Capecitabine 500mg
Capecitabine · Tablet, Film Coated · Oral
Uses
Capecitabine tablets are a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor with antineoplastic activity indicated for:
• Adjuvant Colon Cancer (1.1) – Patients with Dukes' C colon cancer
• Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (1.1) – First-line as monotherapy when treatment with fluoropyrimidine therapy alone is preferred
• Metastatic Breast Cancer (1.2) – In combination with docetaxel after failure of prior anthracycline containing therapy – As monotherapy in patients resistant to both paclitaxel and an anthracycline-containing regimen 1.1 Colorectal Cancer Capecitabine tablets are indicated as a single agent for adjuvant treatment in patients with Dukes' C colon cancer who have undergone complete resection of the primary tumor when treatment with fluoropyrimidine therapy alone is preferred. Capecitabine tablets are non-inferior to 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (5-FU/LV) for disease-free survival (DFS). Physicians should consider results of combination chemotherapy trials, which have shown improvement in DFS and OS, when prescribing single-agent capecitabine tablets in the adjuvant treatment of Dukes' C colon cancer. Capecitabine tablets are indicated as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma when treatment with fluoropyrimidine therapy alone is preferred. Combination chemotherapy has shown a survival benefit compared to 5-FU/LV alone. A survival benefit over 5-FU/LV has not been demonstrated with capecitabine tablets monotherapy. Use of capecitabine tablets instead of 5-FU/LV in combinations has not been adequately studied to assure safety or preservation of the survival advantage. 1.2 Breast Cancer Capecitabine tablets in combination with docetaxel is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior anthracycline-containing chemotherapy. Capecitabine tablets monotherapy is also indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer resistant to both paclitaxel and an anthracycline-containing chemotherapy regimen or resistant to paclitaxel and for whom further anthracycline therapy is not indicated (e.g., patients who have received cumulative doses of 400 mg/m 2 of doxorubicin or doxorubicin equivalents). Resistance is defined as progressive disease while on treatment, with or without an initial response, or relapse within 6 months of completing treatment with an anthracycline-containing adjuvant regimen.
Dosage and administration
Take capecitabine tablets with water within 30 min after a meal (2.1) Monotherapy: 1250 mg/m 2 twice daily orally for 2 weeks followed by a one week rest period in 3-week cycles (2.2) Adjuvant treatment is recommended for a total of 6 months (8 cycles) (2.2) In combination with docetaxel, the recommended dose of capecitabine tablets is 1250 mg/m 2 twice daily for 2 weeks followed by a 7-day rest period, combined with docetaxel at 75 mg/m 2 as a 1-hour IV infusion every 3 weeks (2.2) Capecitabine tablets dosage may need to be individualized to optimize patient management (2.3) Reduce the dose of capecitabine tablets by 25% in patients with moderate renal impairment (2.4) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Capecitabine tablets should be swallowed whole with water within 30 minutes after a meal. Capecitabine is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 If Capecitabine tablets must be cut or crushed, this should be done by a professional trained in safe handling of cytotoxic drugs using appropriate equipment and safety procedures. Capecitabine Tablets dose is calculated according to body surface area. 2.2 Standard Starting Dose Monotherapy (Metastatic Colorectal Cancer, Adjuvant Colorectal Cancer, Metastatic Breast Cancer) The recommended dose of capecitabine tablets are 1250 mg/m 2 administered orally twice daily (morning and evening; equivalent to 2500 mg/m 2 total daily dose) for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period given as 3-week cycles (see Table 1 ). Adjuvant treatment in patients with Dukes' C colon cancer is recommended for a total of 6 months [ie, capecitabine tablets 1250 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period, given as 3-week cycles for a total of 8 cycles (24 weeks)]. Table 1 Capecitabine Tablets Dose Calculation According to Body Surface Area Dose Level 1250 mg/m 2 Twice a Day Number of Tablets to be Taken at Each Dose (Morning and Evening) Surface Area (m 2 ) Total Daily Dose Total Daily Dose divided by 2 to allow equal morning and evening doses (mg) 150mg 500mg ≤ 1.25 3000 0 3 1.26-1.37 3300 1 3 1.38-1.51 3600 2 3 1.52-1.65 4000 0 4 1.66-1.77 4300 1 4 1.78-1.91 4600 