Capecitabine & Radiotherapy

Contact: (0191) 256 3536 or 256 3682 - Chemotherapy Day Unit

This information is offered as a guide to you and your family. Your treatment will be fully explained. Your doctor has prescribed for you chemotherapy drugs known as: 

Capecitabine

The drug is given in tablet form twice each day during your radiotherapy. As each patient is an individual, your experience will be different to other patients receiving chemotherapy. Common side effects that you MAY experience during treatment are: 

Nausea and Vomiting (sickness)
A small number of patients may experience some nausea as a result of this treatment. You will be given some anti-sickness tablets to take home. If you continue to feel sick, contact the day unit or your GP as you’re anti -sickness medication may need to be changed or increased. 

Bone Marrow Suppression
Your bone marrow is where your blood cells are made (these are the red cells, white cells, and platelets) to replace those naturally worn out by the body. Chemotherapy interferes with this process and the number of the cells in your blood can become lower than normal. This means following your treatment you could become.

• Prone to infection: White cells fight infection a low white count can make you prone to infection. You may develop a sore throat, cough, high temperature, shivering or other symptoms, which may be due to infection. If you develop a high temperature, shivering or any symptoms, which may be due to an infection, immediately contact your GP or NCCT.  A raised temperature is:

Above 38C (100.4F) at any time or

Above 37.5C (99.5F) at any two readings, taken an hour or more apart. 
 

• Anaemia: Red cells carry oxygen around your body a shortage of these cells is called anaemia. You may feel unusually tired, feel dizzy or out of breath and you may look pale. 

• Prone to bleeding: Platelets help to clot your blood and slow down bleeding. A low platelet count may make you prone to bleeding, this usually takes the form of nose- bleeds, bruising or bleeding gums. You will have a routine blood test prior to each treatment to monitor the effects of the chemotherapy. Please contact your GP or the unit if you experience any of these symptoms.

Sore Mouth
Following treatment your mouth may become sore and you may notice mouth ulcers. To prevent this from becoming infected you should use an anti-bacterial mouthwash, ask your doctor or nurse to recommend one that is suitable. You need to contact your doctor if you do develop mouth ulcers, as you may need to stop your Capecitabine tablets.

Diarrhoea
Your treatment can cause irritation of the bowel lining and diarrhoea. If you do develop diarrhoea please follow the instructions below: With the first loose stool take two Loperamide capsules. After each subsequent loose stool take one Loperamide capsule with no more than eight capsules in twenty-four hours. If despite taking the Loperamide as instructed you continue to have four or more episodes of diarrhoea STOP the Capecitabine and inform your chemotherapy nurse or doctor. Please ensure that you continue to drink plenty of fluids although you need to avoid fruit juices as this may increase your symptoms.

Hand - Foot Syndrome
You may experience some changes in your nails and skin during treatment. Your skin may become quite dry when having treatment over a prolonged period. Skin on hands and feet can become red and tender. Occasionally blistering and numbness can occur. Please mention any of these symptoms to your doctor or nurse.

Fatigue
One of the more common side effects of chemotherapy is a feeling of tiredness and fatigue. You may find having low energy levels tedious and frustrating but there is little you can do to alleviate this feeling as treatment continues. Accept it as a temporary side effect: give yourself time to rest and accept any offers of help from family and friends with routine housework or chores. 

Please remember side effects are usually temporary. If you experience any of them, discuss them with your doctor or nurse.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment please contact:

Monday and Tuesday 8.00am - 6.00pm         Chemotherapy Day Unit
Wednesday and Thursday 8:00am – 6:00pm 
Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm 

Telephone:  (0191) 256 3536 or 256 3682 

After hours contact Ward 37 or 38

Telephone:  (0191) 256 3537 or 256 3538

N.B. If you require further information regarding the drugs you receive, the British Association of Cancer United Patients and their Families and Friends (BACUP) produce an information booklet free of charge. The telephone number is Freephone 0800 800 1234