Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Xeloda (Capecitabine). 

Anemia: Xeloda (Capecitabine) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.

Birth control: Women of childbearing age must avoid getting pregnant if either she or her partner is taking Xeloda (Capecitabine). Women taking Xeloda (Capecitabine) should use effective birth control while taking the medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Men taking Xeloda (Capecitabine) whose partners may become pregnant should use effective birth control for at least 3 months after taking the last dose.

Bleeding: Xeloda (Capecitabine) may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.

Diarrhea or dehydration: Xeloda (Capecitabine) frequently causes diarrhea. If you develop diarrhea that occurs more than 4 times a day or at all during the night, contact your doctor. Your doctor will monitor you closely for dehydration. Severe dehydration can cause rapid loss of kidney function and is a medical emergency. If you experience any symptoms of severe dehydration (e.g., increased thirst, Dry Mouth), stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Drowsiness/dizziness: Xeloda (Capecitabine) may cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Xeloda (Capecitabine) affects you.

Hand and foot syndrome: Xeloda (Capecitabine) can cause hand and foot syndrome (numbness, redness, tingling, burning, or pain in the hands and feet; blistering or peeling of the hands and feet). If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor. If the symptoms are severe and interfere with your ability to walk or do other daily activities, stop taking Xeloda (Capecitabine) and contact your doctor immediately.

Heart disease: People with a history of heart disease may be more likely to experience side effects that affect the heart when taking Xeloda (Capecitabine). Stop using the medication and contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as abnormal heart rate, chest pain, and swelling of your extremities while taking Xeloda (Capecitabine).

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Xeloda (Capecitabine) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.

Kidney Disease: If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Xeloda (Capecitabine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xeloda (Capecitabine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with moderately-to-severely reduced kidney function will need lower doses of Xeloda (Capecitabine).

Liver function: If you have reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how Xeloda (Capecitabine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xeloda (Capecitabine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Skin rash: In rare instances, people taking Xeloda (Capecitabine) experience a severe skin reaction that can be life-threatening. If you experience a rash that gets worse, or develops into blisters, sores on the lips or eyes, or covers a large area of the body, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Xeloda (Capecitabine) may harm the baby if used during pregnancy. Both men and women should use effective birth control (e.g., condoms, birth control pill) during treatment. If you or your partner become pregnant while taking Xeloda (Capecitabine), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Xeloda (Capecitabine) passes into breast milk. Because of the risks associated with Xeloda (Capecitabine), women should not breast-feed while taking Xeloda (Capecitabine) and for 2 weeks after the final dose.

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using Xeloda (Capecitabine) have not been established for children under 18 years of age.

Seniors: People over the age of 60 may be at an increased risk of side effects from Xeloda (Capecitabine).