2 4 1.92-2.05 5000 0 5 2.06-2.17 5300 1 5 ≥ 2.18 5600 2 5 In Combination With Docetaxel (Metastatic Breast Cancer) In combination with docetaxel, the recommended dose of capecitabine tablets are 1250 mg/m 2 twice daily for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period, combined with docetaxel at 75 mg/m 2 as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks. Pre-medication, according to the docetaxel labeling, should be started prior to docetaxel administration for patients receiving the capecitabine tablets plus docetaxel combination. Table 1 displays the total daily dose of capecitabine tablets by body surface area and the number of tablets to be taken at each dose. 2.3 Dose Management Guidelines General Capecitabine tablets dosage may need to be individualized to optimize patient management. Patients should be carefully monitored for toxicity and doses of capecitabine tablets should be modified as necessary to accommodate individual patient tolerance to treatment [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Toxicity due to capecitabine tablets administration may be managed by symptomatic treatment, dose interruptions and adjustment of capecitabine tablets dose. Once the dose has been reduced, it should not be increased at a later time. Doses of capecitabine tablets omitted for toxicity are not replaced or restored; instead the patient should resume the planned treatment cycles. The dose of phenytoin and the dose of coumarin-derivative anticoagulants may need to be reduced when either drug is administered concomitantly with capecitabine tablets [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Monotherapy (Metastatic Colorectal Cancer, Adjuvant Colorectal Cancer, Metastatic Breast Cancer) Capecitabine tablets dose modification scheme as described below (see Table 2 ) is recommended for the management of adverse reactions. Table 2 Recommended Dose Modifications of Capecitabine Tablets Toxicity NCIC Grades National Cancer Institute of Canada Common Toxicity Criteria were used except for the hand-and-foot syndrome [ see Warnings and Precautions (5) ]. During a Course of Therapy Dose Adjustment for Next Treatment (% of starting dose) Grade 1 Maintain dose level Maintain dose level Grade 2 -1st appearance 100% -2nd appearance Interrupt until resolved to grade 0-1 75% -3rd appearance 50% -4th appearance Discontinue treatment permanently - Grade 3 -1st appearance Interrupt until resolved to grade 0-1 75% -2nd appearance 50% -3rd appearance Discontinue treatment permanently - Grade 4 -1st appearance Discontinue permanently OR If physician deems it to be in the patient’s best interest to continue, interrupt until resolved to grade 0-1 50% In Combination With Docetaxel (Metastatic Breast Cancer) Dose modifications of capecitabine tablets for toxicity should be made according to Table 2 above for capecitabine tablets. At the beginning of a treatment cycle, if a treatment delay is indicated for either capecitabine tablets or docetaxel, then administration of both agents should be delayed until the requirements for restarting both drugs are met. The dose reduction schedule for docetaxel when used in combination with capecitabine tablets for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer is shown in Table 3. Table 3 Docetaxel Dose Reduction Schedule in Combination with Capecitabine Tablets Toxicity NCIC Grades National Cancer Institute of Canada Common Toxicity Criteria were used except for hand-and-foot syndrome [ see Warnings and Precautions (5) ]. Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 1st appearance Delay treatment until resolved to grade 0-1; Resume treatment with original dose of 75 mg/m 2 docetaxel Delay treatment until resolved to grade 0-1; Resume treatment at 55 mg/m 2 of docetaxel.
Dosage forms and strengths
Capecitabine tablets USP are supplied in strengths of 150 mg and 500 mg for oral administration. 150 mg : Light pink coloured, capsule shaped, biconvex film coated tablet debossed with one side CAP and other side 150. 500 mg : Dark pink coloured, capsule shaped, biconvex film coated tablet debossed with one side CAP and other side 500. Tablets: 150 mg and 500 mg (3)
Contraindications
Severe Renal Impairment (4.1) Hypersensitivity (4.2) 4.1 Severe Renal Impairment Capecitabine tablets are contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min [Cockroft and Gault]) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 4.2 Hypersensitivity Capecitabine tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to capecitabine or to any of its components. Capecitabine tablets are contraindicated in patients who have a known hypersensitivity to 5-fluorouracil.
