Xeloda – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, September 18, 2018 by Zoey Sky

Xeloda is a drug that hinders the growth of cancer cells and it is used to treat patients with colon cancer. Additionally, Xeloda is used to treat breast or colorectal cancer that has already spread to other parts of the body.

Do not take Xeloda if you have severe kidney disease or a metabolic disorder called dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency (DPD deficiency).

Xeloda’s generic name is capecitabine.

Known health risks or side effects of Xeloda

Xeloda may cause common side effects such as:

Constipation, stomach pain, or an upset stomach
A mild skin rash
A numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
A tired feeling

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience the following severe side effects:

Chest pain or pressure
Chills, fever, sore throat, or other signs of infection
Dark-colored urine
Diarrhea
Fast heartbeat
Mouth sores
Nausea
Pain, peeling of the skin, redness, or swelling on the palms and the soles of your feet
Vomiting

List of organs that might be affected by Xeloda

An acute overdose of Xeloda may cause the following complications:

Bone marrow depression
Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding
Nausea
Vomiting

The drug can also cause an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing; hives; or the swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

If you believe you’ve taken too much of this drug, consult a medical professional right away.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Xeloda

The following foods or nutrients have similar effects to Xeloda and can help fight cancer:

Broccoli – Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is full of phytochemicals. It also contains the antioxidants glucoraphanin and indole-3-carbinol that can help lower the risk of breast, cervical, gastric, and prostate cancers. Broccoli is a natural anti-inflammatory that’s full of nutrients. Phytochemicals are heat-sensitive enzymes, so eat broccoli raw or blanched whenever you can.
Green tea – Green tea contains catechins that are more potent than vitamin C when it comes to fighting free radical damage. Drink green tea daily to lower your cancer risk. Additionally, green tea can minimize your risk of heart disease. It can even lower your blood pressure.
Raw garlic – Garlic and other relatives in the allium family, like leeks, onions, and shallots, have potent antioxidants like allicin that can help eliminate free radicals from the body. Garlic can also boost immunity and it is a natural detoxifier. After chopping or crushing garlic, let it rest, then use it raw or add it to various dishes.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Xeloda

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with Xeloda, such as stomach pain:

Chamomile – Chamomile can help reduce vomiting and soothe an upset stomach. The herb can be taken dried and brewed into a tea or taken orally as a supplement.
Flaxseed – Flaxseed can help regulate bowel movements and relieve constipation and abdominal pain. Flaxseed can be consumed either as flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed meal.
Ginger – Ginger can ease nausea and vomiting, two common symptoms of an upset stomach. Consume ginger raw, cooked, steeped in hot water as a tea, or as a supplement. Ginger can help patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or major surgery because these treatments often cause severe nausea and vomiting. Consume a gram of ginger daily before undergoing chemo or surgery to help minimize the severity of these symptoms.