Capecitabine Drug Information

Generic name: CAPECITABINE

Nucleoside Metabolic Inhibitor [EPC]

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Uses of Capecitabine

Colorectal Cancer

Capecitabine tablets are indicated for the: adjuvant treatment of patients with Stage III colon cancer as a single agent or as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen. perioperative treatment of adults with locally advanced rectal cancer as a component of chemoradiotherapy. treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer as a single agent or as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen.

Breast Cancer

Capecitabine tablets are indicated for the: • treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer as a single agent if an anthracycline- or taxanecontaining chemotherapy is not indicated. • treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with docetaxel after disease progression on prior anthracycline-containing chemotherapy.

Gastric, Esophageal, or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer

Capecitabine tablets are indicated for the: • treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic gastric, esophageal, or gastroesophageal junction cancer as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen. • treatment of adults with HER2-overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who have not received prior treatment for metastatic disease as a component of a combination regimen.

Pancreatic Cancer

Capecitabine tablets are indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adults with pancreatic adenocarcinoma as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen.

Dosage & Administration of Capecitabine

Evaluation and Testing of DPD Deficiency Before Initiating Capecitabine Tablets Prior to initiating capecitabine tablets, test patients for genetic variants of the DPYD gene unless immediate treatment is necessary. An FDA-authorized test for the detection of the DPYD gene to identify patients at risk of serious adverse reactions with capecitabine tablets are not currently available. Currently available tests used to identify DPYD variants may vary in accuracy and design (e.g., which DPYD variant(s) they identify).

Avoid use of capecitabine tablets in patients known to have certain homozygous or compound heterozygous DPYD variants that result in complete DPD deficiency. No capecitabine tablets dose has been proven safe for patients with complete DPD deficiency. For patients with partial DPD deficiency, individualize the dosage and modify based on tolerability and intent of treatment.

Recommended Dosage for Colorectal Cancer Adjuvant Treatment of Colon Cancer Single Agent The recommended dosage of capecitabine tablets is 1,250 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for the first 14 days of each 21-day cycle for a maximum of 8 cycles. Refer to the oxaliplatin prescribing information for additional dosing information as appropriate. Perioperative Treatment of Rectal Cancer The recommended dosage of capecitabine is 825 mg/m 2 orally twice daily when administered with concomitant radiation therapy and 1,250 mg/m 2 orally twice daily when administered without radiation therapy as part of a peri-operative combination regimen.

Unresectable or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Single Agent The recommended dosage of capecitabine tablets is 1,250 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for the first 14 days of a 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Individualize the dose and dosing schedule of capecitabine tablets based on patient risk factors and adverse reactions. In Combination with Docetaxel The recommended dosage of capecitabine tablets is orally twice daily for the first 14 days of a 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity in combination with docetaxel 75 mg/m 2 administered intravenously on day 1 of each cycle.

Recommended Dosage for Gastric, Esophageal, or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer The recommended dosage of capecitabine tablets for unresectable or metastatic gastric, esophageal, or gastroesophageal junction cancer is: 625 mg/m 2 orally twice daily on days 1 to 21 of each 21-day cycle for a maximum of 8 cycles in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy. The recommended dosage of capecitabine tablets for HER2-overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma is 1,000 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for the first 14 days of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity in combination with cisplatin and trastuzumab.

Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions

Monitor patients for adverse reactions and modify dosages of capecitabine tablets as described in Table 1. Do not replace missed doses of capecitabine tablets; instead resume capecitabine tablets with the next planned dosage. When capecitabine tablets is administered with docetaxel, withhold capecitabine tablets and docetaxel until the requirements for resuming both capecitabine tablets and docetaxel are met.

A dosage has not been established in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min).

Administration Round the recommended dosage for patients to the nearest 150 mg dose to provide whole capecitabine tablets. Swallow capecitabine tablets whole with water within 30 minutes after a meal. Do not chew, cut, or crush capecitabine tablets.

Take capecitabine tablets at the same time each day approximately 12 hours apart. Do not take an additional dose after vomiting and continue with the next scheduled dose. Do not take a missed dose and continue with the next scheduled dose.

Capecitabine tablet is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.

SeverityDosage ModificationResume at Sameor Reduced Dose (Percentof Current Dose)
Grade 2
1st appearanceWithhold until resolved to grade 0-1.100%
2nd appearance75%
3rd appearance50%
4th appearancePermanently discontinue.-
Grade 3
1st appearanceWithholduntil resolved to grade 0-1.75%
2nd appearance50%
3rd appearancePermanently discontinue.-
Grade 4
1st appearancePermanently discontinue OR Withhold until resolved to grade 0-1.50%

Side Effects of Capecitabine

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adjuvant Treatment of Colon Cancer Single Agent The safety of capecitabine tablets as a single agent was evaluated in patients with Stage III colon cancer in X-ACT. Among patients who received capecitabine tablets, the median duration of treatment was 5.4 months.