Warnings and precautions
Coagulopathy: May result in bleeding, death. Monitor anticoagulant response (e.g., INR) and adjust anticoagulant dose accordingly. (5.1) Diarrhea: May be severe. Interrupt Capecitabine tablets treatment immediately until diarrhea resolves or decreases to grade 1. Recommend standard antidiarrheal treatments. (5.2) Cardiotoxicity: Common in patients with a prior history of coronary artery disease. (5.3) Increased Risk of Severe or Fatal Adverse Reactions in Patients with Lo w or Absent Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase (DPD) Activity: Withhold or permanently discontinue Capecitabine tablets in patients with evidence of acute early-onset or unusually severe toxicity, which may indicate near complete or total absence of DPD activity. No Capecitabine tablets dose has been proven safe in patients with absent DPD activity. ( 5.4 ) Dehydration and Renal Failure: Interrupt Capecitabine tablets treatment until dehydration is corrected. Potential risk of acute renal failure secondary to dehydration. Monitor and correct dehydration. (5.5) . Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. (5.6 , 8.1, 8.3) Mucocutaneous and Dermatologic Toxicity: Severe mucocutaneous reactions, Steven-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), have been reported. Capecitabine tablets should be permanently discontinued in patients who experience a severe mucocutaneous reaction during treatment. Capecitabine tablets may induce hand-and-foot syndrome. Persistent or severe hand-and-foot syndrome can lead to loss of fingerprints which could impact patient identification. In Interrupt Capecitabine tablets treatment until the hand-and-foot syndrome event resolves or decreases in intensity. (5.7) Hyperbilirubinemia: Interrupt capecitabine tablet treatment immediately until the hyperbilirubinemia resolves or decreases in intensity. (5.8) Hematologic: Do not treat patients with neutrophil counts <1.5 x 10 9 /L or thrombocyte counts <100 x 10 9 /L. If grade 3-4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia occurs, stop therapy until condition resolves. (5.9) 5.1 Coagulopathy Patients receiving concomitant capecitabine and oral coumarin-derivative anticoagulant therapy should have their anticoagulant response (INR or prothrombin time) monitored closely with great frequency and the anticoagulant dose should be adjusted accordingly [see Boxed Warning and Drug Interactions (7.1) ] 5.2 Diarrhea Capecitabine can induce diarrhea, sometimes severe. Patients with severe diarrhea should be carefully monitored and given fluid and electrolyte replacement if they become dehydrated. In 875 patients with either metastatic breast or colorectal cancer who received capecitabine monotherapy, the median time to first occurrence of grade 2 to 4 diarrhea was 34 days (range from 1 to 369 days). The median duration of grade 3 to 4 diarrhea was 5 days. National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) grade 2 diarrhea is defined as an increase of 4 to 6 stools/day or nocturnal stools, grade 3 diarrhea as an increase of 7 to 9 stools/day or incontinence and malabsorption, and grade 4 diarrhea as an increase of ≥10 stools/day or grossly bloody diarrhea or the need for parenteral support. If grade 2, 3 or 4 diarrhea occurs, administration of capecitabine should be immediately interrupted until the diarrhea resolves or decreases in intensity to grade 1. [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Standard antidiarrheal treatments (eg, loperamide) are recommended. Necrotizing enterocolitis (typhlitis) has been reported. 5.3 Cardiotoxicity The cardiotoxicity observed with capecitabine tablets includes myocardial infarction/ischemia, angina, dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, sudden death, electrocardiographic changes, and cardiomyopathy. These adverse reactions may be more common in patients with a prior history of coronary artery disease. 5.4 Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Deficiency Based on post marketing reports, patients with certain homozygous or certain compound heterozygous mutations in the DPD gene that result in complete or near complete absence of DPD activity are at increased risk for acute early-onset of toxicity and severe, life-threatening, or fatal adverse reactions caused by capecitabine (e.g., mucositis, diarrhea, neutropenia, and neurotoxicity). Patients with partial DPD activity may also have increased risk of severe, life-threatening, or fatal adverse reactions caused by capecitabine. Withhold or permanently discontinue capecitabine based on clinical assessment of the onset, duration and severity of the observed toxicities in patients with evidence of acute early-onset or unusually severe toxicity, which may indicate near complete or total absence of DPD activity. No capecitabine dose has been proven safe for patients with complete absence of DPD activity. There is insufficient data to recommend a specific dose in patients with partial DPD activity as measured by any specific test. 5.5 Dehydration and Renal Failure Dehydration has been observed and may cause acute renal failure which can be fatal. Patients with pre-existing compromised renal function or who are receiving concomitant Capecitabine with known nephrotoxic agents are at higher risk. Patients with anorexia, asthenia, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may rapidly become dehydrated. Monitor patients when Capecitabine is administered to prevent and correct dehydration at the onset. If grade 2 (or higher) dehydration occurs, Capecitabine treatment should be immediately interrupted and the dehydration corrected. Treatment should not be restarted until the patient is rehydrated and any precipitating causes have been corrected or controlled. Dose modifications should be applied for the precipitating adverse event as necessary [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] .
