Capecitabine side effects are really tough: What helps?

@tomrennie i agree capecitabine at lower doses may be great but for me I was miserable taking 3900mg a day for 14 days was very hard on me that even when they lowered the dose to 3000 mg day it would have been fine but side effects from first dose haunted me for weeks

@pizmo Hi and welcome to Mayo Connect. Your question is impossible to answer. Sorry. Here's why. Capecitabine treats everyone differently. For example, I have been on capecitabine for almost four years. I take it two weeks on and two weeks off. That is my cycle. After four years, I can share this. Each cycle is different. My body tolerates it way better than it used to, but it can still be challenging. @115 and @gc4217 are currently taking capecitabine and doing radiation. Hopefully, they can share their current experiences? The daily milligram intake and the amount of time off can greatly impact the side effects. My pills come in 500mg. I take two in the morning and two at night so 2000mg daily. How many pills will she be taking daily? It is great that she is very alert and full of vigor, but how active is she after her surgery? Thanks.

Hi there, my 90 year old mom just had colon cancer surgery in her ascending colon. They got it cleared in the colon bit after testing 4 out of 18 lymph nodes, they found cancer cells in lymph nodes and veins. According to oncologist, do nothing, 40% chance of recovery. He recommended taking Capecitabine for 14 days and 7 days off for 18 weeks. This would improve djs ce of survivor vsl from 40%to 60%.My question is can a 90 year old handle this? She's very alert and full of vigor!

@gc4217 hi! The Imodium helps I take usually 1 in the morning and also compazine for nausea. It’s my 6th week but I’ll have 2 days next week because the equipment was down last week. They’ll be giving me a boost a few of my last treatments so I’m hoping it won’t bother me too much. I see my Dr on the 17th to discuss any further treatment. I wish you the best.

@115 how are you doing, I believe this is your week 6. Hoping all is well. I started my week 4, still have some stomach problems but take a Imodium every other day and seems to help. Will this be your final week? I can’t wait for my final week. I travel 110 miles round trip every day for treatments and it is becoming exhausting. Stay well.

@gc4217 I’m starting week 5 today. I’ve started to have lactose intolerance so I need to change my dairy products. My eating is pretty limited due to the low fiber diet but my sister is making me chicken soup today. I’m really looking forward to it. I try to eat an egg every day too. I am tired 😴

@115 I started to have stomach issues starting in my second week. I take a Imodium every other day and that seems to keep it in check.
Was you pain due to the radiation, they told me that would come in the 4th to 5th week and they could prescribe creams. Monday starts week 3 for me and I keep hoping for the best. I do keep hydrated and so far have had no nausea. Good advice for limiting heartburn I was getting that occasionally. The 11 treatments will go fast, I’m amazed how quick my two weeks went. Good luck the next few weeks, keep me posted.

@gc4217 week 3 for me was when I was told to expect to be more tired and I experienced more gas & some stomach issues. I just finished week 4 and find I have some pain I take Tylenol xtra strength it helps. I’m drinking watered down pedialyte to stay hydrated. I’ve discovered not to bend over within 2 hrs of taking Xeludo as it causes a rush of heartburn. And it’s not advised to take antacids within 2 hrs of Xeludo. It’s getting harder but I only have 11 treatments left to go. I wish you the best thank you for checking on me.

@115 , glad you are doing well. I start week 3 Monday and so far I am doing well. Occasional diarrhea but manage it. I will be anxious to see how well the following weeks will be for me. Please keep me informed.

Hi, I started week 4 and felt pretty good. I got lots of rest over the weekend they tell me it’s very important. I’ve had some pain but they gave me an anesthetic hemorrhoidal ointment and that is helping. It’s called Dibucaine. Also have occasional gas pains but they go away when I take Gaviscon. I hope this week goes well for you.