What are the side effects of Capecitabine?

Hi Karen. I’ve been on Capecitabine for a couple of months. I’m on my third cycle, full dose. The side effects have so far been very mild. I’ve had some acid indigestion and a couple of bouts of diarrhoea. I had IV chemo 8 years ago (Epirubicen, cyclophosphamide and Taxol) and capecitabine compares very favourably. I had a very bad time with that chemo. I’m able to live a pretty normal life so far, apart from keeping away from groups of people. If all chemo was like this it would be marvellous. Obviously everyone reacts differently to treatment but I’ve really been fine. Hope it’s the same for you x

Thank you for sharing Sam ,you made me feel less afraid,continued blessing to you

Hi Karen, I just completed 3 months of Xeloda/ known as Cabecitabine as 1500 mg every 12 hours. Prior, I had weekly aggressive doses of IV Carbo/Taxol followed by every 2 weeks of Adriamycin/Cytoxan, over past 7 months. I’m now on Lynparza as PARP inhibitor reserved for BRCA aggressive triple neg cancers. I cannot receive Keytruda due to contraindications in my history. Every med has challenges that one can overcome. The Capecitabine for me, at the higher dose that was maintained, caused lip blisters, hand/finger blisters and foot ulcers, regardless of prophylactic creams… I did have to go to podiatrist and she had to debride the areas. I did lose my taste as well. All untoward affects are TEMPORARY and treatable. My Dr well prepared me. Like you, I managed the symptoms to get through the treatments and Oncology monitoring included weekly lab work. Hang in there… you will get through this and this drug metabolizes into 5 FU, well known to kill cancers. My journey continues with the PARP med, and now radiation… a bit unexpected but definitely an advised option. Best wishes. ❤️🙏

How are you getting on, Karen?

I'm good so far,I'm on my second round of xeloda, but my hands look awful my palms are so dark , they feel so dry all the time and I have some heartburn but other than that it's been well tolerated

I use Udderly Smooth on my feet and hands. Or regular udder cream is just as good. My fingertips started to peel and split after round 4 so I was prescribed Pyridoxine and it’s sorted that out almost immediately

Thanks Sam U yes I have some udderly smooth it works pretty good but I will surely ask about the Pyridoxine blessings to you

I’m on it now for 6 months. My symptoms are no where near the IV chemo. I think that it is necessary to give you the best possible outcome. Mainly I get fatigued, headache and some ringing in my ears. But the oncologist will tweek dosage to help you manage symptoms. I use to take it daily two weeks on one week off but started having problems with stage 1 hand and foot syndrome. So now I’m 1 week on 1 week off. It has helped!

I am on my second cycle of Xeloda, after infusion chemo and radiation. No strong side effects to date other than some mild nauseous feelings after morning dose that dissipate without anti/nausea meds if I sit still for a moment. Cannot tell yet if it is affecting the neuropathy that developed earlier from infusion chemo.

Hi, I was on Xeloda for @6 months and kept my hands and feet from getting angry and peeling by using high-urea hand cream under white cotton gloves and socks overnight. My hands became a little tight and mildly sensitive to cold but this was the only symptom I experienced on Xeloda. Unfortunately, my tnbc ended up spreading to my other breast but was able to successfully treat with proton radiation and now keeping cancer at bay with Trudelvy.

I was on xeloda for 10 months until it didn’t work for me anymore. I used Flexitol products I bought from Amazon at drs recommendation for my hands,feet and lips. It worked great for me and I liked the products so well, I still use them. But after about 7-8 months some of my toenails loosen and a few fell off. Over time they grew back but the texture is real soft and almost chalky like. After two years they still aren’t like they were. No more pedicures for me. Other than that, the xeloda had he least side effects for me . And I had hair!

It's completely understandable to feel anxious about starting a new medication, especially when reading about potential side effects online. Capecitabine is commonly used in breast cancer treatment, and while side effects can occur, many patients tolerate it well with proper monitoring and support from their healthcare team. Consider discussing your specific concerns with your oncologist or pharmacist, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history and help you understand what to watch for and how to manage any effects that might arise.