Side effects
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Most common adverse reactions (≥30%) were diarrhea, hand-and-foot syndrome, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue/weakness, and hyperbilirubinemia. Other adverse reactions, including serious adverse reactions, have been reported. (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact 1-888-557-1212 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Adjuvant Colon Cancer Table 4 shows the adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of patients from one phase 3 trial in patients with Dukes' C colon cancer who received at least one dose of study medication and had at least one safety assessment. A total of 995 patients were treated with 1250 mg/m 2 twice a day of capecitabine administered for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period, and 974 patients were administered 5- FU and leucovorin (20 mg/m 2 leucovorin IV followed by 425 mg/m 2 IV bolus 5-FU on days 1-5 every 28 days). The median duration of treatment was 164 days for capecitabine-treated patients and 145 days for 5-FU/LV-treated patients. A total of 112 (11%) and 73 (7%) capecitabine and 5-FU/LV-treated patients, respectively, discontinued treatment because of adverse reactions. A total of 18 deaths due to all causes occurred either on study or within 28 days of receiving study drug: 8 (0.8%) patients randomized to capecitabine and 10 (1.0%) randomized to 5-FU/LV. Table 5 shows grade 3/4 laboratory abnormalities occurring in ≥1% of patients from one phase 3 trial in patients with Dukes' C colon cancer who received at least one dose of study medication and had at least one safety assessment. Table 4 Percent Incidence of Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥5% of Patients Treated With Capecitabine or 5-FU/LV for Colon Cancer in the Adjuvant Setting (Safety Population) Adjuvant Treatment for Colon Cancer (N=1969) Capecitabine (N=995) 5-FU/LV (N=974) Body System/ Adverse Event All Grades Grade 3/4 All Grades Grade 3/4 Gastrointestinal Disorders Diarrhea 47 12 65 14 Nausea 34 2 47 2 Stomatitis 22 2 60 14 Vomiting 15 2 21 2 Abdominal Pain 14 3 16 2 Constipation 9 - 11 <1 Upper Abdominal Pain 7 <1 7 <1 Dyspepsia 6 <1 5 - Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Hand-and-Foot Syndrome 60 17 9 <1 Alopecia 6 - 22 <1 Rash 7 - 8 - Erythema 6 1 5 <1 General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Fatigue 16 <1 16 1 Pyrexia 7 <1 9 <1 Asthenia 10 <1 10 1 Lethargy 10 <1 9 <1 Nervous System Disorders Dizziness 6 <1 6 - Headache 5 <1 6 <1 Dysgeusia 6 - 9 - Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Anorexia 9 <1 11 <1 Eye Disorders Conjunctivitis 5 <1 6 <1 Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders Neutropenia 2 <1 8 5 Respiratory Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Epistaxis 2 - 5 - Table 5 Percent Incidence of Grade 3/4 Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in ≥1% of Patients Receiving Capecitabine Monotherapy for Adjuvant Treatment of Colon Cancer (Safety Population) Adverse Event Capecitabine (n=995) Grade 3/4 % IV 5-FU/LV (n=974) Grade 3/4 % Increased ALAT (SGPT) Increased calcium Decreased calcium Decreased hemoglobin Decreased lymphocytes Decreased neutrophils The incidence of grade 3/4 white blood cell abnormalities was 1.3% in the capecitabine arm and 4.9% in the IV 5-FU/LV arm. ** It should be noted that grading was according to NCIC CTC Version 1 (May, 1994). In the NCIC-CTC Version 1, hyperbilirubinemia grade 3 indicates a bilirubin value of 1.5 to 3.0 x upper limit of normal (ULN) range, and grade 4 a value of > 3.0 x ULN. The NCI CTC Version2 and above define a grade 3 bilirubin value of >3.0 to 10.0 x ULN, and grade 4 values >10.0 x ULN. Decreased neutrophils/granulocytes Decreased platelets Increased bilirubin ** 1.6 1.1 2.3 1.0 13.0 2.2 2.4 1.0 20 0.6 0.7 2.2 1.2 13.0 26.2 26.4 0.7 6.3 6.2 Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Monotherapy Table 6 shows the adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of patients from pooling the two phase 3 trials in first line metastatic colorectal cancer. A total of 596 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were treated with 1250 mg/m 2 twice a day of capecitabine administered for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period, and 593 patients were administered 5-FU and leucovorin in the Mayo regimen (20 mg/m 2 leucovorin IV followed by 425 mg/m 2 IV bolus 5-FU, on days 1-5, every 28 days). In the pooled colorectal database the median duration of treatment was 139 days for capecitabine-treated patients and 140 days for 5-FU/LV-treated patients. A total of 78 (13%) and 63 (11%) capecitabine and 5-FU/LV-treated patients, respectively, discontinued treatment because of adverse reactions/intercurrent illness. A total of 82 deaths due to all causes occurred either on study or within 28 days of receiving study drug: 50 (8.4%) patients randomized to capecitabine and 32 (5.4%) randomized to 5-FU/LV.
