CAPEGARD 500mg Tablet contains the active substance Capecitabine. It belongs to a group of medicines known as antimetabolite anticancer agents. It is primarily indicated for the treatment of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric (stomach) cancer. Capecitabine is a prodrug that is converted into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) within the body, particularly in tumor tissues.
Capecitabine works by interfering with the DNA production of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and multiplying. This helps slow the progression of cancer and may reduce tumor size.
CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets should be used only under the supervision of an oncologist. Regular monitoring is required throughout treatment.
Uses of CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets
Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Treatment of Gastric (Stomach) Cancer
Adjuvant therapy following cancer surgery
Combination therapy with other anticancer medicines
Therapeutic Effects of CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets
CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets exert their therapeutic effect by converting into fluorouracil (5-FU) inside the body. The active drug disrupts DNA and RNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cancer cells, resulting in inhibition of tumor growth and cancer cell death. This helps control disease progression and improve treatment outcomes.
Interaction of CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets with Other Drugs
It is important to inform your healthcare professional about all medications you are taking, including prescription medicines, supplements, and herbal products.
Notable interactions include:
Warfarin: Increased risk of serious bleeding.
Phenytoin: Increased phenytoin blood levels and toxicity.
Leucovorin (Folinic Acid): May enhance both effectiveness and side effects.
Allopurinol: May reduce treatment effectiveness.
Other Chemotherapy Medicines: Increased risk of toxicity and side effects.
More Information about CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Store below 30°C in a cool and dry place.
Protect from moisture and direct sunlight.
Do not use expired medication.
Handle tablets carefully and follow medical instructions.
How to Consume CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets
CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets are oral medications meant to be swallowed whole with water within 30 minutes after a meal.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Treatment is often given in cycles with scheduled rest periods between courses.
Safety Advice for CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets
Breast Feeding
Unsafe / Contraindicated
Breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment as Capecitabine may harm the infant.
Alcohol
Caution
Alcohol may worsen side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and liver-related complications.
Liver
Caution
Patients with liver disease require careful monitoring during treatment.
Kidneys
Caution
Dose adjustments may be required in patients with kidney impairment.
Driving
Caution
CAPEGARD may cause dizziness, weakness, or fatigue. Avoid driving if affected.
Pregnancy
Unsafe / Contraindicated
Capecitabine may cause severe fetal harm and birth defects. Effective contraception is required during treatment.
Side Effects of CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Although not everyone experiences them, some patients may develop side effects.
Common Side Effects of CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Mouth ulcers
Hand-foot syndrome (redness, swelling, and pain of palms and soles)
Serious Side Effects of CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets
Severe diarrhea and dehydration
Bone marrow suppression
Serious infections
Severe skin reactions
Cardiac complications
Liver toxicity
Severe bleeding episodes
Word of Advice
Maintain adequate hydration throughout treatment and report symptoms such as severe diarrhea, mouth sores, chest pain, fever, or unusual bleeding immediately. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor blood counts, liver function, and kidney function. Follow the treatment schedule exactly as prescribed by your oncologist.
FAQs about CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets
Q1. What is CAPEGARD 500mg Tablet used for?
It is used for the treatment of colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and gastric cancer.
Q2. How does CAPEGARD work?
It is converted into fluorouracil (5-FU) in the body, which interferes with cancer cell DNA synthesis and growth.
Q3. What is Hand-Foot Syndrome?
It is a common side effect causing redness, pain, swelling, and peeling of the skin on the hands and feet.
Q4. What should I do if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Q5. Why are regular blood tests required during treatment?
Blood tests help monitor blood cell counts and detect liver or kidney-related complications early.
Fact Box of CAPEGARD 500mg Tablets
Molecule Name: Capecitabine 500mg
Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agents
Pharmacological Class: Antimetabolites (Fluoropyrimidines)
Indications: Colorectal Cancer, Metastatic Breast Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Adjuvant Cancer Therapy, Combination Chemotherapy Regimens.
