Capegard 500 mg (Capecitabine)
Capegard 500 mg contains capecitabine, an oral fluoropyrimidine prodrug that is converted to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) preferentially within tumour tissue. Capegard is commonly used in the adjuvant and metastatic treatment of colorectal cancer and in selected regimens for breast cancer. It provides an effective oral alternative to continuous IV 5-FU for many patients.
Capegard is a prescription cytotoxic medicine. Its use requires specialist oncology oversight, baseline assessments and ongoing laboratory monitoring to manage toxicity safely.
Product introduction
Capecitabine undergoes a three-step enzymatic conversion to become active 5-FU; the final step — catalysed by thymidine phosphorylase — often occurs at higher levels in tumour tissue, which contributes to a favourable therapeutic profile. The 500 mg tablet strength allows flexible dosing and is standard in many oncology treatment plans.
Capegard is incorporated into multiple protocols: as monotherapy in some metastatic settings, in combination regimens (for example CAPOX/XELOX — capecitabine plus oxaliplatin), or concurrently with radiotherapy in selected rectal cancer regimens. Regimen selection is individualised based on tumour type, stage, previous therapy and patient fitness.
Uses of Capegard 500 mg (Capecitabine)
Common indications include:
- Adjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer following surgical resection
- Treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (alone or in combination)
- Adjuvant and metastatic therapy for certain breast cancers (per oncologist decision)
- Concurrent chemoradiation in selected rectal cancer protocols
- Other fluoropyrimidine-sensitive tumours as directed by a specialist
Note: Regulatory approvals and recommended regimens vary by country—always follow oncology team instructions.
Benefits of Capegard 500 mg (Capecitabine)
Why clinicians and patients choose capecitabine:
- Oral administration: avoids need for central lines and continuous infusions in many settings, improving convenience and quality of life.
- Tumour-selective activation: higher thymidine phosphorylase activity in tumours concentrates 5-FU where it is needed.
- Proven efficacy: effective in adjuvant and metastatic colorectal cancer and used in selected breast cancer protocols.
- Flexible scheduling: commonly dosed for 14 days followed by a 7-day rest (21-day cycle), but protocols vary.
- Outpatient delivery: supports home-based therapy with scheduled clinic monitoring.
In Treatment of Worm infections
Important: Capegard (capecitabine) is a cytotoxic anticancer medicine and does not treat worm or parasitic infections. This heading is included to match the page structure.
Side effects of Capegard 500 mg (Capecitabine)
Capecitabine has a well-defined toxicity profile. While many adverse effects are manageable with dose modifications and supportive care, some can be severe and require urgent medical attention.
Common side effects
- Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia) — redness, pain, swelling or blistering of palms and soles
- Diarrhoea and abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Mucositis (oral soreness)
- Myelosuppression — neutropenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia
Serious but important risks: severe diarrhoea with dehydration, febrile neutropenia, severe hand-foot syndrome causing functional impairment, rare cardiotoxicity (chest pain/arrhythmia), and life-threatening toxicity in patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency. Seek urgent medical attention for fever, severe diarrhoea, chest pain, unexplained bleeding or severe hand-foot symptoms.
How to use Capegard 500 mg (Capecitabine)
- Take exactly as prescribed by your oncologist; do not adjust doses without medical advice.
- Common adult regimen: capecitabine is often given twice daily for 14 days followed by a 7-day break (a 21-day cycle) — dosing may be based on body surface area (BSA) in many protocols (e.g., 1250 mg/m² twice daily), but local regimens vary.
- Take each dose within 30 minutes after a meal with a full glass of water to improve tolerability.
- Swallow tablets whole — do not crush or chew unless your pharmacist provides instructions for splitting.
- Attend scheduled clinic visits and laboratory tests (CBC, LFTs, renal function) before and during each cycle.
- Do not stop therapy without consulting your oncology team; dose reductions or interruptions are common when toxicity occurs.
If vomiting occurs shortly after dosing, follow your oncology nurse’s instructions — some protocols permit re-dosing within a defined window.
How Capegard works
Capecitabine is converted to 5-FU through a three-step enzymatic process. Thymidine phosphorylase, present in higher concentrations in many tumours, completes the final conversion. 5-FU inhibits thymidylate synthase and is incorporated into RNA/DNA of rapidly dividing cells, disrupting synthesis and causing tumour cell death.
Safety advice
| Pregnancy | Contraindicated — capecitabine is teratogenic. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception and confirm negative pregnancy tests according to protocol. |
| Breastfeeding | Do not breastfeed during treatment and until cleared by your oncology team. |
| DPD deficiency | Patients with partial or complete DPD deficiency are at high risk of severe, potentially fatal toxicity. Pre-treatment genetic testing is recommended where available; otherwise monitor closely for early severe toxicity. |
| Liver & Kidney function | Dose adjustments may be required in hepatic or renal impairment; monitor LFTs and renal function as directed. |
| Cardiac risk | Rare cardiotoxicity has been reported. Report chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations immediately. |
| Drug interactions | Capecitabine can interact with warfarin (increasing bleeding risk), certain antivirals and other chemotherapeutic agents — inform your oncology pharmacist of all medications and supplements. |
| Vaccination | Avoid live vaccines during cytotoxic therapy; inactivated vaccines may be less effective — discuss timing with your clinician. |
What if you forget to take Capegard?
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 up doses to make up for a missed one.
- If several doses are missed, contact your oncology team — cycle timing and dosing may need adjustment.
All substitutes
Alternative or related treatment options (selected by oncologist):
- Intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) regimens with leucovorin
- Other capecitabine generics / branded formulations
- Combination regimens such as CAPOX/XELOX (capecitabine + oxaliplatin) or FOLFIRI/FOLFOX (IV 5-FU based)
- Alternate systemic therapies or targeted agents depending on tumour biology
Any substitution must be made by the treating oncologist following local protocols and patient factors.
Quick tips
- Take with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
- Keep skin of hands and feet moisturised and report early signs of hand-foot syndrome.
- Maintain hydration, especially if diarrhoea occurs.
- Carry a treatment card listing your chemotherapy, emergency contacts and instructions.
- Attend all scheduled blood tests — early detection of marrow suppression prevents complications.
Fact Box
| Generic name | Capecitabine |
| Brand | Capegard 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 Capegard cure my cancer? Capegard (capecitabine) is an effective component of curative and palliative regimens in appropriate settings. Cure depends on cancer type, stage, combination treatment and individual response. Discuss prognosis and personalised goals with your oncologist.
How quickly will I notice effects? Side effects often appear during the first cycle. Tumour response is assessed over multiple cycles by imaging, clinical review and tumour markers as appropriate.
User feedback
Many patients appreciate the convenience of oral capecitabine versus continuous IV 5-FU infusion. Commonly reported side effects include fatigue, gastrointestinal upset and hand-foot syndrome; most are manageable with dose adjustments and symptomatic care.
Are you currently taking Capegard 500 mg? Let us know how it is working for you by taking this survey.
FAQs
Can I stop Capegard when side effects occur?
Do not stop without contacting your oncology team. Many side effects can be managed by dose reduction, temporary interruption, or supportive care. Your specialist will advise the safest approach.
Is Capegard safe if I have kidney disease?
Dose adjustments may be necessary in renal impairment — inform your oncology team about any kidney problems so dosing can be tailored.
Can Capegard interact with warfarin?
Yes — capecitabine can increase warfarin effect and bleeding risk. If you take anticoagulants, frequent INR monitoring and dose adjustments may be required.
How should I store Capegard?
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. Capegard (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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