Drug interactions
Anticoagulants: Monitor anticoagulant response (INR or prothrombin time) frequently in order to adjust the anticoagulant dose as needed. (5.2 , 7.1) Phenytoin: Monitor phenytoin levels in patients taking capecitabine concomitantly with phenytoin. The phenytoin dose may need to be reduced. (7.1) Leucovorin: The concentration of 5-fluorouracil is increased and its toxicity may be enhanced by leucovorin. (7.1) CYP2C9 substrates: Care should be exercised when capecitabine is coadministered with CYP2C9 substrates. (7.1) Allopurinol: Avoid the use of allopurinol during treatment with Capecitabine tablets. Food reduced both the rate and extent of absorption of capecitabine. (2 , 7.2 , 12.3) 7.1 Drug-Drug Interactions Anticoagulants Altered coagulation parameters and/or bleeding have been reported in patients taking capecitabine concomitantly with coumarin-derivative anticoagulants such as warfarin and phenprocoumon [ see Boxed Warning ]. These events occurred within several days and up to several months after initiating capecitabine therapy and, in a few cases, within 1 month after stopping capecitabine. These events occurred in patients with and without liver metastases. In a drug interaction study with single dose warfarin administration, there was a significant increase in the mean AUC of S-warfarin [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. The maximum observed INR value increased by 91%. This interaction is probably due to an inhibition of cytochrome P450 2C9 by capecitabine and/or its metabolites. Phenytoin The level of phenytoin should be carefully monitored in patients taking capecitabine and phenytoin dose may need to be reduced [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ) ]. Postmarketing reports indicate that some patients receiving capecitabine and phenytoin had toxicity associated with elevated phenytoin levels. Formal drug-drug interaction studies with phenytoin have not been conducted, but the mechanism of interaction is presumed to be inhibition of the CYP2C9 isoenzyme by capecitabine and/or its metabolites. Leucovorin The concentration of 5-fluorouracil is increased and its toxicity may be enhanced by leucovorin. Deaths from severe enterocolitis, diarrhea, and dehydration have been reported in elderly patients receiving weekly leucovorin and fluorouracil. CYP2C9 substrates Other than warfarin, no formal drug-drug interaction studies between capecitabine and other CYP2C9 substrates have been conducted. Care should be exercised when capecitabine is coadministered with CYP2C9 substrates. Allopurinol Concomitant use with allopurinol may decrease concentration of capecitabine’s active metabolites [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ], which may decrease capecitabine tablets efficacy. Avoid the use of allopurinol during treatment with capecitabine tablets. 7.2 Drug-Food Interaction Food was shown to reduce both the rate and extent of absorption of capecitabine [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . In all clinical trials, patients were instructed to administer capecitabine within 30 minutes after a meal. It is recommended that capecitabine be administered with food [see Dosage and Administration (2) ].
