Xeloda and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• MeM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2020

For Colorectal Cancer "I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in January 2020. I underwent 6 weeks of Xeloda along with 6 weeks of targeted radiation. The combination shrunk my tumor by 1.5 inches which was considered a great success when I had surgery in July 2020. I had a bit of nausea and was very exhausted. Some tingling in my thumb and fingers. I also had some diarrhea occasionally. My hair has never been healthier, zero hair loss. At one point, I had some mouth tenderness but never open sores. I have recently finished 4 months of follow-up chemo (Xeloda) and am currently recovering from side effects such as extreme fatigue, muscle aches, limited nausea, and diarrhea. Also, I’ve had split and peeling skin on thumbs and fingers. All in all, my experience with Xeloda has been good. I’ve been told that there is zero sign of any cancer left, CT scan last week will tell the tale. Will know more early January but feeling very optimistic."

• Sue...
• December 12, 2016

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I have been taking Xeloda 500mg for approximately 5 months with only a few side effects. I am on one week and off the next. I am tired during the week I am on, with occasional diarrhea. I have noticed my hair thinning more, but not too extreme. I don't have any hand or foot peeling as others do. I sleep really well, and my appetite has not been affected. On occasion, my gums feel a little tender. The best part is my tumor markers continue to drop in number! This is working for me."

• BC ...
• May 18, 2016

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I am thankful this drug didn't kill me! After taking this drug for 8 days, the side effects started and went from bad to worse... blisters on hands and feet, as well as every fold in my skin turned black, and I had severe diarrhea that ended up putting me in the hospital for 6 days. The medicine reacted to my colon, and it was wide open, couldn't hold anything down. Lost 17 pounds in 7 days, although the weight loss was welcomed, I wouldn't suggest going about it this way. I stuck it out for the full 14-day regimen, and my doctor believes that with taking the drug for the first cycle, hopefully, it shrunk some of the tumors that are in my jaw, spine, collarbone, and left femur. New treatment coming after I recover from Xeloda!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 4, 2021

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "My family member did 2 weeks of this drug. Was so fatigued, couldn't eat, and was underweight to start with. Hospitalized with green diarrhea and later discovered bowel damage. She later died. This treatment is dangerous at the prescribed levels. She may have fared better at a much lower dose."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Xeloda has brought my TMs down slowly but consistently. However, when I changed to the Mylan brand (insurance made me switch to the Accredo mail order), I had a horrible experience after one cycle. The other products/binders in this brand included lactose and a combination similar to Miralax. I became lactose intolerant and dehydrated due to severe diarrhea. Also had severe myalgia and arthralgia. I am now back on the Teva brand and seem to be doing well."

• Hea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2022

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I had an allergic reaction on IV Cyclophosphamide, so my oncologist replaced it with the oral chemo pill Xeloda: 3 tablets 2x/day. I was advised to protect myself from the sun if I go out and report diarrhea exceeding 4x and the rest of the side effects on the packet. This drug gave me the following side effects: 1) stomach cramping and pain 2) diarrhea 3) heart palpitations 4) purple to black tongue 5) swelling of my buccal mucosa 6) sores on my lips, nose, and side of my eyes 7) swollen reddish face 8) feeling so cold and at times with chills 9) generalized body malaise 10) sensitivity to pepper, ginger, and anything spicy, my innards feel like it’s burning. I went through chemotherapy seven years ago, but this medicine tops it. I pray to God there’s another alternative."