Side Effects of Capecitabine

Capecitabine (Xeloda)

An Introduction to Side Effects of Capecitabine

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with capecitabine (Xeloda^®). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with capecitabine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of capecitabine side effects with you.)

Common Side Effects of Capecitabine

Capecitabine has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented. In these studies, the most common side effects of capecitabine included:

Anemia -- in up to 80 percent of people (see Chemotherapy and Anemia)
Hand-and-foot syndrome (redness and tenderness of the palms and soles) -- up to 60 percent
Diarrhea -- up to 55 percent (see Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea)
Nausea -- up to 53 percent (see Chemotherapy and Nausea)
Fatigue or weakness -- up to 42 percent (see Chemotherapy and Fatigue)
Vomiting -- up to 37 percent
Abdominal pain (stomach pain) -- up to 35 percent
Loss of appetite -- up to 26 percent
Neutropenia (low levels of a certain type of white blood cell) -- up to 26 percent
Mouth sores -- up to 25 percent (see Mouth and Gum Problems During Chemotherapy)
Unusual sensations (such as burning or tingling) in the hands or feet -- up to 21 percent (see Nerve and Muscle Problems During Chemotherapy).

Other common side effects (occurring in 5 to 18 percent of people) included:

Constipation (see Constipation With Chemotherapy)
Eye irritation, vision changes, or conjunctivitis ("pink eye")
Difficulty breathing
Pain, including back pain, muscle pain, or joint pain (see Chemotherapy-Related Pain)
Lethargy
Headaches
Indigestion or heartburn
Dizziness
Insomnia (see Xeloda and Insomnia)
Dehydration
Coughing
Hair loss (see Xeloda and Hair Loss)
Taste changes
Mood changes.

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