Use in specific populations
Lactation: Advise women not to breast feeding. (8.2) Females and males of reproductive potential: Verify pregnancy status of females prior to initiation of Capecitabine tablets. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception. (8.3) Geriatric: Greater incidence of adverse reactions. Monitoring required. (8.5) Hepatic Impairment: Monitoring is recommended in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. (8.6) Renal Impairment: Reduce capecitabine starting dose in patients with moderate renal impairment ( 2.4 , 8.7 , 12.3) 8.1 Pregnancy: Risk Summary Based on findings in animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action, Capecitabine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] . Limited available human data are not sufficient to inform the drug-associated risk during pregnancy. In animal reproduction studies, administration of capecitabine to pregnant animals during the period of organogenesis caused embryo lethality in monkeys at 0.2 and 0.6 times the exposure (AUC) in patients receiving the recommended dose respectively[see Data]. Apprise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognised pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20% respectively. Data Animal Data Oral administration of capecitabine to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis at a dose of 198mg/kg/day caused malformations and embryo lethality. In separate pharmacokinetic studies, this dose in mice produced 5'-DFURAUC values that were approximately 0.2 times the AUC values in patients administered the recommended daily dose. Malformations in mice included cleft palate, anopthalmia, micropthalmia, oligodactyly, polydactyly, syndactyly, kinky tail and dilation of cerebral ventricles. Oral administration of capecitabine to pregnant monkeys during the period of organogenesis at a dose of 90mg/kg/day, caused fetal lethality. This dose produced 5'-DFURAUC values that were approximately 0.6 times the AUC values in patients administered the recommended daily dose. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of capecitabine in human milk, or on its effect on milk production or the breast-fed infant. Capecitabine metabolites were present in the milk of lactating mice [see Data]. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from capecitabine exposure in breast-fed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with capecitabine and for 2 weeks after the final dose. Data Lactating mice given a single oral dose of capecitabine excreted significant amounts of capecitabine metabolise into the milk 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating capecitabine. Contraception Females Capecitabine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months following the final dose of capecitabine. Males Based on genetic toxicity findings, advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months following the last dose of capecitabine [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] Infertility Based on animal studies, capecitabine may impair fertility in females and males of reproductive potential [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of capecitabine tablets in pediatric patients have not been established. No clinical benefit was demonstrated in two single arm trials in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed brainstem gliomas and high grade gliomas. In both trials, pediatric patients received an investigational pediatric formulation of capecitabine concomitantly with and following completion of radiation therapy (total dose of 5580 cGy in 180 cGy fractions). The relative bioavailability of the investigational formulation to capecitabine was similar. The first trial was conducted in 22 pediatric patients (median age 8 years, range 5-17 years) with newly diagnosed non-disseminated intrinsic diffuse brainstem gliomas and high grade gliomas. In the dose-finding portion of the trial, patients received capecitabine with concomitant radiation therapy at doses ranging from 500 mg/m 2 to 850 mg/m 2 every 12 hours for upto 9 weeks. After a 2 week break, patients received 1250 mg/m 2 capecitabine every 12 hours on Days 1-14 of a 21day cycle for upto 3 cycles. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of capecitabine administered concomitantly with radiation therapy was 650 mg/m 2 every 12 hours. The major dose limiting toxicities were palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) elevation. The second trial was conducted in 34 additional pediatric patients with newly diagnosed non-disseminated intrinsic diffuse brainstem gliomas (median age 7 years, range 3-16 years) and 10 pediatric patients who received the MTD of capecitabine in the dose-finding trial and met the eligibility criteria for this trial. All patients received 650 mg/m 2 capecitabine every 12 hours with concomitant radiation therapy for upto 9 weeks. After a 2 week break, patients received 1250 mg/m 2 capecitabine every 12 hours on Days 1-14 of a 21-day cycle for upto 3 cycles. There was no improvement in one-year progression-fee survival rate and one-year overall survival rate in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed intrinsic brainstem gliomas who received capecitabine relative to a similar population of pediatric patients who participated in other clinical trials.
