This medicine is an antimetabolite used to treat certain types of colon, colorectal, or breast cancer in some patients. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or within 30 minutes after a meal. SWALLOW WHOLE with water. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO USE GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES to avoid exposure in case a tablet breaks. If powder from a broken tablet comes into contact with skin, wash the skin immediately with soap and water. If powder comes into contact with your mouth, nose, or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. STORE THIS MEDICINE at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once. Check with your doctor if you miss a dose.
WARNING: THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE SERIOUS AND SOMETIMES FATAL BLEEDING PROBLEMS when taken with anticoagulants (eg, warfarin). Bleeding problems have occurred during therapy and for up to 1 month after stopping therapy with this medicine. This risk is greater in patients with cancer and those who are 60 years of age and older. If you take anticoagulants while taking this medicine, your doctor will perform frequent blood tests (eg, prothrombin time / PT, international normalized ratio / INR) to monitor how your blood is clotting. Be sure to keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of bleeding problems such as unusual bleeding, bruising, or black, tarry stools. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking an anticoagulant (eg, warfarin), aspirin, folic acid or vitamins that contain folic acid, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), leucovorin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen), or vitamin E. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, inflammation or sores in the mouth, an infection, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart, kidney, or liver problems; bone marrow problems; or pain, redness, swelling, tingling, or tenderness of the palms of the hands or soles of the feet (hand-and-foot syndrome). Tell your doctor if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have severe kidney problems or a deficiency of the enzyme dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include back, joint, or muscle pain; constipation; dizziness; eye irritation; itchy or dry skin; headache; loss of appetite; mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; stomach pain; taste changes; tiredness; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience black, tarry stools; bloody diarrhea; chest, jaw, or left arm pain; decreased amount of urine; discolored skin; dry mouth or eyes; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever higher than 100.5 degrees F, chills, or sore throat; hair loss; increased thirst; leg pain or swelling; moderate to severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; mood or mental changes (eg, depression); nail problems; numbness of an arm or leg; numbness, pain, tingling, blistering, swelling, or redness in the palms of the hands or soles of the feet; pain, redness, swelling, or sores in the mouth or throat; persistent cough or wheezing; shortness of breath; sudden, severe headache or vomiting; swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach irritation and bleeding.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.