Xeloda

Description

Description:
Drug Uses
Xeloda is used as a single adjuvant agent for colon cancer and in combination with docetaxel for metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior anthracycline–containing chemotherapy.
How Taken
Xeloda dosage should be administered by your doctor. Usually it is taken orally twice a day for two weeks followed by a week’s pause.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Xeloda, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Xeloda, if you have a history of blood clots in the legs or lungs, have high levels of calcium in your blood, a weakened immune system, or low levels of white blood cells or platelets in your blood, if you have high cholesterol or lipid levels, have cataracts or other vision problems, if you are using cytotoxic cancer medicines or you are confined to a bed or chair, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. Xeloda may cause harm to the fetus. Do not become pregnant while you are using it and for 2 months after you stop using it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Xeloda while you are pregnant. It is not known if Nolvadex is found in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Xeloda. Some medicines may interact with Xeloda. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Xeloda if you are using Xeloda to reduce your risk of breast cancer and you have a history of blood clots in the lung or leg or you also take certain anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or if you are taking anastrozole. Xeloda may reduce the number of clot–forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools. Xeloda may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. New tumors have occurred in body sites other than the uterus in patients taking Nolvadex. It is unknown if Nolvadex may be the cause. Women who take Xeloda to reduce the risk of breast cancer should have a breast exam, mammogram, and gynecological exam before starting and during treatment with Xeloda. Women who may become pregnant should begin taking Xeloda during a menstrual period. Women who have irregular menstrual periods should have a pregnancy test immediately before starting Xeloda. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about how to begin taking Nolvadex. Women who may become pregnant must use effective nonhormonal birth control (eg, condoms, diaphragm) during sexual intercourse while they are taking Nolvadex and for 2 months after they stop taking it. Do not use hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills), it may not work as well while you are taking Nolvadex. Discuss any questions about effective nonhormonal birth control with your doctor. Xeloda will not prevent you from becoming pregnant. Xeloda should be used with extreme caution in children. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are– Bone pain, constipation, coughing, hot flashes, muscle pain, nausea, tiredness, vaginal discharge, weight loss. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately– allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, unexplained hoarseness), abnormal menstrual periods, abnormal vaginal bleeding or bloody discharge, chest pain, coughing up blood, dark urine, decreased sexual desire or ability, depression, fever, chills, or persistent sore throat, groin or pelvic pain or pressure, loss of appetite, loss of balance or coordination, missed menstrual period, new or increased breast tumor or pain, new or unusual lumps, one–sided weakness, pain or swelling in one or both legs, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, severe or persistent tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath, skin changes, stomach pain, sudden severe headache, swelling of the arms or the legs, unusual bleeding or bruising, vision or speech problems, yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Storage
Store Xeloda at 68 – 77 °F (20 – 25 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Xeloda out of the reach of children.
More Information
Xeloda may cause dizziness. These effects may worsen if Xeloda is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Xeloda with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Xeloda should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.