Buy Capnat
Capnat

$2.98
Active Ingredient
Delivery
Airmail (14-21 days) | EMS trackable (5-9 days)
Prescription
Issued on site / Included
Availability
In Stock
Product is shipped in a fully discreet envelope with no content disclosure, including all required documentation inside

Capnat Properties

Active Ingredients
Primary Category
Therapeutic Class
Pharmacological Class
Fluoropyrimidine Analog
Dosage Forms
Tablets
Administration Route
Oral
Mechanism of Action
Converts into 5-fluorouracil in the body, which interferes with cancer cell DNA synthesis and growth.
Prescription Status
Rx
Patient Summary
Targeted chemotherapy medication used to treat various types of cancer by disrupting cancer cell reproduction.
Onset Time
Absorbed within hours
Duration
Treatment cycle dependent
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, away from moisture
Drug Interactions
Age Restrictions
Adult use only
Pregnancy Use
Contraindicated during pregnancy
Alternative Drugs

About Capnat

Generic Capnat (Capecitabine) is an oral chemotherapy agent prescribed for certain solid tumours, most notably metastatic colorectal and breast cancers. It belongs to the antimetabolite class and works by mimicking natural nucleotides, thereby disrupting DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. In Australia, the medication is approved for use under the therapeutic umbrella of cancer treatment and is supplied in 500 mg film-coated tablets. While its primary indication targets advanced malignancies, clinicians sometimes consider it for other tumour types under specialist guidance.

What is Generic Capnat (Capecitabine)?

Generic Capnat (Capecitabine) is a pro-drug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) marketed as a convenient oral alternative to intravenous 5-FU. The product received TGA approval in 2002 and is classified as a prescription-only medicine (S4) in Australia. It contains the same active ingredient as the branded formulation Xeloda, meaning it must meet the same quality, safety and efficacy standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Because it is a generic, patients benefit from lower out-of-pocket costs while receiving bio-equivalent exposure to capecitabine.

How Capnat Works

Capecitabine is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes a three-step enzymatic conversion. First, hepatic carboxylesterases cleave the molecule to 5′-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine (5′-dFCR). Second, cytidine deaminase transforms 5′-dFCR into 5′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5′-dFUR). Finally, the tumour-associated enzyme thymidine phosphorylase-present in markedly higher concentrations within many cancers-converts 5′-dFUR to the active chemotherapeutic 5-FU. Once inside the cell, 5-FU is incorporated into RNA and, after further phosphorylation, forms fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP), which irreversibly inhibits thymidylate synthase. This blockade prevents the synthesis of thymidine, a nucleotide essential for DNA replication, leading to selective death of proliferating tumour cells while sparing most normal tissues where thymidine phosphorylase activity is lower.

Pharmacokinetic studies in healthy volunteers show peak plasma concentrations of capecitabine at 1-2 hours post-dose, with 5-FU appearing later as a result of metabolic conversion. The terminal half-life of 5-FU is approximately 45 minutes, but its intracellular effects persist because of enzyme inhibition. Food modestly reduces the rate of absorption, so dosing is usually taken within 30 minutes after meals to minimise gastrointestinal upset while preserving exposure.

Why Capnat Is Used for Cancer Treatment, Chemotherapy Conditions

  • Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) - Capecitabine provides a convenient oral regimen that delivers systemic 5-FU exposure comparable to continuous infusion. Its tumour-targeted activation yields higher intratumoural concentrations, a key reason guideline committees (e.g., NCCN, ESMO) list it as a preferred fluoropyrimidine in first-line combination therapy with oxaliplatin or irinotecan.
  • Her-2-negative metastatic breast cancer - When combined with agents such as trastuzumab or taxanes, capecitabine improves progression-free survival in patients previously exposed to anthracyclines, making it a standard option in later-line settings.
  • Gastric and oesophageal adenocarcinoma - Trials demonstrate non-inferiority to infused 5-FU when used with cisplatin, offering patients an oral alternative without compromising response rates.
  • Head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma - In concurrent chemoradiation protocols, capecitabine substitutes for 5-FU, simplifying administration while maintaining radiosensitising effects.
  • Pancreatic cancer (selected protocols) - Used in combination with gemcitabine, capecitabine adds modest activity and is incorporated into some regimen adaptations.

In each of these contexts, the drug’s selective activation within tumour tissue and its oral delivery format improve patient convenience and adherence, key determinants of therapeutic success.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Capnat

Some investigators have explored capecitabine in adjuvant settings for early-stage colorectal cancer, in combination with immunotherapy agents for microsatellite-unstable tumours, and as part of metronomic schedules aiming to exploit anti-angiogenic effects. Although early-phase studies suggest potential benefit, these applications have not received TGA endorsement for routine use in Australia. Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Is Capnat Right for You?

Capecitabine is most appropriate for adults with solid tumours that are known to respond to fluoropyrimidine therapy, especially when oral administration aligns with patient lifestyle or when infusion centres are inaccessible. It is generally well-tolerated in patients with normal renal and hepatic function; however, dose adjustments are required for creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min or for moderate hepatic impairment. Pregnancy is contraindicated because of demonstrated teratogenicity in animal studies, and breastfeeding mothers are advised against exposure. Elderly patients can use the drug safely provided organ function is assessed and dosing is individualized. Contraindications such as known hypersensitivity to capecitabine or other fluoropyrimidines, and severe dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency, are highlighted in the product information and must be respected.

