Capcetaz 500 Mg Tablet

What is Capcetaz 500

Capcetaz 500 is an oral cytostatic medication primarily prescribed for metastatic colorectal cancer and locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Its active ingredient is Capecitabine, which belongs to the fluoropyrimidine carbamate class of anticancer agents. Zuvius Life Sciences manufactures this medicine.

Capcetaz is commonly prescribed as adjuvant therapy following surgery for stage III colon cancer, for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, and for treatment of breast cancer that has progressed after anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

Capcetaz functions as a prodrug that is enzymatically converted to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) preferentially within tumor cells, where it interferes with DNA synthesis and cell division. Common side effects include hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, and fatigue.

The standard dosage is calculated based on body surface area and is typically administered in a cyclical regimen of 14 days of treatment followed by a 7-day rest period. Regularly monitoring complete blood counts and liver and kidney function is essential throughout treatment.

What are the benefits of Capcetaz 500

Capcetaz 500 (Capecitabine) works through a unique three-step enzymatic activation process. After oral administration, it is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and passes through the liver, where it undergoes initial metabolism.

It then circulates in the bloodstream until it reaches tumor tissues, where higher concentrations of the enzyme thymidine phosphorylase preferentially convert it to its active form, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). This targeted activation mechanism enhances drug concentration in tumor cells while potentially minimizing systemic exposure.

Capcetaz Tablet offers several important benefits:

• It provides convenient oral administration, allowing patients to undergo treatment at home.
• Demonstrates efficacy against both metastatic colorectal cancer and breast cancer.
• It shows tumor-selective activation, potentially improving the therapeutic index.
• It can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer agents like Oxaliplatin.

It is crucial to note that regular assessment of treatment response and side effects is essential to optimize outcomes and manage toxicity.

How to take Capcetaz 500

Capcetaz 500 is a prescription medication that should be taken strictly according to your oncologist's instructions. Here are the general guidelines:

• Take the Capcetaz tablet twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart) within 30 minutes after food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew, or dissolve it.
• Take it with food.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dose calculated based on your body surface area.

Strength and substitutes

Currently, there are no strength alternatives for Capcetaz available at Cheap Medicine Shop. However, you can check the following substitutes:

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What are the side effects of Capcetaz 500

Capcetaz may cause various side effects. These include:

• Hand-foot syndrome (redness, pain, swelling, and peeling of skin on palms and soles)
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue

These adverse effects are usually mild but should be reported to a doctor if they persist.

Safety Advice

Liver disease

People with mild to moderate liver problems should use Capcetaz with caution. Close monitoring without initial dose adjustment is typically recommended for those with mild liver impairment. The medicine is not recommended for patients with severe dysfunction.

Kidney impairment

Dose adjustments are required for people with renal impairment. Capcetaz is contraindicated in people with severe renal impairment.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women

Capcetaz is contraindicated during pregnancy as it may cause severe birth defects or fetal harm. Using birth control during treatment and up to 6 months after treatment is necessary. Breastfeeding should be discontinued during Capcetaz therapy and for at least 2 weeks after the final dose due to the potential risk of adverse reactions in nursing infants.

Avoid

Avoid grapefruit or its juice while taking this tablet, as these products may increase blood levels of the medication and risk of toxicity. Alcohol consumption should be minimized or eliminated during treatment as it may worsen side effects, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal system.