Xeloda is an oral chemotherapy medication manufactured by Roche Laboratories that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat metastatic breast cancer, metastatic colon cancer and Dukes' C Stage III colon cancer. Patients prescribed Xeloda take these tablets in hopes of combating their advanced cancer, according to the manufacturer's website.
Metastatic Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer means that the cancer originated in the breast but has since spread to other areas of the body, according to the Xeloda manufacturer's website. This is the same case with metastatic colon cancer or any other cancer established as metastatic.
Xeloda Basics
Xeloda is chemically known as capecitabine and is used for metastatic breast and colon cancers as well as Dukes' C Stage III colon cancer after any required surgeries are performed, according to the manufacturer's website. When the medication is taken in pill form, Xeloda turns into a substance called 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Medical science has proven that 5-FU alleviates and even cures cancer cells in some patients, according to the manufacturer's website.
Common Side Effects
A number of side effects can result from Xeloda treatment, but most usually do not require the attention of a doctor. Some of the side effects reported on the manufacturer's website include pain, swelling or redness of the hands and feet, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, sores in the mouth, rash, constipation, loss of appetite, and dehydration. If side effects become severe and hinder daily activities, your doctor may need to adjust your Xeloda dosage.
Warning
Women who are breast feeding or pregnant should not take Xeloda, according to the manufacturer's website. In addition, those who are older than 80 or have heart problems may suffer more side effects from using Xeloda as their oral chemotherapy. Some cancers or health conditions may require periodic lab visits even though Xeloda is considered a more at-home alternative than intravenous chemotherapy, and additional drugs may be ordered by your physician. Xeloda is not a guaranteed cancer cure.
Cost
As of 2009, Xeloda comes in two dosages--150mg and 500mg. Most insurance companies, including Medicare, will cover most or all of Xeloda treatment costs. Patient assistance programs sponsored by Roche are also available for those who meet certain income guidelines. The approximate cost of 60 150mg Xeloda pills is about $410 as of 2009, and the cost for 60 500mg tablets is about $1,325.
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