Modern and highly effective, Capecitabine, being an antitumor agent with a wide spectrum, has gained considerable popularity in the treatment of various oncological diseases.
The characteristics of the drug allow us to understand the mechanism of its effect on the process of dividing pathologically altered cells, as a result of which this process slows down. As a consequence of taking this drug in the treatment of oncology - removing many symptoms of the current illness, eliminating pain and slowing the process.
Among the analogues, the drug Capecitabine stands out both for its simplicity of use and for obtaining the result even when the process is started, because it is prescribed in the treatment of multiple lesions.
And in complex therapy, capecitabine increases its indices: when combined with agents having a similar therapeutic effect, the degree of efficacy increases, resulting in an improvement in the patient in a shorter time.
Form release and packaging
The preparation is presented in the form of capsules of oblong form of white color. Each has a mass of 150 mg, 250 or 500 mg. The number of capsules in the bottle can be different.
The drug is usually taken once a day, while the tablets should not be chewed, crushed or chopped. Drink the product with plenty of water.
You can take days at any time, regardless of the time of meal. The dose of application in a particular case is determined by the oncologist in accordance with the current symptoms of the pathological process.
Tablets are sold in a vial that is made of dark glass. The bottle and instructions for using the drug are placed in a cardboard box. The name of the preparation, the company and the country of producers, as well as the dates of manufacture and validity are indicated on the side surface of the carton.
Composition of
Thanks to the maximally balanced formula and the presence of auxiliary components, which in the most allow full manifestation of all properties of the drug, its use can be shown to those who have cancer of any severity.
Most often the drug is taken with breast cancer, oncological lesions of the digestive tract, prostate cancer, as well as cancer of the esophagus and intestines.
The formulation is as follows:
- active substance is capecitabine, a derivative of fluoropyrimidine carbamate. It has a pronounced antitumor effect, which was revealed first when exposed to laboratory mice, and then - when used in complex human treatment;
- to auxiliary components in the preparation are such substances: magnesium or calcium stearate, glycosine, food color, microcellulose.
Manufacturer
Production of the drug in question is Russia, the manufacturing company is LLC "Technology of medicines".Many buyers respond about the drug extremely positively, and in many ways the degree of demand for it is determined by its manufacturer-balanced composition.
Indications for use
The use of the drug is indicated for various types of cancer.
And due to its high efficiency and the possibility of application in complex therapeutic treatment, capecitabine perfectly shows itself in the treatment of even advanced forms of cancer.
The following are the most effective indications for treatment with the given drug:
- breast cancers;
- formation of malignant neoplasms in the prostate gland, colon and small intestine;
- for lesions of the malignant nature of the stomach.
If any stage of the pathological process is detected in the pancreas, esophagus, Capestatin is used in complex therapy to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
Contraindications
However, there is a certain number of organic conditions when the use of the drug in question is not recommended or is prohibited.
Contraindications for the admission of capecitabine include the following conditions:
- excessive sensitivity to the active substance of the drug;
- appearance of an allergic reaction during treatment;
- severe liver and kidney damage;
- with stomach ulcer in acute stage;
- with IHD;
- during pregnancy;
- in the young and middle age children under the age of 18 years.
Also, the drug is not used in the treatment of breastfeeding women, because its constituents, especially the active substance, quickly penetrates into the milk and can have a negative impact on the newborn.
Mechanism of action
The activity of the drug is explained by a special mechanism of action.
With a pronounced cytostatic effect, the active substance of the drug penetrates into the walls of the cells of the neoplasm, while acting on the cells themselves.
The positive quality of this drug can also be considered the absence of any negative effect on neighboring healthy cells, because capecitabine can be assigned to particularly sensitive people with a tendency to allergic reactions.
Instruction for the use of the drug
The purpose of the drug is performed by an oncologist, taking into account these analyzes and taking into account the patient's well-being. In this case, a special treatment is a one-time administration of a certain dose of the drug, regardless of the time of eating.
Tablets should not be chewed, crushed or chopped: rapid dissolution, even when swallowed, ensures the fastest possible penetration of the active substance into the intestinal mucosa and further into the blood.
Breast cancer usually uses a one-time dose of 150 mg. Duration of treatment is from 2 to 4 weeks: much here depends on the sensitivity of the patient's body to the active substance in question.
For complex effects with oncological lesions of the stomach, bypass and small intestine, the duration of treatment can be longer: 4-5 weeks, and after a week-long break the course of treatment can be repeated. The dose is also 150 mg. In some cases, in the absence of pronounced positive results, a daily dose of 250 mg may be given.
Side effects of capecitabine
The most common adverse event of the antitumor drug in question is:
- intestinal irritation;
- diarrhea with prolonged use;
- occurrence of a sensation of nausea and a tendency to vomit;
- tenderness in the knees, lower back, ankles;
- slight skin lesions: the appearance of rashes( if there is a tendency to allergic manifestations), redness and swelling of the skin;
- flatulence and bloating.
The listed manifestations when using the drug Capecitabine may occur with increased sensitivity to the active ingredient and other components of the drug, as well as with its continued use.
Overdose
In overdose, all signs accompanying food poisoning are noted: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea. Immediately flush the stomach and take a cleanser.
Special instructions
Special instructions include the period of pregnancy in women, children's age( up to 18 years), as well as the time of breastfeeding. At this time, the drug is not recommended because of its likely toxicity.
Compatibility
The drug Capecitabine is compatible with many drugs used in the treatment of cancer.
Manifesting his qualities in a greater degree when combined therapy with drugs that have a similar medicinal effect. Capecitabine is well combined with the use of various antibacterial drugs, has no pronounced sedative effect.
Patient Reviews
According to the majority of buyers, the drug Capecitabine copes with the task set before it: eliminating the majority of symptoms of cancer, reducing soreness in the affected area and stabilizing the general condition of the patient.
Many people also note the availability of the drug: its value can be called quite affordable in comparison with the analogues of third-party manufacturers.
Price
The cost of the drug, depending on the volume of tablets is somewhat different. So, tablets of 500 mg( pack) are in the pharmacy from 980 to 1 010 rubles.
Analogues of Capecitabine
To drugs that can be called analogues of the drug in question, you can refer:
- Xeloda is also a high-performance agent with a minimum of side effects.
- Tutabin is an analogue with an affordable price.
- Cabecin, similar to the drug Capecitabine in its composition.
Synonyms for
Synonyms include capecitabine-TL and Capecitover.
Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies
The drug Capecitabine is sold in pharmacies subject to the prescription of a doctor.
Storage conditions and shelf life
Storage of the preparation should be carried out in a dry room with a constant moisture, with insignificant temperature changes. Also, children and pets should be protected from possible contact with this medication.