Deaths due to all causes occurred in 0.8% of patients who received capecitabine tablets on study or within 28 days of receiving study drug. Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 11% of patients who received capecitabine tablets. Most common adverse reactions (>30%) were palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, diarrhea, and nausea.

Tables 2 and 3 summarize the adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities in X-ACT. The safety of capecitabine tablets for the adjuvant treatment of patients with Stage III colon cancer as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen was similar to those in patients treated with capecitabine tablets as a single agent, with the exception of an increased incidence of neurosensory toxicity. Perioperative Treatment of RectalCancer The safety of capecitabine tablets for the perioperative treatment of adults with locally advanced rectal cancer as a component of chemoradiotherapy was derived from published literature.

The safety of capecitabine tablets for the perioperative treatment of adults with locally advanced rectal cancer as a component of chemoradiotherapy was similar to those in patients treated with capecitabine tablets as a single agent, with the exception of an increased incidence of diarrhea. Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Single Agent The safety of capecitabine tablets as a single agent was evaluated in a pooled metastatic colorectal cancer population (Study SO14695 and Study SO14796). Table 4 shows the adverse reactions occurring in this pooled colorectal cancer population.

Table 4 Adverse Reactions (>10%) in Patients Who Received Capecitabine tablets in Pooled Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Population Study SO = Not Applicable Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients are presented below: Eye: abnormal vision Gastrointestinal: upper gastrointestinal tract inflammatory disorders, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, ileus General: chest pain Infections: viral Metabolism and Nutrition: dehydration Musculoskeletal: arthralgia Nervous System:dizziness (excluding vertigo), insomnia, taste disturbance Psychiatric: mood alteration, depression Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal:cough, pharyngeal disorder Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue: skin discoloration, alopecia Vascular: venous thrombosis In Combination with Oxaliplatin The safety of capecitabine tablets for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen was derived from published literature. The safety of capecitabine tablets for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen was similar to those in patients treated with capecitabine tablets as a single agent, with the exception of an increased incidence of peripheral neuropathy. Among patients who received capecitabine tablets, the mean duration of treatment was 4.2 months.

Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 79% of patients who received capecitabine tablets and dosage reductions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 65%. Table 5 summarizes the adverse reactions in Study SO14999. Table 5 Adverse Reactions (≥10%) in Patients Who Received Capecitabine tablets with Docetaxel for Metastatic Breast Cancer in Study SO = Not Applicable Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients are presented below: Blood and Lymphatic System: agranulocytosis, prothrombin decreased Cardiac: supraventricular tachycardia Eye: conjunctivitis, eye irritation Gastrointestinal: ileus, necrotizing enterocolitis, esophageal ulcer, hemorrhagic diarrhea, dry mouth General: chest pain (non-cardiac), lethargy, pain, influenza-like illness Hepatobiliary: jaundice, abnormal liver function tests, hepatic failure, hepatic coma, hepatotoxicity Immune System: hypersensitivity Infection: hypoesthesia, neutropenic sepsis, sepsis, bronchopneumonia, oral candidiasis, urinary tract infection Metabolism and Nutrition: weight decreased Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue:bone pain Nervous System: insomnia, peripheral neuropathy, ataxia, syncope, taste loss, polyneuropathy, migraine Psychiatric: depression Renal and Urinary: renal failure Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal: upper respiratory tract infection, pleural effusion, epistaxis, rhinorrhea Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue: pruritis, rash erythematous, dermatitis, nail discoloration, onycholysis Vascular: lymphedema, hypotension, venous phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, postural hypotension, flushing Table 6 summarizes the laboratory abnormalities in this trial.

Table 6 Laboratory Abnormalities (≥20%) in Patients Who Received Capecitabine tablets with Docetaxel for Metastatic Breast Cancer in Study SO Single Agent The safety of capecitabine tablets as a single agent was evaluated in patients with metastatic breast cancer in Study SO14697. Patients received capecitabine tablets 1,250 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for the first 14 days of a 21-day cycle. The mean duration of treatment was 3.7 months.

Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction or intercurrent illness occurred in 8% of patients. Most common adverse reactions (>30%) were lymphopenia, anemia, diarrhea, hand-and-foot syndrome, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and dermatitis. Table 7 summarizes the adverse reactions in Study SO14697.

