Are there any formal recommendations for testing for DPD deficiency?
While there are no formal recommendations that specifically address testing for DPD deficiency, the FDA does have a statement on its Web site that reads: “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported in its March 2003 Safety Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) that Xeloda® (capecitabine) is contraindicated in patients who have a known dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency.” (http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2003/mar03.htm). This warning appears in the Xeloda® package insert. Additionally, the manufacturers of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) have issued warnings and/or contraindications for patients with DPD enzyme deficiency. Please refer to the current Xeloda® and appropriate 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) package inserts for complete prescribing and safety information.
