Rectafox 500 mg (Capecitabine)
Rectafox 500 mg contains capecitabine, an oral prodrug that is metabolised to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in tumour tissue. Capecitabine is a widely used oral fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (adjuvant and metastatic settings), certain breast cancers, and other fluoropyrimidine-sensitive tumours. It offers outpatient convenience while delivering tumour-directed exposure to 5-FU.
Rectafox 500 mg should be used only under the direction of an oncologist with appropriate monitoring for haematologic, hepatic and gastrointestinal toxicity.
Product introduction
Capecitabine is designed to provide sustained, tumour-selective exposure to 5-FU. Taken orally, capecitabine undergoes a three-step enzymatic conversion—ultimately releasing active 5-FU preferentially in tumour tissue due to higher levels of thymidine phosphorylase. This property helps concentrate cytotoxic activity where it is needed while allowing convenient outpatient administration.
Rectafox 500 mg tablets are a commonly prescribed strength for many adult oncology regimens and are included in adjuvant, metronomic and combination protocols (e.g., CAPOX/XELOX: capecitabine + oxaliplatin; capecitabine with radiotherapy; single-agent use in selected metastatic settings).
Uses of Rectafox 500 mg (Capecitabine)
Clinical indications commonly include:
- Adjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer following surgery
- First-line or subsequent treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (often in combination regimens)
- Adjuvant or metastatic treatment of breast cancer (in selected patients)
- Concurrent chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer (where indicated)
- Other off-label fluoropyrimidine-sensitive tumours per oncologist discretion
Note: Use and dosing depend on tumour type, combination agents, organ function and patient factors. Always follow specialist guidance.
Benefits of Rectafox 500 mg (Capecitabine)
Why oncologists and patients may choose capecitabine:
- Oral administration — avoids continuous IV infusion in many regimens and improves convenience for patients.
- Tumour-selective activation via thymidine phosphorylase activity in cancer cells.
- Proven efficacy in adjuvant and metastatic colorectal cancer and in selected breast cancer settings.
- Flexible scheduling — used as single agent or in combination with oxaliplatin, radiotherapy or targeted agents.
- Outpatient delivery with defined cycles, enabling quality-of-life advantages for many patients.
In Treatment of Worm infections
Important: Capecitabine is an anticancer chemotherapy and does not treat parasitic or worm infections. This heading is included for template consistency.
Side effects of Rectafox 500 mg (Capecitabine)
Capecitabine has a well-defined toxicity profile. Many side effects are manageable with dose adjustments, symptomatic care and monitoring; some can be severe and require treatment interruption.
Common side effects
- Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia) — redness, pain, swelling or blistering of palms/soles
- Diarrhoea and abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Mucositis (mouth sores)
- Myelosuppression — neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia (usually monitored)
Serious but important risks: severe diarrhoea with dehydration, profound neutropenia with infection risk, severe hand-foot syndrome affecting function, cardiotoxicity (rare — chest pain, arrhythmia), severe skin reactions, and DPD deficiency–related life-threatening toxicity. If you experience fever, severe diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, chest pain or severe hand-foot symptoms, contact your oncology team immediately.
How to use Rectafox 500 mg (Capecitabine)
- Take exactly as prescribed by your oncologist. Typical adult regimens often use capecitabine twice daily for 14 days followed by a 7-day rest (a 21-day cycle) — but regimens vary by protocol.
- Take each dose within 30 minutes after a meal with water to improve tolerability.
- Swallow tablets whole (do not crush or chew) unless a different formulation or splitting is specifically advised.
- Maintain scheduled clinic visits and laboratory tests (CBC, LFTs, renal function) before and during each cycle.
- Do not stop or change dosing without consulting your oncology team — dose reductions or interruptions are common responses to toxicity and are guided by protocol.
If vomiting occurs shortly after dosing and you are instructed by your oncologist, you may take the missed dose; otherwise follow the specific guidance from your treating team.
How Rectafox 500 mg (Capecitabine) works
Capecitabine is converted via hepatic and tumour enzymes into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). 5-FU inhibits thymidylate synthase and is incorporated into RNA/DNA of rapidly dividing cells, disrupting synthesis and causing tumour cell death. The prodrug strategy concentrates active drug in tumour tissue and reduces systemic exposure compared with continuous IV 5-FU infusion in some settings.