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of capecitabine tablets in pediatric patients have not been established. No clinical benefit was demonstrated in two single arm trials in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed brainstem gliomas and high grade gliomas. In both trials, pediatric patients received an investigational pediatric formulation of capecitabine concomitantly with and following completion of radiation therapy (total dose of 5580 cGy in 180 cGy fractions). The relative bioavailability of the investigational formulation to capecitabine was similar. The first trial was conducted in 22 pediatric patients (median age 8 years, range 5-17 years) with newly diagnosed non-disseminated intrinsic diffuse brainstem gliomas and high grade gliomas. In the dose-finding portion of the trial, patients received capecitabine with concomitant radiation therapy at doses ranging from 500 mg/m 2 to 850 mg/m 2 every 12 hours for upto 9 weeks. After a 2 week break, patients received 1250 mg/m 2 capecitabine every 12 hours on Days 1-14 of a 21day cycle for upto 3 cycles. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of capecitabine administered concomitantly with radiation therapy was 650 mg/m 2 every 12 hours. The major dose limiting toxicities were palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) elevation. The second trial was conducted in 34 additional pediatric patients with newly diagnosed non-disseminated intrinsic diffuse brainstem gliomas (median age 7 years, range 3-16 years) and 10 pediatric patients who received the MTD of capecitabine in the dose-finding trial and met the eligibility criteria for this trial. All patients received 650 mg/m 2 capecitabine every 12 hours with concomitant radiation therapy for upto 9 weeks. After a 2 week break, patients received 1250 mg/m 2 capecitabine every 12 hours on Days 1-14 of a 21-day cycle for upto 3 cycles. There was no improvement in one-year progression-fee survival rate and one-year overall survival rate in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed intrinsic brainstem gliomas who received capecitabine relative to a similar population of pediatric patients who participated in other clinical trials. The adverse reaction profile of capecitabine was consistent with the known adverse reaction profile in adults, with the exception of laboratory abnormalities which occurred more commonly in pediatric patients. The most frequently reported laboratory abnormalities (per-patient incidence ≥40%) were increased ALT (75%), lymphocytopenia (73%), leukopenia (73%), hypokalemia (68%), thrombocytopenia (57%), hypoalbuminemia (55%), neutropenia (50%), low hematocrit (50%), hypoclacemia (48%),hypophosphatemia (45%) and hyponatremia (45%).
Geriatric use
8.5 Geriatric Use Physicians should pay particular attention to monitoring the adverse effects of capecitabine in the elderly [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 ) ].
Overdosage
The manifestations of acute overdose would include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding, and bone marrow depression. Medical management of overdose should include customary supportive medical interventions aimed at correcting the presenting clinical manifestations. Although no clinical experience using dialysis as a treatment for capecitabine overdose has been reported, dialysis may be of benefit in reducing circulating concentrations of 5'-DFUR, a low–molecular-weight metabolite of the parent compound. Single doses of capecitabine were not lethal to mice, rats, and monkeys at doses up to 2000 mg/kg (2.4, 4.8, and 9.6 times the recommended human daily dose on a mg/m 2 basis).
Description
Capecitabine tablets USP are fluoropyrimidine carbamate with antineoplastic activity. It is an orally administered systemic prodrug of 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) which is converted to 5- fluorouracil. The chemical name for Capecitabine, USP is 5'-deoxy-5-fluoro-N-[(pentyloxy) carbonyl]-cytidine and has a molecular weight of 359.35. Capecitabine has the following structural formula: Capecitabine, USP is a white to off-white crystalline powder with an aqueous solubility of 26 mg/mL at 20ºC. Capecitabine tablets USP are supplied as capsule shaped, biconvex film coated tablets for oral administration. Each light pink-colored tablet contains 150 mg capecitabine and each dark pink-colored tablet contains 500 mg capecitabine. The inactive ingredients in Capecitabine tablets USP include: anhydrous lactose, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and purified water. The light or dark pink film coating contains hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, talc, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, and red iron oxide. Structural Formula
Mechanism of action
12.1 Mechanism of Action Enzymes convert capecitabine to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in vivo . Both normal and tumor cells metabolize 5-FU to 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) and 5-fluorouridine triphosphate (FUTP). These metabolites cause cell injury by two different mechanisms. First, FdUMP and the folate cofactor, N 5-10 -methylenetetrahydrofolate, bind to thymidylate synthase (TS) to form a covalently bound ternary complex. This binding inhibits the formation of thymidylate from 2'-deoxyuridylate. Thymidylate is the necessary precursor of thymidine triphosphate, which is essential for the synthesis of DNA, so that a deficiency of this compound can inhibit cell division. Second, nuclear transcriptional enzymes can mistakenly incorporate FUTP in place of uridine triphosphate (UTP) during the synthesis of RNA. This metabolic error can interfere with RNA processing and protein synthesis.
