Capecitabine Side Effects
Brand Names: Xeloda
Please note - some side effects for Capecitabine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).
Side Effects of Capecitabine - for the Consumer
Capecitabine
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Capecitabine:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Capecitabine:Back, joint, or muscle pain; constipation; dizziness; eye irritation; fatigue; headache; itchy or dry skin; loss of appetite; mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; stomach pain; taste changes; tiredness; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness.
TopSevere allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; bloody diarrhea; chest pain; decreased amount of urine; dry mouth; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever higher than 100.5 degrees F, chills, or sore throat; hair loss; leg pain or swelling; moderate to severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; mood or mental changes; numbness, pain, tingling, blistering, swelling, or redness in the palms of the hands or soles of the feet; pain, redness, swelling, or sores in the mouth or throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness; vision changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Side Effects by Body System
Hematologic
Hematologic side effects including lymphopenia (58% to 94%), anemia (44% to 74%), neutropenia (16% to 22%), and thrombocytopenia (15% to 21%) have been reported. Cases of severe hypertriglyceridemia induced by capecitabine have also been reported.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects including diarrhea (50%), nausea (44%), vomiting (26%), stomatitis (23%), abdominal pain (17%), constipation (9%), and dyspepsia (6%) have been reported. A case of capecitabine-induced pancreatitis has also been reported.
Dermatologic
Dermatologic side effects including hand and foot syndrome (35% to 45%), dermatitis (23% to 31%), nail disorder (4%), alopecia, erythematous rash, pruritus, eruptive multiple lentigo maligna-like lesions, radiation recall dermatitis, pyogenic granulomas, photoeruption, hyperpigmentation, and inflammatory responses in actinic keratosis have been reported. A case of leopard-like vitiligo has also been reported.
Hepatic
Hepatic side effects including hyperbilirubinemia (34%) and hepatic failure have been reported.
General
General side effects including fatigue (34%), pyrexia (10%), and limb pain (4%) have been reported.
Metabolic
Metabolic side effects including anorexia (20%) and dehydration (5%) have been reported.
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects including paresthesia (12%), headache (7%), dizziness (5%), and insomnia (3%) have been reported.
Ocular
Ocular side effects including eye irritation (10%) and lacrimal duct stenosis have been reported.
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects including edema (6%) have been reported. Three cases of severe angina-like chest pain possibly or probably related to capecitabine treatment have been reported. One case of capecitabine-induced coronary vasospasm has also been reported.
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal side effects including myalgia (4%) have been reported.
Other
Other side effects including a case of tumor lysis syndrome have been reported.
TopMore resources:
Capecitabine - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
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