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Xeloda (capecitabine)
Starting Xeloda can bring up a lot of questions, for you and for the people who love you. Here you'll find what to expect, how to feel your best day to day and where to get help, so you can focus on your life and time together.
ℹ️ General information to help you and your loved ones talk with your care team, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.
Chemotherapy pill · Used for: Colorectal cancer, Breast cancer
Types and tests it may fit: HER2-positive (HER2-amplified) colorectal cancer
💊 Taken by mouth · Chemotherapy pill
The quick guide
What it is: Chemotherapy pill.
How it's given: Tablets by mouth twice a day with food, usually 2 weeks on and 1 week off. Part of CAPOX (with oxaliplatin) or given with radiation for rectal cancer.
How it works: Capecitabine turns into 5-FU inside the body, a chemo that stops cancer cells from making DNA. It's a pill form of the chemo in FOLFOX.
Side effects you may notice, and what helps at home
| Side effect | What can help |
|---|---|
| Dermatitis (skin rash and skin changes) (Hand-foot syndrome (red, sore palms and soles)) | Thick fragrance-free moisturizer, sunscreen, gentle soap. |
| Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) | Fluids, bland food; ask your team about anti-diarrhea medicine early. |
| Nausea and vomiting (CINV) | Small bland meals; take anti-nausea medicine as prescribed. |
| Mucositis (mouth sores) | Soft toothbrush and salt-and-baking-soda rinses. |
| Fatigue (extreme tiredness) | Short walks and planned rest. |
Not everyone gets these. Your team may suggest other ways to manage them.
Call your care team now if you have:
- ⚠️ Boxed warning (FDA's most serious): Bleeding risk with the blood thinner warfarin. Tell your team about all blood thinners. Also ask about DPD deficiency testing, which can make capecitabine dangerous.
- Severe diarrhea (4 or more extra stools a day), vomiting or not able to eat
- Painful blisters on hands or feet
- Chest pain
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain or signs of stroke.
🗓 What to expect
1️⃣ Before you start
- Ask your team for a written schedule and an after-hours phone number.
- Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements.
2️⃣ Each day on treatment
- Take it exactly as prescribed, at about the same time each day.
- Don't crush or split pills unless your team says it's OK.
- If you miss a dose, follow the label instructions or call your pharmacist.
3️⃣ Between doses
- Watch for the side effects below and use the checklist.
- Keep up with blood tests and visits.
- Call your team for anything in the red box.
✅ Side-effect checklist
Print this and check off what you notice so you can tell your team.
| Side effect | Noticed? | Notes for my team |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatitis (skin rash and skin changes) | ☐ | |
| Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) | ☐ | |
| Nausea and vomiting (CINV) | ☐ | |
| Mucositis (mouth sores) | ☐ | |
| Fatigue (extreme tiredness) | ☐ |
Help paying for Xeloda (capecitabine)
Generic chemo has no single manufacturer program, so the copay foundations below are your best bet.
- PAN Foundation: Copays and coinsurance, including for people with Medicare, when a disease fund is open.
- HealthWell Foundation: Grants for copays, deductibles and premiums when a fund is open.
- CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation: Help with treatment copays for insured people under income limits.
- Good Days: Copay help and some travel costs.
- NeedyMeds: Free database of assistance programs, open to anyone.
📋 Medicare: Pills you take at home are usually covered by Medicare drug coverage (Part D). Part B covers some cancer drugs taken by mouth if the same drug comes in an injectable form. See Medicare and your cancer drugs.
More: Help from drug makers · Our guide to paying for cancer treatment.
❓ Questions you and your loved ones can ask
- What is the goal of this treatment for me?
- How will we know if it's working?
- Which side effects should I call about right away, and what number do I call after hours?
- Which medicines, vitamins or supplements should I avoid?
- Will this affect my ability to work, drive or care for my family?
- What will this cost me, and who can help me with coverage?
Support for you and your family
- Fight Colorectal Cancer: Patient guides, advocacy and community
- Colorectal Cancer Alliance: Helpline (877-422-2030) and patient navigation
- Susan G. Komen: Breast care helpline, treatment assistance and education
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer: Helpline, peer support and programs for metastatic breast cancer
- CancerCare: Free counseling, support groups and financial help
- Cancer Support Community: Support groups, a helpline and the MyLifeLine online community
Questions people often ask
How does Xeloda (capecitabine) work?
Capecitabine turns into 5-FU inside the body, a chemo that stops cancer cells from making DNA.
How is Xeloda (capecitabine) given?
Tablets by mouth twice a day with food, usually 2 weeks on and 1 week off. Part of CAPOX (with oxaliplatin) or given with radiation for rectal cancer.
📄 The official FDA label for Xeloda (capecitabine), including its patient information section, is on DailyMed.
Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write