Capecite 500mg Tablet is prescribed alone and also in combination with other anticancer medications like Docetaxel and Oxaliplatin.
It stops the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting the DNA synthesis.
The drug gets converted into its active form called fluorouracil and interferes with cell signalling, ultimately preventing the multiplication of cancer cells.
Interaction with other drugs:
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products.
Certain medications may interact with Capecite 500mg Tablet and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
Safety advices:
Pregnancy: Capecite 500mg Tablet is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause fetal harm.
Breast feeding: It is not known if Capecite 500mg Tablet passes into your breast milk or if it will affect your baby or your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you receive this drug.
Lungs: It is not known whether Capecite 500mg Tablet can be prescribed to patients with lung problems. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver: Inform your doctor if you have any liver disorders before taking Capecite 500mg Tablet. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended.
Alcohol: It is unknown whether consuming alcohol interacts with Capecite 500mg Tablet. Please consult your doctor for more advice.
Driving: Capecite 500mg Tablet may cause drowsiness which can affect the patient’s ability to drive or use machines. Consult your doctor before you resume driving.
Side effects:
Serious: severe bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, heart problems (chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint, irregular heartbeat, sudden weight gain), loss of too much body fluid, kidney failure, serious skin and mouth reactions (skin peeling, blisters), hand and foot syndrome (swelling, changes in sensation of hands and feet), liver problems, decreased blood count.
Common: loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, depression, headache, dizziness, eye irritation, redness, increased tears, inflammation of veins, runny nose, fever, infections, hair loss, pain in joints, back, dry mouth, indigestion, constipation.
Word of advice:
Capecite 500mg Tablet causes skin dryness so it is advised to use an effective moisturiser for your skin.
Ensure that you stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
Store the drug in the original package at room temperature (25°C). Do not freeze. Keep it out of reach from children and pets.
It is important to get the dose at the scheduled time. If you missed the schedule, contact your doctor and reschedule the dose.
Avoid driving or operating heavy machines if you experience dizziness, nausea or tiredness while on treatment with this drug.
FAQs:
Is Capecite 500mg Tablet prescribed as a monotherapy?
Capecite 500mg Tablet is prescribed as a monotherapy and also in combination with other anticancer agents like Docetaxel and Oxaliplatin to treat breast and colorectal cancer respectively.
What tests are essential before starting treatment with Capecite 500mg Tablet?
Before starting treatment with Capecite 500mg Tablet, your healthcare provider will recommend tests for pregnancy, DPD deficiency (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase), prothrombin time, INR, kidney function tests and serum electrolytes.
Is it safe to undergo a surgery during the treatment with Capecite 500mg Tablet?
It is suggested to avoid planning for surgery while on treatment with Capecite 500mg Tablet. Tell your physician before you undergo surgery or dental procedures.
What should you do if you missed a dose of Capecite 500mg Tablet?
If you missed taking a dose of Capecite 500mg Tablet, skip this dose. Do not take two tablets to make up for the missed dose. Report to your healthcare provider right away if you missed taking more than two doses of this drug.
Who should not take Capecite 500mg Tablet?
Capecite 500mg Tablet is not recommended for people who are allergic to this drug, 5-fluorouracil and their ingredients. It is also contraindicated in people with severe kidney disease and DPD deficiency (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase).
Can you smoke while on treatment with Capecite 500mg Tablet?
It is not recommended to smoke cigarettes while on treatment with Capecite 500mg Tablet as smoking can reduce the concentration of drug in the body.
How do you know if you have overdosed on Capecite 500mg Tablet?
Watch out for symptoms like nausea, gastric irritation, diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding and seek immediate medical attention from a nearby healthcare facility.
