Capecitabine Cape tablets IP 500 mg

What is Capecitabine Cape Tablets IP 500 mg?

Capecitabine Cape Tablets IP 500 mg is an oral chemotherapy medication used to treat certain types of cancer. It contains Capecitabine, a prodrug that gets converted into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the body, which works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and slowing their spread. It is commonly used in the treatment of breast, colorectal, and gastric cancers.

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💊 What is the Use of Capecitabine 500 mg Tablets?

Capecitabine is used for the treatment of:

• Colorectal cancer (colon or rectal cancer)

• Metastatic breast cancer

• Gastric (stomach) cancer

• Sometimes used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs or after surgery (adjuvant therapy)

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✅ Benefits of Capecitabine Cape Tablets IP 500 mg:

• Oral administration eliminates the need for hospital-based IV chemotherapy

• Effectively targets and kills rapidly dividing cancer cells

• Can be used in combination with other anticancer drugs for enhanced results

• Offers better patient convenience and flexibility

• Demonstrated efficacy in advanced and metastatic cancers

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⚠️ Side Effects of Capecitabine 500 mg Tablets:

Like all chemotherapy drugs, Capecitabine may cause side effects. These vary from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fatigue and weakness

• Hand-foot syndrome (redness, swelling, or pain in palms and soles)

• Loss of appetite

• Mouth sores

Serious Side Effects (consult doctor immediately):

• Severe diarrhea or dehydration

• Liver dysfunction

• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat

• Low blood cell counts (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia)

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📝 Important Notes:

• Take exactly as prescribed, usually within 30 minutes after a meal

• Blood tests are required to monitor liver function and blood counts

• Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women

• Inform your doctor of any existing conditions or ongoing medications

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🧊 Storage:

• Store below 25°C, in a dry place

• Keep out of reach of children and away from direct sunlight

1. What is Capecitabine Cape Tablets IP 500 mg used for?
   It is used to treat breast, colorectal, and gastric (stomach) cancers, often after surgery or in metastatic stages.

2. How does Capecitabine work?
   Capecitabine is converted into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the body, which blocks DNA production in cancer cells, stopping their growth.

3. How should I take Capecitabine 500 mg tablets?
   It should be taken within 30 minutes after a meal, with water, exactly as prescribed by your oncologist.

4. Can Capecitabine be taken at home?
   Yes, Capecitabine is an oral chemotherapy, allowing patients to take it at home under a doctor’s supervision.

5. What are the common side effects of Capecitabine?
   Common side effects include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, and hand-foot syndrome (redness/swelling of hands and feet).

6. What is hand-foot syndrome?
   A side effect causing pain, redness, swelling, or peeling of skin on palms and soles. It requires dose adjustment or medical care.

7. Can Capecitabine affect my blood counts?
   Yes. It can lower white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, increasing the risk of infection, anemia, or bleeding.

8. Is Capecitabine safe during pregnancy?
   No, Capecitabine can harm an unborn baby. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for a period after.

9. Can Capecitabine interact with other medicines?
   Yes, it may interact with blood thinners (like warfarin), phenytoin, and others. Inform your doctor of all ongoing medications.

10. What should I do if I miss a dose?
    Skip the missed dose and take the next one at the scheduled time. Do not double the dose. Inform your doctor if multiple doses are missed.

11. How long is Capecitabine treatment usually given?
    Treatment is given in cycles (e.g., 14 days on, 7 days off), and the total duration depends on cancer type, response, and tolerance.

12. What signs of serious side effects should I watch for?
    Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe diarrhea, chest pain, difficulty breathing, unusual bleeding, or fever.

13. Can I drink alcohol while on Capecitabine?
    Alcohol may irritate the stomach or liver, so it is best to limit or avoid alcohol during treatment.

14. Is Capecitabine a replacement for IV chemotherapy?
    In some cases, yes. It provides an oral alternative to intravenous 5-FU, especially in colorectal or breast cancer.

15. How should Capecitabine tablets be stored?
    Store at room temperature (below 25°C), in a dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight.