound can inhibit cell division. Second, nuclear transcriptional enzymes can mistakenly incorporate FUTP in place of uridine triphosphate (UTP) during the synthesis of RNA. This metabolic error can interfere with RNA processing and protein synthesis.

What are the adverse reactions of Xeloda?

In 875 patients with either metastatic breast or colorectal cancer who received XELODA monotherapy, 62% of the 21 patients ≥80 years of age treated with XELODA experienced a treatment-related grade 3 or 4 adverse event: diarrhea in 6 (28.6%), nausea in 3 (14.3%), hand-and-foot syndrome in 3 (14.3%), and vomiting in 2 (9.5%) patients. Among the 10 patients 70 years of age and greater (no patients were >80 years of age) treated with XELODA in combination with docetaxel, 30% (3 out of 10) of patients experienced grade 3 or 4 diarrhea and stomatitis, and 40% (4 out of 10) experienced grade 3 hand-and-foot syndrome.

Is Xeloda a single agent?

XELODA is indicated as a single agent for adjuvant treatment in patients with Dukes C colon cancer who have undergone complete resection of the primary tumor when treatment with fluoropyrimidine therapy alone is preferred. XELODA was non-inferior to 5fluorouracil and leucovorin (5-FU/LV) for disease-free survival (DFS). Physicians should consider results of combination chemotherapy trials, which have shown improvement in DFS and OS, when prescribing single-agent XELODA in the adjuvant treatment of Dukes C colon cancer.

Does Xeloda interact with Warfarin?

XELODA Warfarin Interaction: Patients receiving concomitant capecitabine and oral coumarin-derivative anticoagulant therapy should have their anticoagulant response (INR or prothrombin time) monitored frequently in order to adjust the anticoagulant dose accordingly. A clinically important XELODA-Warfarin drug interaction was demons trated in a clinical pharmacology trial [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS ]. Altered coagulation parameters and/or bleeding, including death, have been reported in patients taking XELODA concomitantly with coumarin-derivative anticoagulants such as warfarin and phenprocoumon. Postmarketing reports have shown clinically significant increases in prothrombin time (PT) and INR in patients who were stabilized on anticoagulants at the time XELODA was introduced. These events occurred within several days and up to several months after initiating XELODA therapy and, in a few cases, within 1 month after stopping XELODA. These events occurred in patients with and without liver metastases. Age greater than 60 and a diagnosis of cancer independently predispose patients to an increased risk of coagulopathy.

What is the generic name for Xeloda?

Capecitabine is the generic name for the trade name drug Xeloda. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Xeloda when referring to the generic drug name capecitabine.

Why is chemotherapy given in cycles?

The scheduling of chemotherapy is set based on the type of cells, rate at which they divide, and the time at which a given drug is likely to be effective. This is why chemotherapy is typically given in cycles. Chemotherapy is most effective at killing cells that are rapidly dividing.

What is the term for a drug that affects cells only when they are dividing?

They also induce cell suicide (self-death or apoptosis). Chemotherapy drugs that affect cells only when they are dividing are called cell-cycle specific. Chemotherapy drugs that affect cells when they are at rest are called cell-cycle non-specific.

How does chemotherapy work?

Usually, the drugs work by damaging the RNA or DNA that tells the cell how to copy itself in division. If the cells are unable to divide, they die. The faster the cells are dividing, the more likely it is that chemotherapy will kill the cells, causing the tumor to shrink.

Does chemotherapy cause hair loss?

The "normal" cells will grow back and be healthy but in the meantime, side effects occur. The "normal" cells most commonly affected by chemotherapy are the blood cells, the cells in the mouth, stomach and bowel, and the hair follicles; resulting in low blood counts, mouth sores, nausea, diarrhea, and/or hair loss.

How long does it take for a doctor to answer a text?

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free! Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription.

How long does it take to get answers from a doctor?

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free! Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person).

How long does a syringe stay in your system?

I think that you are asking how long it stays in the system after 6 months of use. A typical schedule in 2 weeks on and 1 week off. The drug is quickly eliminated from the body. Kidney disease can affect the elimination. Side effects in the skin of hands and feet can take a few weeks to heal after the drug is stopped.

Most voted positive review

Triple Neg Breast Cancer that had matasticized to 4 lymph nodes in chest area. Began 5000 mg daily. Hand and foot syndrome was interfering with my job. Reduced to 3500 mg and 6 months later a Petscan revealed NO trace of cancer. Now on 1000 mg daily for maintenence.

Shared reviews and ratings

I have been on the drug for 5-6 months. The side effects just started about a month ago. I'm trying to deal with it by moisturizing twice a day. I'm hoping that it continues to get my markers down. I'm going for a scan in a month. That will tell the story. I'm afraid of what happens next.

What to use after eating to clean teeth?

You must make sure that after you eat, you use a pick to clean the food from your teeth. The presence of the remains of food evidently irritates the dry lining of your mouth. He also suggested that I use a product called Biotene, both toothpaste and mouthwash to keep my mouth clean and free from debris.

Can chemo cause dry eyes?

3. Dry eyes can be a side effect with all chemo so you must use drops to moisturize your eyes. See your eye doctor every year. 4.

Can gas X cause constipation?

Sometimes, stomach problems occur. The problems could be bloating, diarrhea or constipation, depending upon the person. It is important to keep Gas X products and Immodium or Pepto Bismal handy. Either one of these side effects could conceivably be bad enough that you need to call your doctor.

Does Xeloda cause beet redness?

Xeloda Side Effects I Have Experienced. 1. Hand and foot syndrome is almost always present while taking Xeloda. That is when your hands and feet get beet red and dry. There are different degrees for different people. I found that the only way to get some relief is to use a lot of moisturizing substances.

Does IV chemo stop working?

You do not get the fatigue that is generated by IV chemo thus your quality of life is much better. Having said that, it does stop working like all the other drugs you take for Metastatic Breast Cancer and that’s where I am now, looking for a drug that will arrest the growth.

Is chemo good for you?

This gives you more time to enjoy your life without cancer taking up all your time. Unfortunately, it’s not all good, as is the case with all chemotherapy. The side effects of the drug can be a nuisance or in some cases debilitating.

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