Product Introduction:
Capegard 500mg Tablets are an oral chemotherapy medication used in the treatment of various cancers, including breast, colorectal, and gastric (stomach) cancers. It belongs to the antimetabolite class of drugs, specifically a fluoropyrimidine derivative, which works by preventing cancer cell growth.
Uses of Capegard 500mg
Capegard 500mg is commonly prescribed for:
-
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer – First-line treatment for advanced-stage colorectal cancer.
-
Metastatic Breast Cancer – Used in patients resistant to paclitaxel and anthracyclines.
-
Gastric (Stomach) Cancer – Often used in combination with other chemotherapy agents.
-
Adjuvant Therapy in Colon Cancer – Post-surgical treatment to reduce cancer recurrence.
-
Pancreatic Cancer (Off-label Use) – Occasionally used in advanced cases.
-
Other Solid Tumors (As per oncologist’s recommendation).
How Capegard 500mg Works (Mechanism of Action):
-
Capecitabine is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive when taken orally.
-
Once inside the body, it is converted into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in cancer cells.
-
5-FU inhibits the enzyme thymidylate synthase, preventing DNA synthesis and cell division.
-
This leads to cancer cell death, slowing or stopping tumor growth.
Dosage of Capegard 500mg
Typical Recommended Dose:
-
Colorectal & Breast Cancer:
-
Standard dose: 1,250 mg/m² twice daily for 14 days, followed by a 7-day rest period.
-
The cycle is repeated every 3 weeks or as prescribed.
-
Gastric Cancer:
-
Typically combined with platinum-based chemotherapy (e.g., cisplatin).
⚠️ Dosage depends on the patient’s body surface area, kidney function, and tolerance. Always follow your oncologist’s prescription.
Method of Administration (How to Take It)
-
Take Capegard 500mg within 30 minutes after a meal to reduce stomach upset.
-
Swallow the tablet whole with water – Do not crush, break, or chew.
-
Take doses 12 hours apart (e.g., morning and evening).
-
Continue the full cycle unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Side Effects of Capegard 500mg
Common Side Effects:
-
Hand-Foot Syndrome (Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia) – Redness, swelling, and pain in hands and feet.
-
Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea – Manageable with hydration and antiemetics.
-
Fatigue & Weakness – Common with chemotherapy.
-
Mouth Sores (Stomatitis) – Can be painful but manageable with mouthwash.
-
Loss of Appetite & Weight Loss
Severe Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Help):
-
Severe Diarrhea & Dehydration
-
Heart Problems (Chest pain, Irregular heartbeat)
-
Liver & Kidney Dysfunction (Yellowing of skin, Dark urine)
-
Low Blood Counts (Increased infection risk, Bruising/bleeding easily)
-
Severe Hand-Foot Syndrome (Painful blisters, Peeling skin)
🚨 If any serious side effects occur, consult a doctor immediately.
Precautions Before Taking Capegard 500mg
-
Kidney & Liver Disease: Dose adjustments may be required.
-
Heart Conditions: Capecitabine can cause heart problems (arrhythmias, chest pain).
-
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Not safe – Can cause birth defects.
-
Diabetes: May affect blood sugar levels.
-
Elderly Patients (>65 years): More prone to severe side effects, require close monitoring.
Drug Interactions (Medications That May Interact)
Capegard 500mg may interact with:
-
Warfarin & Other Blood Thinners: Increases bleeding risk.
-
Phenytoin (Anti-Seizure Drug): Increases toxicity levels.
-
Leucovorin (Folinic Acid): Enhances Capecitabine’s effects but increases toxicity risk.
-
Antacids (Magnesium, Aluminum Hydroxide): May alter drug absorption.
-
Platinum-Based Chemotherapy (Cisplatin, Oxaliplatin): Increases toxicity.
⚠️ Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Allergy Warnings
-
Do not take if allergic to Capecitabine or Fluorouracil (5-FU).
-
Symptoms of an allergic reaction:
-
Rash, Itching, Swelling
-
Shortness of breath, Chest tightness
-
Severe nausea and vomiting
🚨 Seek emergency medical help if allergic symptoms occur.
Storage Instructions
-
Store at room temperature (15°C - 30°C).
-
Keep in a dry place, away from moisture and sunlight.
-
Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
Symptoms of Overdose:
-
Severe diarrhea, Vomiting, Dehydration
-
Neurological toxicity (Confusion, Agitation, Seizures)
-
Severe Hand-Foot Syndrome
What to Do in Case of Overdose?
-
Seek immediate medical attention.
-
Intravenous fluids and symptomatic treatment may be required.
Missed Dose Instructions
-
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with the next scheduled dose.
-
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.