How supplied
150 mg: Light pink coloured, capsule shaped, biconvex film coated tablet debossed with one side CAP and other side 150. 150 mg tablets are packaged in bottles of 60 (NDC 72485-204-60). 500 mg: Dark pink coloured, capsule shaped, biconvex film coated tablet debossed with one side CAP and other side 500. 500 mg tablets are packaged in bottles of 120 (NDC 72485-205-12). Storage and Handling Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. KEEP TIGHTLY CLOSED. Capecitabine is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 Any unused product should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements, or drug take back program.
Patient information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information). Diarrhea Inform patients experiencing grade 2 diarrhea (an increase of 4 to 6 stools/day or nocturnal stools) or greater or experiencing severe bloody diarrhea with severe abdominal pain and fever to stop taking capecitabine tablets. Advise patients on the use of antidiarrheal treatments (e.g., loperamide) to manage diarrhea. [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Cardiotoxicity Advise patients of the risk of cardiotoxicity and to immediately contact their healthcare provider or to go to an emergency room for new onset of chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or lightheadedness [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ]. Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Deficiency Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they have a known DPD deficiency. Advise patients if they have complete or near complete absence of DPD activity they are at an increased risk of acute early-onset of toxicity and severe, life-threatening, or fatal adverse reactions caused by capecitabine tablets (e.g., mucositis, diarrhea, neutropenia, and neurotoxicity) [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4) ]. Dehydration and Renal Failure Instruct patients experiencing grade 2 or higher dehydration (IV fluids indicated < 24 hours) to stop taking capecitabine tablets immediately and to call their healthcare provider to correct the dehydration. Advise patients to not restart capecitabine tablets until rehydrated and any precipitating causes have been corrected or controlled [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ]. Important Administration Instructions Advise patients to swallow capecitabine tablets whole with water within 30 minutes of a meal. Advise patients and caregivers not to crush or cut capecitabine tablets. Advise patients if they cannot swallow capecitabine tablets whole, to inform their healthcare provider [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . Nausea Instruct patients experiencing grade 2 nausea (food intake significantly decreased but able to eat intermittently) or greater to stop taking capecitabine tablets immediately and to contact their healthcare provider for management of nausea [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) ]. Vomiting Instruct patients experiencing grade 2 vomiting (2 to 5 episodes in a 24-hour period) or greater to stop taking capecitabine tablets immediately and to contact their healthcare provider for management of vomiting [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) ]. Hand-and-Foot Syndrome Instruct patients experiencing grade 2 hand-and-foot syndrome (painful erythema and swelling of the hands and/or feet and/or discomfort affecting the patients’ activities of daily living) or greater to stop taking capecitabine tablets immediately and to contact their healthcare provider. Inform patients that initiation of symptomatic treatment is recommended and hand-and-foot syndrome can lead to loss of fingerprints which could impact personal identification [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) ]. Stomatitis Inform patients experiencing grade 2 stomatitis (painful erythema, edema or ulcers of the mouth or tongue, but able to eat) or greater to stop taking capecitabine tablets immediately and to contact their healthcare provider [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) ]. Fever and Neutropenia Inform patients who develop a fever of 100.5°F or greater or other evidence of potential infection to contact their healthcare provider [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception during treatment with capecitabine and for 6 months after the last dose. Advise females to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] , Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 and 8.3 ) . Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with capecitabine and for 3 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] Lactation Advise females not to breastfed during treatment with capecitabine and for 2 weeks after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2) ]
Label text from the FDA structured product label by Armas Pharmaceuticals Inc. (revised Dec 26, 2020). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Capecitabine in 1 product
Capecitabine 500mg NDC products (1)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72485-205 | Capecitabine 500 mg/1 Tablet, Film Coated | Armas Pharmaceuticals Inc. | ANDA |
Frequently asked questions
What is Capecitabine 500mg used for?
Capecitabine tablets are a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor with antineoplastic activity indicated for: • Adjuvant Colon Cancer (1.1) – Patients with Dukes' C colon cancer • Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (1.1) – First-line as monotherapy when treatment with fluoropyrimidine therapy alone is preferred • Metastatic Breast Cancer (1.2) – In combination with docetaxel after failure of prior…
What are the side effects of Capecitabine 500mg?
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Most common adverse reactions (≥30%) were diarrhea, hand-and-foot syndrome, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue/weakness, and… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Capecitabine 500mg?
Capecitabine 500mg is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including Armas Pharmaceuticals Inc..