Health Guides
Capecitabine Price Guide: Generic Xeloda 500 mg Tablets
What shapes the capecitabine price, how generic Xeloda 500 mg is taken in cycles, the side effects to watch for and how to order with your prescription.
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Capecitabine is an oral chemotherapy tablet, sold under the brand name Xeloda, used mainly for bowel and breast cancer. Because it is taken at home in repeated cycles, often for several months, the capecitabine price over a full course is a real concern for many patients. A generic version contains the same active ingredient and can make treatment more affordable.
This guide explains how capecitabine works, how treatment cycles are planned, the side effects that need prompt attention, what affects the cost and how to order generic capecitabine 500 mg with your prescription. It is written for patients and carers in the US, UK, Canada, Europe and elsewhere. Capecitabine is always prescribed and monitored by a cancer specialist, and this guide does not replace their advice.
Key takeaways
- Capecitabine is the active ingredient in Xeloda. In the body it turns into the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil.
- It is mainly used for colorectal (bowel) cancer and breast cancer, and sometimes for stomach and other cancers.
- The dose depends on your body size and is taken twice a day after meals, usually for 14 days followed by a 7-day break.
- Sore hands and feet, diarrhoea and mouth sores are common and need to be reported early.
- Generic capecitabine contains the same active ingredient as Xeloda.
- A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine.
How capecitabine works
Capecitabine is a type of chemotherapy called a fluoropyrimidine. It is inactive when you swallow it. Enzymes in the liver and in tumour tissue convert it into 5-fluorouracil, which stops cancer cells from making the DNA they need to divide. Because some tumours have high levels of the converting enzyme, more of the active drug is made where it is needed.
Capecitabine may be used on its own, with other chemotherapy medicines, or alongside radiotherapy. It is given after surgery to lower the chance of bowel cancer returning, and to treat bowel or breast cancer that has spread.
How capecitabine is taken
- Dose by body size. Your specialist works out the dose from your height and weight, then rounds it to a mix of tablet strengths. Your dose may be several 500 mg tablets, sometimes with smaller tablets.
- Twice a day after food. Take the dose twice a day, about 12 hours apart, within 30 minutes after breakfast and after your evening meal.
- Cycles. A common schedule is 14 days of tablets followed by 7 days off, repeated every 21 days. With radiotherapy, it may be taken every day without a break.
- Swallow whole. Swallow tablets whole with water and wash your hands after handling them.
- Missed dose. Do not take a missed dose later. Skip it and carry on as normal, then tell your team.
Side effects to report early
Capecitabine side effects are usually manageable if they are caught early. Your team will often pause treatment or lower the dose. Contact them promptly if you notice:
- Hand-foot syndrome. Red, sore, swollen or peeling skin on the palms and soles. Keep hands and feet moisturised and cool, and avoid tight shoes.
- Diarrhoea. Four or more extra bowel movements a day, or diarrhoea at night, needs a call to your team the same day.
- Mouth sores, nausea or vomiting that stops you eating or drinking.
- Fever or signs of infection, because capecitabine can lower white blood cells.
- Chest pain, which needs urgent help.
DPD deficiency and interactions
A small number of people have low levels of an enzyme called DPD, which breaks down capecitabine. They can have severe, sometimes life-threatening side effects. Many specialists test for this before treatment starts. Capecitabine can also strengthen the effect of warfarin and change levels of some epilepsy medicines, so tell your team about everything you take.
What affects the capecitabine price?
The brand maker prices a medicine to recover the cost of research. After the patent ends, other makers can produce the same active ingredient, and competition lowers the cost. These factors shape what you pay for a course of generic capecitabine:
| Factor | How it changes the cost | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Your dose | Higher doses need more tablets per day. | Count tablets per day and per 14-day cycle. |
| Number of cycles | Courses often run for several cycles, such as eight cycles after bowel surgery. | Ask your specialist how many cycles are planned. |
| Pack size | Larger packs usually lower the cost per tablet. | The expiry date covers your planned cycles. |
| Generic or brand | Generics usually cost much less than the brand. | The label says capecitabine and the right strength. |
| Delivery | Shipping method and destination change the total. | Delivery time before your next cycle starts. |
Our capecitabine product
Our generic capecitabine product is Capegard 500, capecitabine 500 mg tablets. You can see all of our cancer medicines in the oncology category. For breast cancer patients on long-term hormone treatment as well, our guide to buying letrozole online covers planning a long supply.
How to order generic capecitabine safely
- Get a valid prescription. Capecitabine must be prescribed by your cancer specialist. A valid prescription is required for every order.
- Check your dose. Confirm how many 500 mg tablets you take per dose and whether you also need smaller tablets.
- Order per cycle. Order enough for your next cycle or cycles, and reorder before each break ends.
- Plan for delivery. Orders are shipped worldwide by EMS or registered mail in discreet packaging. See how to order.
- Keep your team informed. Tell them which generic you use and report side effects early.
Our guide on how to buy generic medicines online explains each step in more detail. If you have a question, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Is generic capecitabine the same as Xeloda?
It contains the same active ingredient at the same strength. The tablet may look different.
Why is capecitabine taken after meals?
The dose recommendations are based on taking it within 30 minutes after food, so keep to this pattern every time.
Can I take capecitabine if I am on warfarin?
Only if your specialist knows. Capecitabine can increase the effect of warfarin, so your blood clotting will need close checks or a change of blood thinner.
How can I reduce hand-foot syndrome?
Moisturise hands and feet often, avoid hot water and friction, wear soft, loose shoes, and report soreness early so your dose can be adjusted.
What happens if I run out mid-cycle?
Contact your specialist for advice. Do not double up later to make up for missed tablets.
When you are ready, you can buy generic cancer medicines online from our full range, always with a valid prescription.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace professional advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medicine. Read our full medical disclaimer.
Medicines mentioned in this guide
All medicines are supplied only against a valid prescription. Prices shown are for the smallest pack.
About this guide
Written by the rxptteam8. We base our guides on official sources such as the NHS, the US FDA, the EMA and MedlinePlus, and we update them when guidance changes. Last updated .