Got a Xeloda administration question

tlwelch · 06-21-2010, 06:40 AM

Hi all still relatively new here so if this post should be in some other location let me know.

So I'm in my very first cycle of Tykerb/Xeloda since being diagnosed with the recurrence. I have about a week and a half of experience under my belt so far. I take 1250 of the Tykerb and 3500 of the Xeloda daily. Overall symptoms have been mild, but definitely have presented themselves. All the standards the gambit of gastrointestinal issues, the dry irritation and sensitivity to temperature in the hands and feet. So far they are tolerable especially if I use the udderly smooth cream (which I use daily) or take immodium (which I've only had to do once).

My question is actually about the Xeloda administration. I planned to ask my onc when I see him for my first follow-up appointment on July 1. But then I remembered I had a whole group of very experienced people to ask questions of, so I came here first.

I was told take the Xeloda 30 minutes after eating. Sounds simple. But I read all the literature provided by Roche, the say "within 30 minutes after the end of the meal." To me that would imply I could take the meds at the end of the meal without delay. So I'm curious, is some wait time required, or is anytime in the 30 minute window (including immediately at the end meal) an acceptable time to take the meds?

I ask primarily, because at this point I've been getting my self engaged in something to run out my thirty minutes and occasionally get so distracted that it's an hour before I remember. I know if I took the meds right at the end of the meal I'd be less likely to get distracted, wait too long, or possibly even forget at some point.

Any help input or advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Toni

hutchibk · 06-21-2010, 03:55 PM

I usually took mine right at the end of breakfast and right at the end of dinner. Sometimes if I forgot to take it within that 30 minutes, I would eat a small snack/maybe toast and glass of milk and then take it. You are correct that it is anytime from the end of the meal to within about 30 min after...

Ceesun · 06-21-2010, 04:24 PM

My pattern on taking xeloda was much the same as Brenda. Ceesun

tlwelch · 06-21-2010, 05:43 PM

Brenda and Ceesun, Thanks so much for the info. It does make it easier to handle the wacky world of maintenance chemo knowing that I have another place to go and ask questions.

Out of curiosity, what happens if one waits too long, or takes the xeloda without food? Does it just intensify the symptoms or does something else entirely new happen?

hutchibk · 06-21-2010, 07:19 PM

There was the occasion that I took it without a meal, and I did fine, but I am guessing it's supposed to be taken with food to assist the proper absorption of it.

Also, I take my Tykerb at bedtime instead of in the AM.

Pam P · 06-22-2010, 04:16 AM

My onc. said it was important to take the tykerb on an empty stomach to aid absorption. I take it when I first wake up since I never eat anything for an hour or so anyway.

My onc. also said it was less important on the timing for xeloda to eat after a meal. Maybe the timing has less to do with efficacy and more to do with comfort. So I take one dose in the a.m. and one in the p.m. But I really don't match it to my meal pattern - I take it when I remember - it could be before or after I eat. I have had no ill gastro effects if I don't happen to take it after a meal.

tlwelch · 06-27-2010, 03:40 PM

Again thanks to all for the information. Very helpful and much appreciated. Toni

yankeebikachic · 06-27-2010, 04:16 PM

I would get up in the am and take my Ty with coffee, then workout, then an hour later or whenever I was done, I took the X with breakfast. Then took X with dinner. I never waited to take it after eating, I took at the same time so I would not forget. Hope this helps!