Table 7 Adverse Reactions (>10%) in Patients Who Received Capecitabine Tablets for Metastatic Breast Cancer in Study SO = Not Applicable Pooled SafetyPopulation Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received capecitabine tablets as a single agent are presented below. Blood & Lymphatic System: leukopenia, coagulation disorder, bone marrow depression, pancytopenia Cardiac: tachycardia, bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, myocarditis, edema Ear: vertigo Eye: conjunctivitis Gastrointestinal: abdominal distension, dysphagia, proctalgia, gastric ulcer, ileus, gastroenteritis, dyspepsia General: chest pain, influenza-like illness, hot flushes, pain, thirst, fibrosis, hemorrhage, edema, pain in limb Hepatobiliary: hepatic fibrosis, hepatitis, cholestatic hepatitis, abnormal liver function tests Immune System:drug hypersensitivity Infections: bronchitis, pneumonia, keratoconjunctivitis, sepsis, fungal infections Metabolism and Nutrition: cachexia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, dehydration Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue:myalgia, arthritis, muscleweakness Nervous System: insomnia, ataxia, tremor, dysphasia, encephalopathy, dysarthria, impaired balance, headache, dizziness Psychiatric: depression, confusion Renal and Urinary: renal impairment Respiratory, Mediastinal and Thoracic: cough, epistaxis, respiratory distress, dyspnea Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue:nail disorder, sweating increased, photosensitivity reaction, skin ulceration, pruritus, radiation recall syndrome Vascular: hypotension, hypertension, lymphedema, pulmonary embolism Unresectable or Metastatic Gastric, Esophageal, or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer The safety of capecitabine tablets for the treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic gastric, esophageal, or gastroesophageal junction cancer as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen was derived from published literature. The safety of capecitabine tablets for the treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic gastric, esophageal, or gastroesophageal junction cancer as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen was consistent with the known safety profile of capecitabine tablets.

The safety of capecitabine tablets for the treatment of patients with HER2-overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who have not received prior treatment for metastatic disease as a component of a combination regimen was derived from the published literature. The safety of capecitabine tablets for the treatment of patients with HER2-overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma was consistent with the known safety profile of capecitabine tablets. Pancreatic Cancer The safety of capecitabine tablets for the adjuvant treatment of adults with pancreatic adenocarcinoma as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen was derived from the published literature.

The safety of capecitabine tablets for the adjuvant treatment of adults with pancreatic adenocarcinoma as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen was consistent with the known safety profile of capecitabine tablets.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of capecitabine tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Eye: lacrimal duct stenosis, corneal disorders including keratitis Hepatobiliary: hepatic failure Immune System Disorders: angioedema Nervous System: toxic leukoencephalopathy Renal & Urinary: acute renal failure secondary to dehydration including fatal outcome Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue: cutaneous lupus erythematosus, severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), persistent or severe PPES can eventually lead to loss of fingerprints

