Capecitabine
Capecitabine is oral chemotherapy converted in the body to fluorouracil. It is used in specialist regimens and can cause rapidly worsening gastrointestinal, blood, skin or heart toxicity. Listed uses include breast cancer, colorectal cancer and gastric cancer.
Key points
- Capecitabine treatment depends on cancer type, regimen, kidney function and ability to process fluoropyrimidines.
- Diarrhoea, mouth sores and hand-foot symptoms should be reported early rather than treated as routine discomfort.
- Chest pain, severe diarrhoea, fever or inability to drink needs urgent assessment.
Listings are for comparison only. Suitability and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks, stock, destination rules and prescription requirements.
How it works
Capecitabine is converted through several steps to fluorouracil, which disrupts DNA and RNA production in rapidly dividing cells.
Important safety checks
DPD deficiency, kidney and liver function, blood counts, pregnancy and heart disease require review. Warfarin and several other medicines can interact. Follow handling instructions, do not share tablets and contact the oncology team before the next treatment if significant toxicity develops.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, fever with severe illness, uncontrolled diarrhoea or vomiting, inability to drink, severe mouth sores, unusual bleeding, confusion or a painful blistering rash.