Safety advice
| Pregnancy | Capecitabine is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenicity. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception before, during and for an advised period after treatment. Confirm negative pregnancy tests per protocol. |
| Breastfeeding | Do not breastfeed while taking capecitabine and until advised by your oncology team. |
| DPD deficiency | Patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency can experience severe, life-threatening toxicity. Many centres recommend pre-treatment testing where available or early vigilance for severe toxicity. |
| Liver & Kidney function | Dose adjustments may be necessary in hepatic or renal impairment; monitor LFTs and renal function as advised. |
| Cardiac risk | Rarely associated with cardiotoxicity—report chest pain or palpitations immediately. |
| Drug interactions | Coadministration with other fluoropyrimidines, certain antivirals, warfarin, and strong CYP modulators can alter effects—discuss all medicines (including OTC and herbal) with your oncology pharmacist. |
| Vaccination | Avoid live vaccines during cytotoxic therapy; inactivated vaccines may be less effective—consult your clinician. |
What if you forget to take Rectafox 500 mg?
If you miss a dose:
- Take it as soon as you remember on the same day, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose.
- Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
- Inform your oncology team if several doses are missed to adjust cycle timing if necessary.
All substitutes
Alternative or related treatment options (decided by oncologist):
- Intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) regimens (e.g., with leucovorin)
- Capecitabine generics / other brand names
- Combination regimens (CAPOX/XELOX: capecitabine + oxaliplatin)
- Other systemic chemotherapies or targeted agents depending on tumour biology (e.g., irinotecan combinations, biologics)
Selection depends on cancer type, stage, prior therapy and patient factors.
Quick tips
- Take doses with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
- Keep skin of hands and feet moisturised; report early signs of hand-foot syndrome.
- Stay hydrated and carry emergency contact details for your oncology team.
- Carry a treatment card listing medications and emergency instructions (useful when travelling).
- Attend all scheduled blood tests and clinic reviews — early detection of toxicity is critical.
Fact Box
| Generic name | Capecitabine |
| Brand | Rectafox 500 mg |
| Drug class | Oral fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy (prodrug of 5-FU) |
| Form | Oral tablet (500 mg) |
| Typical regimen | Commonly 1250 mg/m² twice daily for 14 days followed by 7 days off (protocol dependent) |
| Prescription | Required — oncology specialist |
Patient concerns
Will Rectafox cure my cancer? Outcomes depend on cancer type, stage, combination therapies and individual response. Rectafox (capecitabine) is an effective component of curative and palliative regimens in appropriate settings—discuss expectations and goals with your oncologist.
How quickly will I feel better? Chemotherapy may initially cause side effects; tumour response is usually assessed over several cycles via imaging, tumour markers and clinical review.
User feedback
Many patients value the convenience of oral capecitabine compared with continuous IV 5-FU. Commonly reported side effects include fatigue, GI upset and hand-foot syndrome. Most side effects are manageable with dose adjustments and supportive care.
Are you currently taking Rectafox 500 mg (Capecitabine)? Let us know how well it is working for you by taking this survey.
FAQs
Can I stop Rectafox when side effects appear?
Do not stop without consulting your oncology team. Many side effects can be managed by dose reduction, treatment interruption or supportive care. Your specialist will advise whether to temporarily stop therapy or alter dosing.
Can Rectafox cause diarrhoea and how is it managed?
Yes. Diarrhoea can be severe—maintain hydration, use anti-diarrhoeal medication as advised (e.g., loperamide per protocol) and contact your oncology team for persistent or severe symptoms. Severe diarrhoea may require treatment interruption and supportive care.
What are the storage instructions?
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children and do not use after the expiry date.
Related products
- Oxaliplatin (for CAPOX/XELOX regimens)
- 5-Fluorouracil (IV)
- View all oncology medicines
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Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace specialist medical advice. Rectafox (capecitabine) must be prescribed and monitored by qualified oncology teams. Do not self-medicate.
References
- Clinical oncology guidelines for colorectal and breast cancer
- Pharmacology and safety literature for capecitabine and fluoropyrimidines
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