Product Details: Xeloda (Capecitabine)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Roche

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an antimetabolite used to treat colon cancer and breast cancer that has not responded to other treatments. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with water after meals. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people who have colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include mild diarrhea (less than 4 stools a day), fatigue, headache, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, constipation, rash, or dry or itchy skin. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience diarrhea more than 4 times a day or diarrhea at night; repeated vomiting; nausea which prevents you from eating; pain, redness, swelling, or sores in your mouth; sore throat or fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; or pain, swelling, or redness of hands or feet. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Active Ingredients

Capecitabine