Uses:
- Adjuvant colon cancer;
- Metastatic colorectal cancer;
- Metastatic breast cancer.
Active ingredient: Capecitabine.
Category: Antimetabolites.
Therapeutic effects:
- Capekast 500mg stops the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting DNA synthesis.
- It gets converted into its active form called fluorouracil and interferes with cell signaling, preventing the multiplication of cancer cells.
Important information:
- Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C), do not freeze.
- Keep out of reach from children and pets.
- Take as prescribed by your doctor, do not crush or chew the tablet.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can if it is within 12 hours of the missed dose. If it is over 12 hours, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual dosing times.
Safety advice:
- Pregnancy: not recommended as it may cause fetal harm.
- Breast feeding: talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you receive this drug.
- Lungs: 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 Capekast 500mg.
- Alcohol: consult your doctor for more advice.
- Driving: Capekast 500mg may cause drowsiness which can affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Side effects:
- Serious: severe bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, heart problems, loss of too much body fluid, kidney failure, serious skin and mouth reactions, hand and foot syndrome, 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.
FAQs:
Is Capekast 500mg prescribed as a monotherapy? Capekast 500mg 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 Capekast 500mg? Before starting treatment with Capekast 500mg, 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 surgery during the treatment with Capekast 500mg? It is suggested to avoid planning for surgery while on treatment with Capekast 500mg. Tell your physician before you undergo surgery or dental procedures.
What should you do if you missed a dose of Capekast 500mg? If you missed taking a dose of Capekast 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 Capekast 500mg? Capekast 500mg 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 Capekast 500mg? It is not recommended to smoke cigarettes while on treatment with Capekast 500mg as smoking can reduce the concentration of drug in the body.
How do you know if you have overdosed on Capekast 500mg? Watch out for symptoms like nausea, gastric irritation, diarrhea, vomiting, and bleeding, and seek immediate medical attention from a nearby healthcare facility.