Medication Guide: Understanding Xeloda's Strengths, Form, Administration Timings, and Additional Details
Xeloda, a common oral cancer medication, is used to treat various types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, gastric, esophageal, and pancreatic. It is essential to follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor, as taking more than recommended can lead to serious side effects.
Xeloda is an oral tablet that should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or broken. Your doctor may use a dosage calculator to determine the appropriate dosage based on your body surface area (BSA), which is calculated from your weight in kilograms (kg) and height in centimeters (cm).
The typical adult dosage for Xeloda varies depending on the cancer type. For colorectal cancer, the dosage is usually 1250 mg/m² twice daily for 14 days every 21 days, while for breast cancer, it ranges from 1000 to 1250 mg/m² twice daily for 14 days of a 21-day cycle. For gastric and esophageal cancers, the dosing regimen is similar to that of colorectal cancer, although the exact standard doses are less detailed in the sources. Pancreatic cancer is less commonly given as monotherapy, and dose adjustments for combination regimens are individualized.
It is crucial to take Xeloda with a glass of water within 30 minutes of finishing a meal. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, you can find tips on how to take this form of medication in this article.
If you miss a dose of Xeloda, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice. If your kidneys don't work as well as they should, your doctor may recommend a dose reduction of Xeloda. If you experience certain side effects while taking Xeloda, your doctor may lower your dosage.
If you have questions about the dosage of Xeloda that's right for you, talk with your doctor. If you believe you've taken too much Xeloda, call your doctor right away or use the America's Poison Centers hotline at 800-222-1222 or its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
For more information about Xeloda, including its side effects, cost, and the cancers it treats, see the additional articles linked in this post. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you. Never change your dosage of Xeloda without your doctor's recommendation.
- Xeloda, a common oral medication used in oncology, treats various medical conditions such as colorectal, breast, gastric, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers.
- For colorectal cancer, the typical Xeloda dosage is 1250 mg/m² twice daily for 14 days every 21 days, while for breast cancer, it ranges from 1000 to 1250 mg/m² twice daily for 14 days of a 21-day cycle.
- It's essential to take Xeloda as prescribed by a health-and-wellness professional, following the dosage calculator's instructions based on body surface area (BSA).
- If side effects occur while taking Xeloda, your doctor may lower the dosage or recommend a dose reduction if your kidneys aren't functioning properly.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the appropriate Xeloda dosage, and seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an overdose, by calling 911, your local emergency number, or going to the nearest emergency room.
