Xelodace 500mg Tablet

About

Xelodace 500mg Tablet is an oral chemotherapeutic agent widely used in the management of various solid tumors, including metastatic colorectal cancer, advanced breast cancer, and gastric cancer. It functions as a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), meaning it is converted into the active cytotoxic agent within the body, primarily in tumor cells, through a three-step enzymatic pathway. The active 5-FU then disrupts DNA and RNA synthesis, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in rapidly proliferating cancer cells. This selective activation within malignant tissues aims to enhance anti-tumor efficacy while minimizing systemic exposure to the active drug.

The convenience of oral administration allows patients to receive treatment at home, significantly improving their quality of life by reducing the need for frequent hospital visits. However, careful patient selection and monitoring are essential to manage potential adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal toxicities such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, as well as hand-foot syndrome. Dosage adjustments are often required based on individual patient tolerance, renal function, and the specific cancer being treated. Adherence to the prescribed regimen and prompt reporting of side effects are crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes.

Uses

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

Directions For Use

Take Xelodace 500mg Tablet orally, usually twice daily, with food or within 30 minutes after a meal, as directed by your oncologist. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

Benefits

• Effective in treating various types of cancer.
• Oral administration offers convenience and flexibility.
• May reduce the need for frequent hospital visits.
• Targeted activation in tumor cells may reduce systemic side effects.
• Part of established chemotherapy regimens.
• Improves patient quality of life during treatment.

Side Effects

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hand-foot syndrome
• Stomatitis (mouth sores)
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Anorexia
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Neutropenia
• Anemia
• Thrombocytopenia
• Hyperbilirubinemia

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid alcohol consumption as it may exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects and potentially interact with the medication.
• Pregnancy - Contraindicated during pregnancy due to severe teratogenic effects and potential harm to the fetus.
• Breastfeeding - Contraindicated during breastfeeding as the drug can pass into breast milk and cause serious adverse effects in the infant.
• Liver - Use with caution in patients with liver impairment; dosage adjustments and close monitoring of liver function are necessary.
• Kidney - Use with caution in patients with kidney impairment; dose reductions are often required to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity.
• Lung - Rare cases of interstitial lung disease have been reported; monitor for new or worsening respiratory symptoms.

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