Adverse ReactionC apecitabine Tablets (N=995)Fluorouracil + Leucovorin (N=974)
All Grades (%)Grade 3 or 4 (%)All Grades (%)Grade 3 or 4 (%)
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue
Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesiasyndrome60179<1
Gastrointestinal
Diarrhea47126514
Nausea342472
Stomatitis2226014
Vomiting152212
Abdominal pain143162
General
Fatigue16<1161
Asthenia10<1101
Lethargy10<19<1
Laboratory AbnormalityC apecitabine tablets (N=995)Fluorouracil + Leucovorin (N=974)
Grade 3 or 4 (%)Grade 3 or 4 (%)
Bilirubin increased206
Lymphocytes decreased1313
Neutrophils/granulocytes decreased2.426
Calcium decreased2.32.2
Neutrophils decreased2.226
ALT increased1.60.6
Calcium increased1.10.7
Hemoglobin decreased11.2
Platelets decreased10.7
Adverse ReactionC apecitabine tablets (N=596)Fluorouracil + Leucovorin (N=593)
All Grades (%)Grade 3 (%)Grade 4 (%)All Grades (%)Grade 3 (%)Grade 4 (%)
Blood and Lymphatic System
Anemia802<1791<1
Neutropenia131246813
Gastrointestinal
Diarrhea5513261102
Nausea434513<1
Abdominal pain359<1315
Vomiting274<1304<1
Stomatitis252<162141
Constipation141<1171
Gastrointestinal motility disorder10<17<1
Oral discomfort1010
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue
Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome5417NA61NA
Dermatitis271261
Hepatobiliary
Hyperbilirubinemia481851733
General
Fatigue*424464
Pyrexia181212
Edema15191
Pain121101
Metabolism and Nutrition
Decreased appetite263<1312<1
Respiratory Thoracic and Mediastinal
Dyspnea14110<11
Eye
Eye irritation1310<1
Nervous System
Peripheral sensory neuropathy104
Headache1017
Musculoskeletal
Back pain1029<1
Adverse ReactionC apecitabine tablets with Docetaxel (N=251)Docetaxel (N=255)
All Grades (%)Grade 3 (%)Grade 4 (%)All Grades (%)Grade 3 (%)Grade 4 (%)
Gastrointestinal
Diarrhea6714<1485<1
Stomatitis6717<1435
Nausea457362
Vomiting3541242
Abdominal pain303<1242
Constipation20218
Dyspepsia1481
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue
Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome6324NA81NA
Alopecia416427
Nail disorder14215
Cardiac
Edema33<234<31
General
Pyrexia282342
Asthenia264<1256
Fatigue224276
Weakness162112
Pain in Limb13<1132
Blood and Lymphatic System
Neutropenic fever1631321516
Nervous System
Taste disturbance16<114<1
Headache153152
Paresthesia12<1161
Dizziness128<1
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue
Arthralgia152243
Myalgia152252
Back Pain12<1113
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal
Dyspnea142<1162
Cough13122<1
Sore Throat12211<1
Metabolism and Nutrition
Anorexia13<111<1
Appetite decreased105
Dehydration1027<1<1
Eye
Lacrimation increased127<1
Laboratory AbnormalityC apecitabine tablets with Docetaxel (N=251)Docetaxel (N=255)
All Grades (%)Grade 3 (%)Grade 4 (%)All Grades (%)Grade 3 (%)Grade 4 (%)
Hematologic
Lymphocytopenia994841984440
Leukopenia913724884233
Neutropenia862049871066
Anemia8073835<1
Thrombocytopenia41212312
Hepatobiliary
Hyperbilirubinemia2072622
Adverse ReactionC apecitabine Tablets (n=162)
All Grades (%)Grade 3 (%)Grade 4 (%)
Blood and Lymphatic System
Lymphopenia944415
Anemia7231
Neutropenia2622
Thrombocytopenia2431
Gastrointestinal
Diarrhea57123
Nausea534
Vomiting374
Stomatitis247
Abdominal pain204
Constipation151
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue
Hand-and-foot syndrome5711NA
Dermatitis371
General
Fatigue418
Pyrexia121
Metabolism and Nutrition
Anorexia233
Hepatobiliary
Hyperbilirubinemia2292
Nervous System
Paresthesia211
Eye
Eye irritation15

Warnings & Cautions for Capecitabine

Serious Adverse Reactions or Death from Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase (DPD) Deficiency Patients with certain homozygous or compound heterozygous variants in the DPYD gene known to result in complete or near complete absence of DPD activity (complete DPD deficiency) are at increased risk for acute early-onset toxicity and serious, including fatal, adverse reactions due to capecitabine tablets (e.g., mucositis, diarrhea, neutropenia, and neurotoxicity). Patients with partial DPD activity (partial DPD deficiency) may also have increased risk of serious, or fatal, adverse reactions. Prior to initiating capecitabine tablets, test patients for genetic variants of the DPYD gene unlessimmediate treatment is necessary.

Serious adverse reactions may still occur even if no DPYD variants are identified. Avoid use of capecitabine tablets in patients with certain homozygous or compound heterozygous DPYD variants that result in complete DPD deficiency. Withhold or permanently discontinue capecitabine tablets based on clinical assessment of the onset, duration, and severity of adverse reactions in patients with evidence of acute early-onset orunusually severe reactions.

No capecitabine tablets dose has been proven safe for patients with complete DPD deficiency. For patients with partial DPD deficiency, individualize the dosage and modify based on tolerability and intent of treatment. An FDA-authorized test for the detection of genetic variants of the DPYD gene to identifypatients at risk of serious adverse reactions with capecitabine tablets treatment is not currently available.

Currently available tests used to identify DPYD variants may vary in accuracy and design (e.g., which DPYD variant(s) they identify).

Increased Risk of Bleeding With Concomitant Use of Vitamin K Antagonists Altered coagulation parameters and/or bleeding, including death, have been reported in patients taking capecitabine tablets concomitantly with vitamin K antagonists, such as warfarin. Clinically significant increases in PT and INR have been reported in patients who were on stable doses of oral vitamin K antagonists at the time capecitabine tablets was introduced. These events occurred within several days and up to several months after initiating capecitabine tablets and, in a few cases, within 1 month after stopping capecitabine tablets.

These events occurred in patients with and without liver metastases. Monitor INR more frequently and adjust the dose of the vitamin K antagonist as appropriate.

