Why do you need to take Xeloda with food?
Xeloda (capecitabine), an oral chemotherapy medication, should be taken within 30 minutes after eating a meal in order to get the proper dosage of medication in your blood.
Xeloda should not be taken on an empty stomach. Clinical studies have shown that food influences the pharmacokinetics of the medication and thus affects its metabolites (the result of the metabolization of a medication).
Food helps slow the rate and extent of absorption of Xeloda, which is important because it is rapidly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion. Rapid absorption can lead to high concentrations of the medication within the liver, which then can result in a toxicity. Delaying the rate of absorption with food will ensure the proper dosage is being metabolized within the body. Taking Xeloda with food can also help to decrease the occurrence of adverse events.
References
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prescribing Information: Xeloda (capecitabine). March 2015. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/020896s037lbl.pdf. [Accessed January 12, 2022].
Segal EM, Flood MR, Mancini RS, et al. Oral chemotherapy food and drug interactions: A comprehensive review of the literature. Journal of Oncology Practice. 2014. July; 10(4): e255-e268. https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/jop.2013.001183.
Read next
How long does chemo take? Sessions, cycles, and recovery time?
The duration of chemotherapy varies significantly based on cancer type, treatment goals, and individual patient health. Some patients may complete treatment in a few months, while others require therapy for a year or longer.
Continue reading
What is the CAPOX (XELOX) chemotherapy regimen?
The CAPOX chemotherapy regimen includes capecitabine and oxaliplatin. It is a widely used and effective chemotherapy protocol for advanced colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers. It combines oral capecitabine and intravenous oxaliplatin, administered in 3-week cycles.
Continue reading
What medications are known to cause hair loss?
Medication-induced hair loss represents a significant concern for patients across multiple therapeutic categories. While chemotherapy drugs are most commonly associated with severe hair loss, many commonly prescribed medications-including antibiotics, psychiatric drugs, cardiovascular agents, and hormonal therapies-can also cause this distressing side effect.
Continue readingSee also:
Related medical questions
- Chemo side effects: What should I expect and how to cope?
- Radiation vs. Chemo: Which cancer treatment is right for you?
- What is the strongest chemotherapy drug for breast cancer?
- Why are my nipples sore? 7 possible causes
- How long do letrozole side effects last?
- What happens when you stop taking letrozole?
- What is the success rate of Keytruda?
- Does anastrozole cause hair loss?
- How do you relieve joint pain associated with tamoxifen or Aromasin?
- How long does Ibrance extend life?
- Is letrozole a form of chemotherapy?
- What does anastrozole do to your body?
- What are Monoclonal Antibodies and how do they work?
- How well does Enhertu work in metastatic breast cancer?
- What is the lifetime or cumulative dose for Adriamycin?
- Why give Taxol (Paxel) before carboplatin?
- Does Femara make your hair fall out?
- What is Herceptin? Is Herceptin a chemo drug? How does it work?
- Does letrozole affect blood sugar levels?
- What is the TC chemo regimen and how does it treat breast cancer?
- How does Adriamycin and Cytoxan (AC chemo) work for Breast Cancer?
- What is the success rate for Femara in breast cancer?
- Will insurance pay for the cost of Ibrance?
- What are 10 key Ibrance side effects to watch out for?
- Treatments for Menopause
- What is TCHP chemotherapy and how is it used?
- What are the long-term side effects of Adriamycin?
- Is it common to lose hair AFTER stopping tamoxifen?
- Which is better - Aromasin or Femara?
- How long do you take Verzenio for?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Capecitabine (6 questions, 12 members)
- Xeloda (3 questions, 52 members)
- Breast Cancer (132 questions, 312 members)
- Breast Cancer, Metastatic (58 questions, 80 members)
- Colorectal Cancer (22 questions, 53 members)