Capecitabine (Xeloda) side effects: how do you manage them?

I was unable to take capcetaine. It was making me very thin, loss of appetite. Quality of life decreased so i was taken off of it and put on arimidex.

I have been on xeloda for three years. After I take my pills, I first soak my feet in cold water for 15 minutes, then use the urea cream and sit with my feet on a foot rest. I drink lots (50-70 oz.) of water after each dose of xeloda. I wear cotton socks to keep my feet cool indoors, and Adidas when I go out. I ride a bike whenever possible. I take 4 mg zofran tabs three times a day for nausea. Hope this helps. It is a challenging treatment.

Thank you very much for combining! My palms and the bottoms of my feet have a red rash that can be painful. It makes walking difficult at times. There are times in the cycle of taking them that it is painful to put my hands in water and to hold a fork or knife.

Hi @omaegg, I moved your question to this existing discussion about managing the side effects of capecitabine (Xeloda). I did this so you can connect with others taking this chemotherapy like @old @kk57 @pattycron @regionrat @kerstin1 @trivia @saltis. Hopefully they can share how they helped to reduce side effects.

Omaegg, what effects to you have in your hands and feet?

yes I have. Just wanted to see if others have this side effect and what they do to mitigate the side effects.

Xeloda is known for causing small fiber neuropathy, have you talked to your doctor about this?

The longer I take the med the worse my hand and foot reactions are. So far I use a lotion high in urea. Also I have started feeling more nauseaus even on my off week. Currently on it for a week then off for a week. Anyone else have these issues and what have you tried?

No, am currently just on xeloda.

@old, few side effects from Xeloda will bring hope to @pattycron and @kk57.
Are you currently on any other treatment?

hi, i am stage 2b triple negative, had bilateral mastectomy, chemo, and radiation. am now on low dose oral chemo xeloda and will take it for a yr (now on 8th month). so far i didnt feel any side effects except for some hair fall.