Cardiotoxicity Cardiotoxicity can occur with capecitabine tablets. Myocardial infarction/ischemia, angina, dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, sudden death, electrocardiographic changes, and cardiomyopathy have been reported with capecitabine tablets. These adverse reactions may be more common in patients with a prior history of coronary artery disease.

Withhold capecitabine tablets for cardiotoxicity as appropriate. The safety of resumption of capecitabine tablets in patients with cardiotoxicity that has resolved have not been established.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea, sometimes severe, can occur with capecitabine tablets. The median duration of grade 3 to 4 diarrhea was 5 days.Withhold capecitabine tablets and then resume at same or reduced dose or permanently discontinue based on severity and occurrence.

Dehydration Dehydration can occur with capecitabine tablets. Patients with anorexia, asthenia, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may be at an increased risk of developing dehydration with capecitabine tablets. Optimize hydration before startingcapecitabine tablets.

Monitor hydration status and kidney function at baseline and as clinically indicated.

Renal Toxicity

Serious renal failure, sometimes fatal, can occur with capecitabine tablets. Renal impairment or coadministration of capecitabine tablets with other products known to cause renal toxicity may increase the risk of renal toxicity. Monitor renal function at baseline and as clinically indicated.

Optimize hydration before starting capecitabine tablets.

Serious Skin Toxicities

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal, can occur with capecitabine tablets. Monitor for new or worsening serious skin reactions. Permanently discontinue capecitabine tablets for severe cutaneous adverse reactions.

Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia Syndrome

Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (PPES) can occur with capecitabine tablets.

Myelosuppression Myelosuppression can occur with capecitabine tablets. Necrotizing enterocolitis (typhlitis) has been reported. Consider typhlitis in patients with fever, neutropenia and abdominal pain.

Monitor complete blood count at baseline and before each cycle.

Hyperbilirubinemia Hyperbilirubinemia can occur with capecitabine tablets. The majority of these patients with increased transaminases or alkaline phosphatase had liver metastases at baseline. In the 596 patients who received capecitabine tablets for metastatic colorectal cancer, the incidence of grade 3 or 4 hyperbilirubinemia was similar to that observed for the pooled population of patients with metastatic breast and colorectal cancer.

Patients with Grade 3-4 hyperbilirubinemia may resume treatment once the event is Grade 2 or less than three times the upper limit of normal, using the percent of current dose as shown in Table 1.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action, capecitabine tablets can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Insufficient data is available on capecitabine tablets use in pregnant women to evaluate a drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, administration of capecitabine to pregnant animals during the period of organogenesis caused embryolethality and teratogenicity in mice and embryolethality in monkeys at 0.2 and 0.6 times the human exposure (AUC) in patients who received a dosage of 1,250 mg/m 2 twice daily, respectively.

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with capecitabine tablets and for 6 months following the last dose. The safety and effectiveness have not been established for the administration of crushed capecitabine tablets.

Drug Interactions with Capecitabine

Effect of Other Drugs on Capecitabine Tablets Allopurinol

Concomitant use with allopurinol may decrease concentration of capecitabine’s active metabolites, which may decrease efficacy. Avoid concomitant use of allopurinol with capecitabine tablets. Leucovorin The concentration of fluorouracil is increased and its toxicity may be enhanced by leucovorin, folic acid, or folate analog products.

Deaths from severe enterocolitis, diarrhea, and dehydration have been reported in elderly patients receiving weekly leucovorin and fluorouracil. Instruct patients not to take products containing folic acid or folate analog products unless directed to do so by their healthcare provider.

Effect of Capecitabine Tablets on Other Drugs CYP2C9 Substrates Capecitabine tablets increased exposure of CYP2C9 substrates, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates. Closely monitor for adverse reactions of CYP2C9 substrates where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious adverse reactions when used concomitantly with capecitabine tablets (e.g., anticoagulants, antidiabetic drugs). Vitamin K Antagonists Capecitabine tablets increases exposure of vitamin K antagonist, which may alter coagulation parameters and/or bleeding and could result in death.

These events may occur within days of treatment initiation and up to 1 month after discontinuation of capecitabine tablets. Monitor INR more frequently and refer to the prescribing information of oral vitamin K antagonist for dosage adjustment, as appropriate, when capecitabine tablets is used concomitantly with vitamin K antagonist. Phenytoin Capecitabine tablets may increases exposure of phenytoin, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to phenytoin.

Closely monitor phenytoin levels and refer to the prescribing information of phenytoin for dosage adjustment, as appropriate, when capecitabine tablets is used concomitantly with phenytoin.

