Capecitabine (Xeloda®)

Infection

Capecitabine can increase your risk of getting an infection. An infection is an emergency if you are having chemotherapy, and needs treating straight away.

Signs of an infection include:

• a high temperature – your chemotherapy team will tell you what to watch out for
• feeling shivery and cold
• headaches
• sore muscles
• a cough or sore throat
• having pain or burning when you pee
• feeling generally unwell or tired.

Call the 24 hour emergency number your chemotherapy team will have given you if you have signs of an infection. You should phone if you have any of these symptoms or feel suddenly unwell, even if your temperature is normal or low.

Read more about infections and how they are treated.

Anaemia (low red blood cells)

Capecitabine can lower the number of red blood cells in your blood. This is called anaemia, and can make you feel tired, dizzy or short of breath. If any of these symptoms happen suddenly, call the 24 hour emergency number.

Heart problems

Capecitabine can cause chest pain. It can also make you feel short of breath, dizzy, or cause an irregular heartbeat. If you have any of these symptoms, call the 24 hour emergency number straight away. If you have chest pain, go straight to A&E and tell them you are having chemotherapy.

Fatigue (extreme tiredness)

Fatigue is a common side effect of capecitabine. It isn’t the same as feeling tired. Fatigue can make you feel weak and have problems concentrating. Some people find that the fatigue starts a few hours to a few days after having chemotherapy and starts to get better a few days later. See how the chemotherapy affects you and work out how much activity you can manage. There are things that can help with fatigue. Read our tips on coping with it.

Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)

This is a common side effect of capecitabine but you will be given anti-sickness medicines to stop you feeling or being sick. If these don’t help, call the emergency number. You may be able to change to a different medicine.

If you find it hard to swallow the capecitabine tablets, or you are sick just after taking them, call your chemotherapy team for advice.

Read our tips for coping with feeling and being sick.

Sore hands and feet

Capecitabine can make the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet red and sore, and your skin may start to peel or blister. Your skin might also look shiny, feel tight and crack around the fingertips. Your doctor or nurse may give you cream or medicine to help with this.

The soreness normally gets better when your chemotherapy finishes. If it gets very painful or you have broken skin that looks infected, call the 24 hour emergency number.

Sore mouth and mouth ulcers

Capecitabine can make your mouth sore, or cause mouth ulcers which can be painful. Tell your chemotherapy team about any mouth problems. They can make sure you don’t have a mouth infection and give you a mouthwash to help. You should also tell them if you have white spots in your mouth. This is a sign of oral thrush, which is normally easy to treat.

Loss of appetite

During your treatment you may not feel like eating, and you may start to lose weight. Try eating small meals often. If your appetite does not get better after a few days, speak to your doctor, specialist nurse or dietitian. We have tips for dealing with appetite loss .

Runny poo (diarrhoea)

If you have diarrhoea, try to drink as much water as you can manage. Call the 24 hour emergency number if you have diarrhoea more than four times a day or are finding it hard to drink enough fluids. They can give you medicines to control the diarrhoea. You may be told to stop taking capecitabine, or your doctor can lower the dose. We have tips for dealing with diarrhoea.

Tummy pain

You may have some tummy pain or discomfort when you are having capecitabine. Or you may have indigestion, wind, or feel bloated. You may also have constipation (when you find it harder to poo). Your doctor can give you medicines to help with these side effects.

Swelling (oedema)

Some people get swelling in their feet, ankles, legs, fingers or face. This is because of a build-up of fluid, which is called oedema. If you have swelling in your feet, it may help to have your legs up on a cushion when you are sitting down. Your doctor may also be able to give you some medicines to help.

Risk of a blood clot in a vein

Capecitabine can increase your risk of getting a blood clot in a vein. If you have any pain or swelling in an arm or leg, or you feel short of breath, call the 24 hour emergency number. Or phone an ambulance and tell them you are having chemotherapy. A blood clot can be serious if it’s not treated .

Bruising and bleeding

Capecitabine can lower the number of platelets in your blood. This is called thrombocytopenia. You may bruise more easily than normal, and you may be more likely to have nosebleeds or bleeding gums.

Joint and muscle pain

Capecitabine can cause problems with your joints, such as swelling or pain. Your muscles may also feel weak or stiff.

Sore, itchy eyes

Capecitabine can cause sore, itchy or watery eyes. Tell your doctor or nurse if this happens, as they may need to give you some eye drops.

Headaches

Capecitabine can cause headaches. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. Make sure that you check your temperature before taking paracetamol or ibuprofen. If the painkillers don’t help or you have a high temperature, call the 24 hour emergency number straight away.