Capecitabine (Capiibine 500 mg) – Oral Chemotherapy Tablet

Product Overview

Capecitabine is a widely prescribed oral chemotherapy tablet used to treat various cancers, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and stomach cancer. Known as Capiibine 500 mg, this anti-cancer medicine is a prodrug that converts into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the body, targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells and inhibiting DNA synthesis, resulting in tumor cell death.

This oral chemotherapy tablet offers convenient administration and is highly effective for patients requiring long-term cancer treatment.

Uses of Capecitabine (Capiibine Tablet)

Approved Indications

• Colorectal Cancer: For both primary and metastatic stages.

• Breast Cancer: Especially metastatic breast cancer resistant to paclitaxel or anthracyclines.

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Typically used in combination therapy.

Off-Label / Investigational Uses

• Pancreatic Cancer

• Esophageal Cancer

• Bile Duct & Liver Cancers

• Head and Neck Cancers

Mechanism of Action

After oral ingestion, Capecitabine tablets are metabolized in the liver and tumor tissues to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). This active compound blocks thymidylate synthase, disrupting DNA replication and RNA production in cancer cells. As a result, cancer growth is slowed or halted.

Dosage & Administration

• Standard dosing: twice daily (morning and evening) for 14 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day rest period (21-day cycle).

• Tablets should be taken within 30 minutes after a meal with water.

• Dose is calculated based on body surface area, kidney function, and cancer type.

• Adjustments may be required depending on side effects or organ function.

Common Side Effects

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

• Fatigue and weakness

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

• Mouth sores or irritation

• Hand-Foot Syndrome: redness, swelling, pain in palms and soles

• Mild liver enzyme elevation

• Low blood counts (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)

Serious Side Effects

• Severe diarrhea or dehydration

• Fever with low white blood cells (febrile neutropenia)

• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat

• Skin blistering or peeling on hands and feet

• Liver toxicity

• Severe allergic reactions

• Bleeding or bruising due to low platelets

Drug Interactions

• Warfarin: Increased bleeding risk

• Phenytoin: Risk of toxicity

• Leucovorin: Can enhance 5-FU efficacy and toxicity

• Allopurinol: May reduce effectiveness

• Live vaccines: Avoid due to immune suppression

• Sorivudine / Brivudine: Contraindicated

Food & Lifestyle Interactions

• Take after food for better absorption

• Avoid grapefruit juice

• Limit alcohol

• Use caffeine or theophylline cautiously

Monitoring & Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) – monitor red/white cells, platelets

• Liver Function Tests (LFTs) – monitor hepatotoxicity

• Kidney Function Tests – before and during therapy

• INR – if on warfarin

• Hands & Feet Examination – for hand-foot syndrome

Precautions & Warnings

• Not safe during pregnancy

• Use caution in elderly patients

• Dose adjustment needed for kidney impairment

• Patients with DPD enzyme deficiency at risk of toxicity

• Hydration is important to prevent dehydration from diarrhea