Capecitabine

Say it: kap-eh-SITE-uh-been · Brand names: Xeloda

Capecitabine is a chemotherapy pill that turns into fluorouracil in the body and stops cancer cells from making DNA.

What it is

Capecitabine is changed into fluorouracil inside the body, mostly in tumors. It blocks an enzyme cancer cells need to make DNA. The cells cannot grow and die.

Often used for

• colon and rectal cancer
• breast cancer
• stomach and esophageal cancer
• pancreatic cancer

How you get it

Capecitabine is a pill you take at home, twice a day. A common plan is 2 weeks on, then 1 week off. It may also be taken every day during radiation. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Red, sore, or peeling hands and feet. Use moisturizer daily and avoid heat, tight shoes, and rubbing.
• Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and use the diarrhea medicine your team suggests.
• Nausea and vomiting. Take your anti-nausea medicine as your team tells you.
• Mouth sores. Use a soft toothbrush and gentle rinses.
• Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
• Poor appetite. Try small meals.
• Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection. Wash your hands often.

Call your care team right away if you have

• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
• Diarrhea more than 4 times a day, or at night
• Vomiting more than once in a day
• Painful redness, blisters, or peeling on hands or feet
• Mouth sores that keep you from eating or drinking
• Chest pain
• Bleeding or bruising that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or blood in your urine

Before you start, tell your team

• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• If you know you have a DPD enzyme deficiency
• If you take warfarin, phenytoin, or other blood thinners
• If you have kidney, liver, or heart problems
• All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take

Good to know

• Some people lack an enzyme called DPD that breaks down this medicine. They can have very serious or even deadly side effects. Your team should test you for this before you start, unless you need treatment right away.
• If you take warfarin, it can raise your bleeding risk. You will need more blood tests.
• Your kidney function decides your dose. You will have blood tests.
• Your team may pause your pills if side effects get strong. Call before your next dose if you have a bad side effect.

At home

• Swallow the tablets whole with water within 30 minutes after breakfast and dinner. Do not crush or cut them unless your team says so.
• If you miss a dose, ask your team what to do. Do not double up.
• Store at room temperature in the original bottle, away from children and pets.
• Caregivers should wear gloves if they touch the tablets and wash hands after.

Questions to ask

• Which days do I take the pills and which days do I rest?
• When should I stop the pills and call you?
• Should I be tested for DPD deficiency?
• What lotion should I use for my hands and feet?

Part of these treatment plans

• CAPOX

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores
• Appetite loss and weight loss
• Low white blood cells and infection risk
• Hand-foot syndrome

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.