Nephrotoxic Drugs Due of the additive pharmacologic effect, concomitant use of capecitabine tablets with other drugs known to cause renal toxicity may increase the risk of renal toxicity. Closely monitor for signs of renal toxicity when capecitabine tablets is used concomitantly with nephrotoxic drugs (e.g. platinum salts, irinotecan, methotrexate, intravenous bisphosphonates).

Pregnancy Safety for Capecitabine

Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action, capecitabine tablets can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Available human data with capecitabine tablets use in pregnant women is not sufficient to inform the drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, administration of capecitabine to pregnant animals during the period of organogenesis caused embryolethality and teratogenicity in mice and embryolethality in monkeys at 0.2 and 0.6 times the exposure (AUC) in patients receiving the recommended dose of 1,250 mg/m 2 twice daily, respectively (see Data).

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is respectively. Data Animal Data Oral administration of capecitabine to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis at a dose of 198 mg/kg/day caused malformations and embryo lethality. In separate pharmacokinetic studies, this dose in mice produced 5’-DFUR AUC values that were approximately 0.2 times the AUC values in patients administered the recommended daily dose.

Malformations in mice included cleft palate, anophthalmia, microphthalmia, oligodactyly, polydactyly, syndactyly, kinky tail and dilation of cerebral ventricles. Oral administration of capecitabine to pregnant monkeys during the period of organogenesis at a dose of 90 mg/kg/day, caused fetal lethality.

Pediatric Use of Capecitabine

Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of capecitabine tablets in pediatric patients have not been established. Safety and effectiveness were assessed, but not established in two single arm studies in 56 pediatric patients aged 3 months to <17 years with newly diagnosed gliomas. In both trials, pediatric patients received an investigational pediatric formulation of capecitabine concomitantly with and following completion of radiation therapy (total dose of 5580 cGy in 180 cGy fractions).

The relative bioavailability of the investigational formulation to capecitabine tablets was similar. The adverse reaction profile was consistent with that of adults, with the exception of laboratory abnormalities which occurred more commonly in pediatric patients.

Contraindications for Capecitabine

Capecitabine tablets are contraindicated in patients with history of severe hypersensitivity reaction to fluorouracil or capecitabine. History of severe hypersensitivity reactions to fluorouracil or capecitabine

Overdosage Information for Capecitabine

Administer uridine triacetate within 96 hours for management of capecitabine tablets overdose. Although no clinical experience using dialysis as a treatment for capecitabine tablets overdose has been reported, dialysis may be of benefit in reducing circulating concentrations of 5’-DFUR, a low– molecular-weight metabolite of the parent compound.

Clinical Studies of Capecitabine

Colorectal Cancer Adjuvant Treatment of Colon Cancer Single Agent The efficacy of capecitabine tablets was evaluated in X-ACT (NCT00009737), a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Eligible patients were between 18 and 75 years of age with histologically-confirmed Dukes’ Stage C colon cancer with at least one positive lymph node and to have undergone (within 8 weeks prior to randomization) complete resection of the primary tumor without macroscopic or microscopic evidence of remaining tumor. The capecitabine tablets dose was reduced in patients with baseline CLcr of 30 to 50 mL/min.

The major efficacy outcome measure was disease-free survival (DFS). The baseline demographics are shown in Table 9. The baseline characteristics were well- balanced between arms.

The median follow-up at the time of the analysis was 6.9 years. Because the upper 2-sided 95% confidence limit of hazard ratio for DFS was less than 1.20,capecitabine tablets was non-inferior to fluorouracil + leucovorin. The choice of the non-inferiority margin of 1.20 corresponds to the retention of approximately 75% of the fluorouracil + leucovorin effect on DFS.

The hazard ratio for capecitabine tablets compared to fluorouracil + leucovorin with respect to overall survival was The 5- year overall survival rates were 71% for capecitabine tablets and 68% for fluorouracil + leucovorin. Perioperative Treatment of Rectal Cancer The efficacy of capecitabine tablets for the perioperative treatment of adults with locally advanced rectal cancer as a component of chemoradiotherapy was derived from studies in the published literature, including Rektum-III, a randomized, open-label, multicenter, non- inferiority trial, where the major efficacy outcome measure was overall survival. Metastatic Colorectal Cancer The efficacy of capecitabine tablets as a single agent was evaluated in two open-label, multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trials (Study SO14695 and Study SO14796).

Eligible patients received first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. The efficacy outcome measures were overall survival, time to progression and response rate (complete plus partial responses). Responses were defined by the World Health Organization criteria and submitted to a blinded independent review committee (IRC).

