Is there any difference between xeloda and 5-FU?

bobby66
bobby66 Member Posts: 69
in Colorectal Cancer #1

which do you think it works best? The doctor is thinking about switching me to xeloda, but i'm not sure if i should. I understand the convenience of not having the pump, but i'm not sure which one will be better.

Comments

  • Tunadog
    Tunadog Member Posts: 235 Member
    edited January 2018 #2
    I’m on Xeloda and Avastin, as maintenance chemo

    My initial chemo was Oxiliplatin and Xeloda. Lots of information on this (Google).

    My take, Xeloda has better RR’s (response rates) in clinical trials with limited downsides.

    If you have a choice I would go with the Xeloda.

  • Mikenh
    Mikenh Member Posts: 777 Member
    #3
    One hits the kidneys and the

    One hits the kidneys and the other hits the liver (my oncologist told me this last week). Xeloda has higher toxicity. It also costs far more.

  • SandiaBuddy
    SandiaBuddy Member Posts: 1,381 Member
    #4
    Xeloda(capecitabine)

    My choice was the capecitabine for the convenience and control of taking a pill as opposed to an injection, plus my understanding was that it it slightly more effective than the injection.

  • plsletitrain
    plsletitrain Member Posts: 252 Member
    #5
    As far as the effects go, I

    As far as the effects go, I breezed through 5-Fu.  I think it had something to do with the dose of the oxaliplatin.  When I was with 5-Fu, the oxaliplatin wasn't too strong, at least as far as how my body felt.  When I shifted to xeloda (because of convenience) the oxaliplatin was probably on a higher dose it knocked me down.  I think it is reasonable to assume that the xeloda is more of a higher counting (sorry I'm just using the layman's term because I'm no doctor) because 12 cycles of 5-Fu when converted to Capecitabine is only 8.  The only downside with xeloda is I think based from what I read and accounts from others, it kinda affects the heart.  I was also having palpitations while I was at it.  I'm back on it now and so far I've also had some irregular heartbeats.  If ever you decide with the xeloda, just empty your bladder frequently by drinking lots of water.

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #6
    Pill vs. IV

    Xeloda to me was given in pill form for 6 weeks while doing radiation.  Tolerated it very well but after radiation and surgery went on Folfox (IV) and with the oxy it just kicked my butt.  Felt terrible and couldn't really get through it but did.  Some people breeze through both and work through it, me the Xeloda was easier but I'm not sure if it has the same potency as Folfox because it doesn't incorport the other drugs with it.  Hard decision to make.  Hope that all goes well.

    Kim

  • bobby66
    bobby66 Member Posts: 69
    edited January 2018 #7
    Thank you all for the input.

    Thank you all for the input. i guess i will follow doctor's advice.

  • bobby66
    bobby66 Member Posts: 69
    #8
    Mikenh said:

    One hits the kidneys and the

    One hits the kidneys and the other hits the liver (my oncologist told me this last week). Xeloda has higher toxicity. It also costs far more.

    hi,
    which medicine does what?

    hi,

    which medicine does what?

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