Mericap 500mg Tablets

Capecitabine is a chemotherapy medicine taken by mouth. It belongs to a group called antimetabolites, which slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

It is used to treat certain types of:

• breast cancer
• colon or rectal (bowel) cancer
• pancreatic cancer
• stomach or oesophageal cancer

Take it exactly as your cancer doctor tells you. Treatment is often given in cycles with breaks.

• Take each dose within 30 minutes after a meal, at about the same times each day.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not split, crush or chew them. Tell your doctor if you cannot swallow them.
• If you vomit after a dose, do not take another; wait for your next dose.
• If you miss a dose, skip it and carry on with your usual schedule. Never take two doses together.
• Keep all appointments for blood tests.

Common side effects include:

• tiredness, weakness, headache
• stomach upset, constipation, loss of appetite or taste changes
• hair loss, rash, sore or watery eyes
• back, joint or muscle pain, trouble sleeping

Contact your cancer team straight away if you have:

• diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or mouth sores
• pain, swelling, redness, blistering or peeling of the palms or soles
• fever or other signs of infection
• chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath
• unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellow skin or eyes
• swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing

Tell your doctor before taking it if you:

• have DPD deficiency (an inherited enzyme problem); your doctor may test for this first
• take warfarin or another blood thinner
• have kidney, liver or heart disease
• take any other medicines, vitamins, supplements or herbal products

Store at room temperature in the original, tightly closed container, away from heat and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

DPD deficiency: people with this inherited condition can have life-threatening reactions. Report mouth sores, diarrhoea, infection, confusion or loss of balance early.

Blood thinners: capecitabine can cause serious bleeding with warfarin; you may need extra clotting tests.

Pregnancy and contraception: it can harm an unborn baby. Women should use contraception during treatment and for 6 months after, and men with partners who could become pregnant for 3 months after.

Breastfeeding: do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after.