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 a high temperature is
• 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.

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 after a few days. 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 coping with fatigue.

Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)

This is a common side effect of capecitabine. You will normally be given anti-sickness medicines to manage sickness. If these medicines don’t help, speak to your chemotherapy team about changing 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 more about feeling and being sick, and tips on coping with it.

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 a vitamin or creams 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 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 problems with your mouth. They can make sure you don’t have a mouth infection, and give you a mouthwash which should help.

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 on dealing with a loss of appetite.

Runny poo (diarrhoea)

If you have diarrhoea, try to drink as much water as you can. If you are finding it hard to drink enough fluids, contact your chemotherapy team. If you have diarrhoea more than four times a day, tell your chemotherapy team. They can give you medicines to control it. You may be told to stop taking capecitabine, or your doctor can lower the dose. We have tips on dealing with diarrhoea.

Tummy pain

You may have some tummy pain or discomfort when you are having capecitabine. Or you may have indigestion, lots of 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. This normally gets better by itself. 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.

Heart problems

Capecitabine can cause chest pain. It can also make you feel short of breath, dizzy, or cause an irregular heartbeat. It is important to tell your chemotherapy team straight away if you have any of these symptoms. If you have chest pain, go straight to A&E and tell them you are having chemotherapy.

Anaemia (feeling tired or dizzy)

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 emergency number.

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. Tell your chemotherapy team if you have headaches. They can give you painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Make sure that you check your temperature before taking paracetamol or ibuprofen. If you have a high temperature, call the emergency number straight away.

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 one of your arms or legs, or you feel very short of breath, call the emergency number. Or phone an ambulance and tell them you are having chemotherapy. A blood clot can be serious if it’s not treated.