Taking Capnat Effectively

  • Timing: Consume each 500 mg tablet within 30 minutes after a meal; this reduces nausea and stabilises plasma concentrations.
  • Cycle schedule: Standard regimens prescribe twice-daily dosing for 14 consecutive days followed by a 7-day rest, constituting a 21-day cycle. Adherence to the rest period is crucial to allow bone-marrow recovery.
  • Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as it is less than 12 hours before the next scheduled dose; in that case, skip the missed tablet and resume the regular schedule.
  • Drug interactions: Antacids containing magnesium or aluminium can lower capecitabine absorption; separate administration by at least two hours. Concurrent use of strong CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole) may increase toxicity risk and warrants dose modification.
  • Travel considerations: Carry a written prescription and keep tablets in original packaging to satisfy customs regulations. For prolonged trips, discuss potential dose adjustments with the oncology team.

Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them

  • Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia): Occurs because capecitabine-derived 5-FU accumulates in capillary-rich skin. Patients should moisturise daily, avoid tight footwear, and limit exposure to heat. Dose reduction or temporary interruption often resolves symptoms.
  • Diarrhoea: Resulting from mucosal injury in the gastrointestinal tract. Initiate oral rehydration solutions early, and employ antidiarrhoeal agents such as loperamide at the first sign of loose stools. Persistent diarrhoea warrants medical review.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Linked to direct gastric irritation and central stimulation by 5-FU. Taking the tablet after food, using prophylactic antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron), and staying hydrated mitigate severity.
  • Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia): Reflects 5-FU’s impact on rapidly dividing marrow precursors. Routine blood counts before each cycle enable early detection; dose adjustments are guided by absolute neutrophil count and platelet levels.
  • Cardiotoxicity (rare): Chest discomfort may arise from coronary vasospasm. Prompt evaluation is essential; discontinuation is recommended if cardiac symptoms develop.

Most adverse events are dose-dependent and improve with supportive care or cycle-based dose reductions. Patients should contact their oncology team immediately if they observe severe skin reactions, febrile neutropenia, or unexplained bleeding.

Buying Capnat from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service?

Our online pharmacy bridges the gap for Australians who face limited local stock or long waiting periods for specialised oncology medicines. By partnering with accredited wholesalers, we secure a reliable supply of capecitabine tablets at prices that are often lower than conventional retail pharmacies.

Quality & Safety

We facilitate orders through licensed international pharmacies that operate under stringent regulatory frameworks aligned with TGA standards. Every shipment is verified for authenticity, and our pharmacists perform a final check to ensure the correct dosage and packaging.

Pricing & Access

Because Capnat is a generic formulation, it delivers the same therapeutic exposure as the brand-name product at a fraction of the cost. Our platform offers a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, and we provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Discreet Delivery

Orders are dispatched in unmarked packaging to protect privacy. Express shipping typically arrives within 7 business days, while the standard option reaches you in 3 weeks. Tracking information is provided for every parcel.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What should I do if I experience severe hand-foot redness? Reduce the dose or pause treatment after consulting your oncologist, apply thick moisturisers, and avoid heat exposure. Early intervention prevents progression to painful blistering.

  • Can I take Capnat with other chemotherapy agents? Capecitabine is frequently combined with oxaliplatin, irinotecan, or targeted therapies such as trastuzumab. Combination regimens are designed by specialists to maximise efficacy while monitoring overlapping toxicities.

  • Is dose adjustment needed for renal impairment? Yes. For creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min, the standard dose is usually reduced by 25-50 % to limit accumulation of the active metabolite and reduce the risk of severe toxicity.

  • How does Capnat differ from intravenous 5-FU? Both deliver 5-FU, but capecitabine’s tumour-selective activation allows higher intratumoural concentrations with fewer infusion-related complications. Oral administration also improves convenience and reduces hospital visits.

  • Will taking Capnat affect my ability to drive? Fatigue and occasional dizziness can occur, especially during the first treatment cycle. Patients should assess their own response before operating a vehicle and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.

  • Are there dietary restrictions while on Capnat? No specific foods need to be avoided, but a balanced diet supports bone-marrow recovery. Alcohol should be limited because it can exacerbate liver toxicity and increase nausea.

  • Can I use herbal supplements alongside Capnat? Some botanicals, such as St. John’s wort, interfere with drug metabolism and may alter capecitabine exposure. Always disclose all supplements to your oncologist before starting or stopping them.

  • What monitoring is required during treatment? Baseline and pre-cycle complete blood counts, liver and renal function tests, and periodic assessment of skin toxicity are standard. Imaging studies are performed per protocol to evaluate tumour response.

  • Is Capnat covered by Medicare or private health funds? Prescription coverage varies by plan. Because it is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for specific indications, eligible patients may receive subsidised pricing; otherwise, out-of-pocket costs apply.

  • How long will I stay on Capnat? Treatment duration is individualized-some patients receive several cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, while others may stop earlier if a complete response is achieved.

Glossary

Pro-drug
An inactive compound that is metabolised in the body to produce an active pharmacologic agent.
Thymidine phosphorylase
An enzyme highly expressed in many tumour cells that converts capecitabine’s intermediate into the cytotoxic agent 5-fluorouracil.
Hand-foot syndrome
A skin reaction characterised by redness, swelling, and pain on the palms and soles, commonly associated with fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy.
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency
A genetic condition that impairs breakdown of 5-FU, markedly increasing the risk of severe toxicity from capecitabine.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Capnat is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical consultation. Any off-label application should be undertaken only under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are presumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy provides a convenient access route for individuals who may encounter limited availability through traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies or who seek cost-effective generic alternatives. Always discuss any medication changes, including initiation, dose adjustments, or discontinuation, with your treating physician.

External Resources about Capnat


Information Prepared By

Sarah Jones
Tosin (Olalekan) Olaluwoye, MD, PhD