Buy Xeloda
Xeloda
Xeloda Properties
About Xeloda
Generic Xeloda (Capecitabine) is an oral chemotherapy pill approved in Australia for the treatment of several solid tumours, including colorectal, breast and gastric cancers. The active ingredient, capecitabine, is a pro-drug that is converted in the body to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a well-known antimetabolite that interferes with DNA synthesis. Xeloda is usually prescribed in 500 mg tablets and is taken in cycles that alternate treatment days with rest periods, allowing cancer cells to be targeted while giving normal tissues time to recover.
What is Generic Xeloda (Capecitabine)?
Generic Xeloda (Capecitabine) belongs to the class of antineoplastic agents known as fluoropyrimidines. It received Australian approval in 200 under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) after demonstrating comparable efficacy to intravenous 5-FU in pivotal Phase III trials. The product is supplied as a film-coated tablet intended for oral administration, and its regulatory status is prescription-only (Schedule 4). Being a generic version, it is bioequivalent to the brand-named Xeloda produced by Roche, offering the same clinical benefits at a lower cost.
How Xeloda Works
Capecitabine is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes a three-step enzymatic conversion. First, hepatic carboxylesterases remove the protective carbamate group, forming 5′-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine (5′-DFCR). Next, cytidine deaminase, present in both liver and tumour tissue, converts 5′-DFCR to 5′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5′-DFUR). Finally, thymidine phosphorylase-an enzyme that is markedly over-expressed in many tumour cells-cleaves 5′-DFUR to release the active metabolite 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
5-FU incorporates into RNA and inhibits thymidylate synthase, a key enzyme for synthesising thymidine nucleotides. The resulting disruption of DNA synthesis leads to apoptosis, particularly in rapidly dividing cancer cells. Because thymidine phosphorylase activity is higher in tumour tissue than in most normal organs, the conversion of capecitabine to 5-FU is preferentially localised, enhancing tumour selectivity and reducing systemic toxicity compared with direct 5-FU infusion.
Pharmacokinetic studies in Australian cohorts show that capecitabine reaches peak plasma concentrations 1-2 hours after ingestion, with an effective half-life of .5-1 hour for the active metabolite. Food modestly slows absorption but does not affect overall exposure, allowing the drug to be taken with meals to minimise gastrointestinal discomfort.
Why Xeloda Is Used for Cancer Treatment
- Colorectal cancer (adjuvant and metastatic): Capecitabine’s conversion to 5-FU mirrors the standard oxaliplatin-based regimens. Clinical trials (e.g., the XELOX study) demonstrated non-inferior disease-free survival with a more convenient oral schedule, making it a first-line option in many Australian guidelines.
- Breast cancer (metastatic, HER2-negative): When combined with taxanes, capecitabine improves response rates, especially after failure of anthracycline therapy. Its oral route enables outpatient management, aligning with patient-centred care models.
- Gastric and gastro-oesophageal cancers: Capecitabine plus cisplatin or oxaliplatin yields survival benefits comparable to infused 5-FU, while sparing patients repeated hospital visits.
- Head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma: In postoperative settings, capecitabine offers an alternative to continuous 5-FU infusion, reducing catheter-related complications.
In each indication, the drug’s mechanism-selective intratumoural activation-addresses the core pathology of uncontrolled cell proliferation. Compared with intravenous fluorouracil, Xeloda provides similar efficacy with the added advantage of oral administration, which aligns with Australian Cancer Care Standards encouraging outpatient regimens when feasible.
Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Xeloda
Evidence from Phase II trials suggests potential activity of capecitabine in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and in certain sarcomas when combined with targeted agents. however, these uses are not approved by the TGA. Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
Is Xeloda Right for You?
Xeloda is generally suitable for adults with adequate organ function who can adhere to a strict dosing schedule. It is often chosen for patients who prefer to avoid infusion centers, such as those living in regional areas of Australia. Special considerations include:
- Renal impairment: Dose reductions are required when creatinine clearance falls below 50 mL/min because the drug and its metabolites are renally excreted.
- Hepatic dysfunction: Mild to moderate liver disease may increase exposure; clinicians usually adjust the total daily dose.
- Elderly patients: Age alone is not a contraindication, but frailty and co-morbidities necessitate careful monitoring for toxicity.
- Pregnancy and lactation: Capecitabine is teratogenic in animal studies; it is contraindicated during pregnancy and discouraged while breastfeeding.
Patients with known hypersensitivity to fluoropyrimidines should avoid Xeloda, and those with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency are at heightened risk of severe toxicity.
Taking Xeloda Effectively
- Dosing schedule: The standard regimen is 125 mg/m² taken twice daily for 14 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day rest. For a 500 mg tablet, the dose is divided accordingly based on body surface area.
- With food: Consume each dose with a modest meal to reduce nausea and diarrhoea. Avoid high-fat meals that could delay absorption.
- Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten within 12 hours, take it promptly; otherwise skip it and continue the regular schedule. Do not double-dose to compensate.
- Hydration: Adequate fluid intake helps prevent renal accumulation of metabolites and mitigates hand-foot syndrome.
- Travel: Carry a written copy of the prescription and a brief treatment plan; Australia’s remote pharmacies often require a pharmacist’s verification for controlled chemotherapy agents.
Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them
- Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia): Caused by capillary leakage of the metabolite into the skin. Patients should moisturise hands and feet, avoid tight shoes, and report early redness. Dose interruptions often resolve the condition.
- Diarrhoea: Resulting from mucosal irritation by 5-FU. Start with loperamide at the first loose stool and maintain hydration with oral rehydration solutions. Persistent diarrhoea warrants dose reduction.
- Mucositis: Inflammation of the oral cavity can be mitigated with bland diets, saline mouth rinses, and topical benzydamine.
- Myelosuppression: Though less common than with intravenous 5-FU, regular blood counts are essential. If neutropenia develops, treatment may be paused and growth-factor support considered.
- Severe reactions: Rarely, patients experience myocardial ischaemia or severe allergic reactions. Immediate medical attention is required if chest pain, dyspnoea, or anaphylaxis signs appear.
Most mild-to-moderate adverse events are manageable with supportive care and, when necessary, temporary dose adjustments.
Buying Xeloda from Our Online Pharmacy
Why Choose Our Service?
Access to oncology medicines can be limited in regional Australia or for patients without private health coverage. Our online pharmacy offers a discreet, regulated channel to obtain Xeloda when local pharmacies face shortages, ensuring continuity of treatment without compromising safety.
Quality & Safety
We partner with licensed international suppliers that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices and Australian TGA requirements. Each batch is verified through independent laboratories to confirm potency and purity before dispatch.
Pricing & Access
Because Xeloda is supplied as a generic, the cost per 500 mg tablet is markedly lower than the brand counterpart. Our platform provides a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, and bulk purchases further reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients on long-term cycles.
Discreet Delivery
Orders are packaged in neutral, tamper-evident envelopes. Express shipping typically arrives within seven days to major Australian cities, while standard delivery reaches remote areas within three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What should I do if I experience severe hand-foot redness? Reduce the dose or pause treatment for a few days, apply a thick moisturiser, and avoid activities that put pressure on the affected skin. Contact your oncology team if the area becomes painful or blistered.
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Can Xeloda be taken with other chemotherapy agents? Yes, it is often combined with oxaliplatin, irinotecan, or taxanes in approved regimens. However, the combination schedule must be prescribed by a qualified oncologist to manage overlapping toxicities.
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Is dose adjustment necessary for elderly patients? Age alone is not a trigger for reduction, but clinicians assess renal function, liver enzymes, and performance status before finalising the dose.
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How does Xeloda compare with intravenous 5-FU in terms of efficacy? Large Phase III trials have shown comparable overall survival and progression-free survival, with the added convenience of oral administration and fewer catheter-related complications.
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Will food affect the effectiveness of Xeloda? Food slows absorption slightly but does not change the total exposure. Taking the pill with meals is recommended to lessen gastrointestinal upset.
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What monitoring is required during treatment? Regular CBC, renal and hepatic panels every 2-3 weeks, and assessment for dermatologic toxicity are standard. Adjustments are made based on laboratory trends and clinical symptoms.
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Can I purchase Xeloda without a prescription through your service? No. Australian law requires a valid physician’s prescription for all Schedule 4 oncology medicines, and our pharmacy verifies each order accordingly.
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Are there any natural supplements that interfere with Xeloda? Some herbal products, such as St. John’s wort, can induce hepatic enzymes and potentially reduce capecitabine activation. Discuss any supplements with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
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What is the expected duration of a typical treatment cycle? A standard cycle consists of 14 days of dosing followed by a 7-day rest period; many protocols repeat this 21-day cycle for 6-12 months, depending on response and tolerance.
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Is Xeloda safe for patients with mild liver disease? Mild hepatic impairment usually allows standard dosing, but moderate to severe dysfunction requires dose reduction and closer monitoring of liver enzymes.
Glossary
- Pro-drug
- An inactive compound that is metabolised in the body to produce an active pharmacological agent.
- Thymidine phosphorylase
- An enzyme abundant in many tumour cells that catalyses the final step converting capecitabine into 5-fluorouracil.
- Hand-foot syndrome
- A dermatologic toxicity characterised by redness, swelling, and pain on the palms and soles, often seen with fluoropyrimidines.
Disclaimer
The information provided about Xeloda is for general knowledge only and does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions, including those regarding off-label use, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are assumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy offers access to Xeloda for individuals who may encounter limited availability through traditional pharmacies or who seek affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.
