How is capecitabine typically given (administered)?
Capecitabine is administered orally. The specific schedule and dose depend on several factors, including the condition being treated, the size of the patient, the particular regimen being used and the overall health of the patient. How are patients typically monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with capecitabine. Typically, blood will be drawn to check levels of blood cells and to monitor functions of some organ systems, such as the kidneys or liver. Patients may also undergo physical examinations, scans or other measures to assess side effects and response to therapy. Patients taking warfarin will need frequent coagulation monitoring to adjust their warfarin dose to decrease the risk of bleeding. What are the common (occur in 30% or more of patients) side effects of treatment with capecitabine? • Fatigue • Diarrhea, may be severe • Hand -foot syndrome characterized by pain, tingling, numbness, peeling skin
