From the FDA Drug Label
Gastrointestinal: ... dysphagia ... The FDA drug label mentions dysphagia as a clinically relevant adverse event in <5% of patients, which is related to difficulty swallowing.
- Dysphagia was reported in patients treated with XELODA monotherapy. 1
From the Research
If you're experiencing difficulty swallowing Xeloda (capecitabine), contact your healthcare provider immediately as this could be a serious issue, and they may consider alternative administration methods or supportive care as suggested by recent studies 2. When experiencing difficulty swallowing Xeloda, it's crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent complications and ensure the effectiveness of the medication.
Key Considerations
- Xeloda tablets should be swallowed whole with water within 30 minutes after a meal.
- If swallowing is difficult, ask your doctor about temporarily crushing the tablets or mixing them with water, though this isn't typically recommended without professional guidance.
- Never break or cut the tablets yourself as this can affect the medication's effectiveness and safety.
- Swallowing difficulties might be due to mucositis or esophagitis, which are potential side effects of Xeloda, as discussed in the context of managing medication-related dysphagia 3.
Management and Supportive Care
- Your doctor might recommend temporary dose reduction, treatment interruption, or supportive care with pain relievers or oral rinses to manage symptoms.
- Staying well-hydrated and eating soft foods can help manage these symptoms, aligning with principles for managing dysphagia in various patient populations, including those with head and neck cancer 4, 5.
- If swallowing problems persist or worsen, your oncologist might need to consider alternative treatment options or administration methods to ensure you receive proper cancer treatment while maintaining your comfort and safety, reflecting the importance of personalized care plans in dysphagia management 6.