Differences in assessments between the investigator and IRC were reconciled by the sponsor, blinded to treatment arm, according to a specified algorithm. Survival was assessed based on a non- inferiority analysis. The baseline demographics are shown in Table 11.

Table 11 Baseline Demographics for are shown in Table 12 and Table 13. Table 12 Efficacy Results for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Table 13 Efficacy Results for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Efficacy results of the pooled population from Study SO14695 and Study SO14796 are shown in Figure 3. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the percent of the survival effect of fluorouracil + leucovorin that was retained by capecitabine tablets.

The estimate of the survival effect of fluorouracil + leucovorin was derived from a meta-analysis of ten randomized studies from the published literature comparing fluorouracil to regimens of fluorouracil + leucovorin that were similar to the control arms used in these Studies SO14695 and SO14796. The method for comparing the treatments was to examine the worst case (95% confidence upper bound) for the difference between fluorouracil + leucovorin and capecitabine tablets, and to show that loss of more than 50% of the fluorouracil + leucovorin survival effect was ruled out. It was demonstrated that the percent of the survival effect of fluorouracil + leucovorin maintained was at least 61% for Study SO14796 and 10% for Study SO14695.

The pooled result is consistent with a retention of at least 50% of the effect of fluorouracil + leucovorin. It should be noted that these values for preserved effect are based on the upper bound of the fluorouracil + leucovorin vs capecitabine tablets difference. Figure 3 Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival of Pooled Data (Studies SO14695 and SO14796) In Combination with Oxaliplatin The efficacy of capecitabine tablets for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen was derived from studies in the published literature, including NO16966, a randomized, non-inferiority, 2x2 factorial trial, where the major efficacy outcome measure was progression free survival.

Metastatic Breast Cancer In Combination With Docetaxel

The efficacy of capecitabine tablets in combination with docetaxel was evaluated in an open-label, multicenter, randomized trial (Study SO14999). Eligible patients had metastatic breast cancer resistant to, or recurring during or after an anthracycline-containing therapy, or relapsing during or recurring within 2 years of completing an anthracycline-containing adjuvant therapy were enrolled. Patient demographics are provided in Table 14.

Table 15 Efficacy Results in Metastatic Breast Cancer Study SO 1 The response rate reported represents a reconciliation of the investigator and IRC assessments performed by the sponsor according to a predefined algorithm. Figure 4 Kaplan-Meier Estimates for Time to Disease Progression in Metastatic Breast Cancer (Study SO14999) Figure 5 Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Survival in Metastatic Breast Cancer (Study SO14999) Single Agent The efficacy of capecitabine tablets as a single agent was evaluated in an open-label single-arm trial (Study SO14697). Eligible patients had metastatic breast cancer resistant to both paclitaxel and an anthracycline-containing chemotherapy regimen or resistant to paclitaxel and for whom further anthracycline therapy is not indicated (e.g., patients who have received cumulative doses of 400 mg/m 2 of doxorubicin or doxorubicin equivalents).

Resistance was defined as progressive disease while on treatment, with or without an initial response, or relapse within 6 months of completing treatment with an anthracycline-containing adjuvant chemotherapy regimen. Patients received capecitabine tablets 1,255 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for first 14-days of a 21-day treatment cycle. The major efficacy outcome measure was tumor response rate in patients with measurable disease, with response defined as a ≥50% decrease in sum of the products of the perpendicular diameters of bidimensionally measurable disease for at least 1 month.

The baseline demographics are shown in Table 16. The median time to progression was 3.0 months and the median survival was 10.1 months.

Gastric, Esophageal, or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer

The efficacy of capecitabine tablets for treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic gastric, esophageal, or gastroesophageal junction cancer as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen was derived from studies in the published literature. capecitabine tablets was evaluated in REAL- 2, a randomized non-inferiority, 2x2 factorial trial, where the major efficacy outcome measure was overall survival, and an additional randomized trial conducted by the North Central Cancer Treatment Group, where the major efficacy outcome measure was objective response rate. The efficacy of capecitabine tablets for the treatment of adults with HER2-overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who have not received prior treatment for metastatic disease as a component of a combination regimen was derived from studies in the published literature. capecitabine tablets was evaluated in the ToGA trial, an open-label, multicenter, randomized trial where the primary efficacy measure was overall survival.

Pancreatic Cancer

The efficacy of capecitabine tablets for the adjuvant treatment of adults with pancreatic adenocarcinoma as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen was derived from a study in the published literature. capecitabine tablets was evaluated in ESPAC-4 trial, a two-group, open-label, multicenter, randomized trial, where the major efficacy outcome measure was overall survival.

