Capget 500 mg contains capecitabine, an oral chemotherapy medicine that is widely used in the treatment of several types of cancer. It is a prodrug, meaning it becomes active only after being metabolised in the body. Capecitabine is often preferred for its convenience as it can be taken by mouth, allowing many patients to undergo treatment at home rather than in a hospital setting. It is frequently used in combination with other chemotherapy agents or as a single-agent therapy.

Mechanism of Action

Capecitabine is converted in the body into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a well-known chemotherapy agent. The conversion takes place primarily within tumor cells, which helps to reduce toxicity to healthy tissues. Once activated, 5-FU interferes with the synthesis of DNA and RNA by inhibiting the enzyme thymidylate synthase, which is essential for cell replication. As a result, it slows down or stops the growth of cancer cells, especially those that multiply rapidly.

Uses

Capget is prescribed for the treatment of:

• Colorectal cancer including both colon and rectal cancers, often as adjuvant or palliative therapy

• Breast cancer, particularly in patients who no longer respond to other chemotherapy agents such as anthracyclines and taxanes

• It may also be used off-label for other solid tumors such as gastric or pancreatic cancer under specialist supervision

  Adverse Effects

  Common side effects

  • Hand-foot syndrome, which causes redness, swelling, and discomfort on the palms and soles

  • Diarrhea

  • Fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Mouth sores or ulcers

  • Abdominal pain