Capegard (Capecitabine 500mg Tablets)

Capegard (Capecitabine 500mg Tablets)

Capegard (Capecitabine) is a cancer drug which is indicated for colorectal cancer and metastatic breast cancer. Its mechanism of action involves working within the cancer cells to affect their growth. This chemotherapy drug is used for adjuvant treatment for patients affected by Dukes` C colon cancer and as a first line therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. When used for breast cancer, it may either be used together with other medicines (such as docetaxel) or on its own.

This medicine is classified as an antimetabolite, and it is a prodrug. This means that it is converted into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by enzymes in the body. Following this, healthy and tumor cells further convert it into other metabolites (FdUMP and FUTP) that interfere with the process in which DNA, RNA and protein are synthesized. Without DNA, the division and growth of cancerous cells is affected and they are unable to grow properly. This results in their eventual death, allowing for the size of the tumor to be reduced and the growth of the cancer cells stopped.

In addition to attacking cancer cells, this medicine may also affect healthy cells. This could result to side effects. However, due to the fact that the conversion of the prodrug into its active form (5-HU) usually only occurs in the cancerous cells, the risk of side effects is less when compared to other cancer medicines. A significant amount of medical research has been conducted which focused on this medicine`s effects if used for other conditions. These studies examined its effects if used for gastric, pancreatic or esophageal cancer.

How is Capegard (Capecitabine 500mg Tablets) used?

Capegard-500 is usually taken twice daily, in the morning and evening or as directed by a doctor. The tablets should be taken within 30 minutes of a meal along with a full glass of water. The usual cycle of using the drug is every day for 2 weeks, then stopped for 1 week. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not split, chewed or crushed. Contact a doctor for the amount of times needed to repeat the cycle as it will depend on the patient's condition and their response to the therapy.

Side effects

Treatment with the chemotherapy agent Capegard (Capecitabine) can cause side effects. Ensure that you report all reactions to your physician. Possible reactions include:

• Pruritis
• Hair loss
• Low appetite
• Irritated eyes
• Altered taste sensation

Certain adverse events are serious and you will need immediate treatment if they occur. Consult your physician straight away if you suffer from diarrhea, nausea, inflammation of the feet and hands, pain and sores on the mouth, symptoms of an infection or any other severe reactions that have not been referenced in this paragraph.

Dosage  

Capegard (Capecitabine) 500mg tablets are taken by mouth. The dosage needed will be decided upon by the physician in charge of medical care and the patient will need close medical supervision throughout the entire duration of treatment. These tablets need to be swallowed whole alongside a full glass of water within 30 minutes of consuming a meal.

If used for monotherapy, it is possible that treatment will consist of twice daily dosing for a period of 2 weeks, after which a 1 week break will be advised. This 3 week cycle may need to be repeated as necessary in accordance with the instructions of your physician. Patients with renal impairment may need a lower dosage, and it is also important to note that the exact dosage needed may be individualized by the physician based on other factors.

• Availability: In Stock
• Model: Capegard
• Brand: Cipla