Capecitabine
Uses of Capecitabine
Capecitabine is commonly used to treat Breast Cancer, Cancer Of Colon And Rectum, Head And Neck Cancer, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, Ovarian Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Stomach Cancer
How Capecitabine Works
Capecitabine is a prodrug of fluorouracil which is then converted by the liver and tissue into fluorouracil. Fluorouracil will inhibit thymidylate synthetase which is essential to DNA and RNA synthesis and cell replication.
Side Effects of Capecitabine
Hand and Foot Syndrome, Chest pain, Eye irritation, Increased lacrimation, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Dehydration, Weight gain, Joint pain, Insomnia
Warnings
Kidney High Risk
Capecitabine dosage should be adjusted on people with mild to moderate renal impairment and is contraindicated in severe renal impairment.
Alcohol Safe
There is no contraindication nor any pervious data to suggest interaction between Capecitabine and alcohol. The side effects profile of Capecitabine also does not suggest any augmentation of the alcohol side effects.
Pregnancy Not Safe
There is no human pregnancy data on the usage of Capecitabine but animal reproductive studies suggest high teratogenicity and harm during pregnancy. It is, therefore, contraindicated to be used during pregnancy.
Driving Not advisable
It is not advisable to drive when on Capecitabine treatment as potential side effects such as eye irritation and dizziness may occur which can affect the ability to drive and concentrate.
Liver Use With Care
Despite insufficient data to recommend dosage adjustment, precautionary measures should be taken in people with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Close monitoring may be advisable in people with severe hepatic impairment.
Lactation Not Advisable
It is contraindicated to breastfeed while on this medication eventhough it is not known whether Capecitabine will be secreted into the human breastmilk or not.
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
