Kapecitabin Jgl 500 Mg (Capecitabine)

Capecitabine is an oral antimetabolite used in the treatment of solid tumours, particularly those of the colorectal and breast pathways.

• Colorectal cancer: slows tumour growth and improves survival when combined with other chemotherapy agents.
• Breast cancer: inhibits tumour progression in HER2‑negative disease as part of combination regimens.
• Adjuvant therapy for stage III colon cancer: reduces risk of disease recurrence after surgical resection.

• Capecitabine is a pro‑drug that is enzymatically converted to 5‑fluorouracil (5‑FU) preferentially within tumour tissue. The resulting 5‑FU inhibits thymidylate synthase, disrupting DNA synthesis and repair, which leads to selective cytotoxicity in rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Capecitabine may cause a range of adverse reactions, some of which are common and others that are serious or rare.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting: gastrointestinal upset that may require anti‑emetic therapy.
• Diarrhoea: can be mild to moderate and may need fluid replacement.
• Hand‑foot syndrome: redness, swelling or pain on the palms and soles.
• Fatigue: general tiredness affecting daily activities.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe neutropenia: marked reduction in white blood cells increasing infection risk.
• Cardiotoxicity: rare heart-related events such as angina or myocardial infarction.
• Severe mucositis: painful inflammation of the mouth and gastrointestinal lining.
• Thromboembolic events: rare blood clots that may be life‑threatening.

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should assess patient‑specific factors and monitor for potential complications.

• Renal function: adjust use in patients with impaired kidney function.
• Hepatic function: evaluate liver enzymes and consider dose modification if needed.
• Concomitant chemotherapy: monitor for additive toxicities when used with other agents.
• Pregnancy and lactation: avoid use due to unknown safety profile.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, and protect from moisture.

Capecitabine can interact with several medicines, affecting its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole): may increase capecitabine exposure.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): heightened risk of bleeding.
• Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum: can reduce absorption.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Other antimetabolites (e.g., 5‑FU): additive bone‑marrow suppression.
• Radiation therapy: increased skin toxicity.
• Herbal supplements (e.g., St. John’s wort): may alter drug metabolism.