Citabin 500mg Tablet

About

Citabin 500mg Tablet is an advanced oral chemotherapy agent belonging to the antimetabolite class of drugs. It functions as a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), meaning it is metabolically converted into the active cytotoxic compound primarily within tumor cells. This ingenious selective activation mechanism aims to deliver the chemotherapy more directly to cancerous tissues, thereby potentially reducing systemic exposure and mitigating side effects on healthy cells. Once activated, 5-FU interferes critically with both DNA and RNA synthesis, processes vital for cell division and growth. By disrupting these fundamental cellular functions, Citabin effectively inhibits the proliferation of rapidly dividing cancer cells, ultimately leading to their demise. It is a widely utilized medication in the treatment of various solid tumors, offering patients the convenience of oral administration as an alternative to intravenous chemotherapy, often improving quality of life during treatment.

Uses

• Treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
• Adjuvant therapy for colon cancer.
• Treatment of advanced breast cancer.
• Management of advanced gastric cancer.

Directions For Use

Take Citabin 500mg Tablet orally with water within 30 minutes after a meal, as directed by your doctor. Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or chew.

Benefits

• Oral administration offers convenience.
• Targeted activation within tumor cells.
• Effective in various solid tumors.
• Can be used as monotherapy or in combination.
• Improved quality of life for some patients.
• Well-established efficacy profile.

Side Effects

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia)
• Fatigue
• Stomatitis (mouth sores)
• Abdominal pain
• Myelosuppression (low blood counts)
• Anorexia
• Skin rash
• Hyperbilirubinemia
• Conjunctivitis
• Hair thinning

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may worsen gastrointestinal side effects and potentially increase liver toxicity.
• Pregnancy - Contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential for severe fetal harm; women of childbearing potential must use highly effective contraception.
• Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for a period after the last dose due to potential excretion into breast milk and harm to the infant.
• Liver - Use with caution in patients with pre-existing liver impairment; liver function should be monitored regularly, and dose adjustments may be necessary.
• Kidney - Dose adjustments are required in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment due to increased systemic exposure and toxicity risk.
• Lung - Monitor for new or worsening respiratory symptoms, as rare cases of interstitial pneumonitis have been reported.

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