C apecitabine tablets (N=1004)Fluorouracil + Leucovorin (N=983)
Age (median, years)6263
Range(25-80)(22-82)
Sex
Male, %5454
Female, %4646
ECOG Performance Status
0, %8585
1, %1515
Staging – Primary Tumor
PT1, %10.6
PT2, %99
PT3, %7676
PT4, %140
Other, %0.114
Staging – Lymph Node
pN1, %6971
pN2, %3029
Other, %0.40.1
Efficacy ParametersC apecitabine tablets (N=1004)Fluorouracil + Leucovorin (N=983)
5-year Disease-free Survival Rate b59%55%
Hazard Ratio0.88
(95% CI)(0.77, 1.01)
p-value cp = 0.068
Study SO14695Study SO14796
C apecitabine tablets (N=302)Fluorouracil + Leucovorin (N=303)C apecitabine tablets (N=301)Fluorouracil + Leucovorin (N=301)
Age (median, years)64636464
Range(23-86)(24-87)(29-84)(36-86)
Sex
Male, %60655757
Female, %40354343
Karnofsky PS (median)90909090
Range(70-100)(70-100)(70-100)(70-100)
Colon, %74776665
Rectum, %26233435
Prior radiation therapy, %17211414
Prior adjuvant fluorouracil, %28361914
C apecitabine tablets (N=302)Fluorouracil + Leucovorin (N=303)
OverallResponse Rate
% (95% CI)21 (16, 26)11 (8, 15)
p-value0.0014
Time to Progression
Median, months (95%CI)4.2 (3.9, 4.5)4.3 (3.4, 5.0)
Hazard Ratio0.99
95% CI(0.84, 1.17)
Overall Survival
Median, months (95%CI)12.5 (10.5, 14.3)13.4 (12.0, 14.7)
Hazard Ratio1.00
95% CI(0.84, 1.18)
C apecitabine tablets (N=301)Fluorouracil + Leucovorin (N=301)
OverallResponse Rate
% (95% CI)21 (16, 26)14 (10, 18)
p-value0.027
Time to Progression
Median, months (95%CI)4.5 (4.2, 5.5)4.3 (3.4, 5.1)
Hazard Ratio0.97
95% CI(0.82, 1.14)
Overall Survival
Median, months (95%CI)13.3 (12.1, 14.8)12.1 (11.1,14.1)
Hazard Ratio0.92
95% CI(0.78, 1.09)
C apecitabine tablets + Docetaxel (N=255)Docetaxel (N=256)
Age (median, years)5251
Karnofsky Performance Status (median)9090
Site of Disease
Lymph nodes, %4749
Liver, %4548
Bone, %4246
Lung, %3739
Skin, %2929
Prior Chemotherapy
Anthracycline 1, %100100
Fluorouracil, %7774
Paclitaxel, %109
Resistance to an Anthracycline
No resistance, %77
Progression on anthracycline therapy, %2629
Stable disease after4 cycles of anthracycline therapy, %1616
Relapsedwithin 2 yearsof completion of anthracycline-adjuvant therapy, %3129
Experienced a brief response to anthracycline therapy, with subsequent progression while on therapy or within 12 months afterlast dose, %2020
No. of Prior Chemotherapy Regimens for Treatment of Metastatic Disease
0, %3531
1, %4853
2, %1715
3, %01
Efficacy ParameterC apecitabine tablets + Docetaxel (N=255)Docetaxel (N=256)
Time to Disease Progression
Median, months6.14.2
95% CI(5.4, 6.5)(3.5, 4.5)
Hazard Ratio0.643
p-value0.0001
Overall Survival
Median, months14.511.6
95% CI(12.3, 16.3)(9.8, 12.7)
Hazard Ratio0.775
p-value0.0126
Response Rate 132%22%
Patients With Measurable Disease (N=135)All Patients (N=162)
Age (median, years)5556
Karnofsky Performance Status9090
No. Disease Sites
1-2, %3237
3-4, %4643
>5, %2221
Dominant Siteof Disease
Visceral 1, %7568
Soft Tissue, %2222
Bone, %310
Prior Chemotherapy
Paclitaxel, %100100
Anthracycline 2, %9091
Fluorouracil, %8182
Resistance to Paclitaxel, %7677
Resistance to an Anthracycline 2, %4141
Resistance to both Paclitaxel and an Anthracycline 2, %3231
EfficacyParameterResistance to Both Paclitaxel and an Anthracycline (N=43)
Response Rate 1 (95% CI)25.6%(13.5, 41.2)
Complete Response0%
Partial Response 111%
Durationof Response 1 Median, months 2 (Range)5.1 (2.1-7.7)

Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.

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