Word of caution

imagineit2010
imagineit2010 Member Posts: 152 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Just a word of caution to some on here, particularly Pat (Jaylo969). This may have been discussed previously on here but it was news to me. In researching my decision to take Xeloda for rectal cancer I did find critical information regarding the use of Xeloda on some patients. In the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol.26, #20. A study using Xeloda following F5U had to be stopped due to 80% of the patients enrolled experiencing severe side effects. This is also mentioned on the Wikipedia page for F5U. Patients also have experienced cardiac emergencies as well. It is believed the source of the complications is the use of Leucovrin (folic acid) and it's reaction with Xeloda. If the option of Xeloda is offered you for intolerance to F5U, please ask your oncologist of your risks.
Be well...

Comments

  • kimby
    kimby Member Posts: 797
    #2
    Xeloda
    That is interesting. The Leucovorin must have been given for the 5fu. Xeloda doesn't require Leucovorin like 5fu. I'm not clear why they would do a study that included both. Wow.

    Outwit. Outplay. Outlast.

    Kimby
  • Jaylo969
    Jaylo969 Member Posts: 824 Member
    #3
    Wow!
    Thank you for thinking of me. I am on Xeloda ONLY.I had Leucovrin with the oxi & 5-FU. Does this info still apply? Might the leucovrin be built up in me and cause a problem?
    If anyone knows tell me! Please...Right now I am on day 13 of 14 days of Xeloda. It has been a breeze...until noon today and All the same ole' stuff is coming back...mouth sores, neuropathy worse, bloody nose...you know, the little special 'treats' ?

    Thanks again. I will do some research and talk to my onc. next week about this.

    -Pat
  • imagineit2010
    imagineit2010 Member Posts: 152 Member
    #4
    Jaylo969 said:

    Wow!
    Thank you for thinking of me. I am on Xeloda ONLY.I had Leucovrin with the oxi & 5-FU. Does this info still apply? Might the leucovrin be built up in me and cause a problem?
    If anyone knows tell me! Please...Right now I am on day 13 of 14 days of Xeloda. It has been a breeze...until noon today and All the same ole' stuff is coming back...mouth sores, neuropathy worse, bloody nose...you know, the little special 'treats' ?

    Thanks again. I will do some research and talk to my onc. next week about this.

    -Pat

    Hope everything is alright
    Yes, it seems this would apply to you. Like Kimby said, the leucovrin is given with with the F5U (not Xeloda) and is believed to be cause of the problem with the Xeloda.The build up of Folic acid somehow does not mix with the Xeloda. Look up the Wiki on F5U or go to C3 (Colorectal Cancer Coalition) website and search Xeloda. Was there any time lapse in treatment or did they go imediately to the Xeloda? This seems to be important but the scary part was the 80% patient ratio with severe side effects. They also caution using multi-vitamins or supplemants with folic acid while taking Xeloda.
    Best of luck.
    Chris
    This is the link to the article.(maybe copy and paste into your browser)
    http://fightcolorectalcancer.org/research_news/2008/07/switching_from_5fu_to_xeloda_can_cause_significant_side_effects
  • lcarper2
    lcarper2 Member Posts: 635 Member
    #5
    imagineit2010 said:

    Hope everything is alright
    Yes, it seems this would apply to you. Like Kimby said, the leucovrin is given with with the F5U (not Xeloda) and is believed to be cause of the problem with the Xeloda.The build up of Folic acid somehow does not mix with the Xeloda. Look up the Wiki on F5U or go to C3 (Colorectal Cancer Coalition) website and search Xeloda. Was there any time lapse in treatment or did they go imediately to the Xeloda? This seems to be important but the scary part was the 80% patient ratio with severe side effects. They also caution using multi-vitamins or supplemants with folic acid while taking Xeloda.
    Best of luck.
    Chris
    This is the link to the article.(maybe copy and paste into your browser)
    http://fightcolorectalcancer.org/research_news/2008/07/switching_from_5fu_to_xeloda_can_cause_significant_side_effects

    Xe;oda
    I have been on it for 6 months no other involved and I almost don't have any legs at all no mouth or hand problems but fall alot
  • Jaylo969
    Jaylo969 Member Posts: 824 Member
    #6
    imagineit2010 said:

    Hope everything is alright
    Yes, it seems this would apply to you. Like Kimby said, the leucovrin is given with with the F5U (not Xeloda) and is believed to be cause of the problem with the Xeloda.The build up of Folic acid somehow does not mix with the Xeloda. Look up the Wiki on F5U or go to C3 (Colorectal Cancer Coalition) website and search Xeloda. Was there any time lapse in treatment or did they go imediately to the Xeloda? This seems to be important but the scary part was the 80% patient ratio with severe side effects. They also caution using multi-vitamins or supplemants with folic acid while taking Xeloda.
    Best of luck.
    Chris
    This is the link to the article.(maybe copy and paste into your browser)
    http://fightcolorectalcancer.org/research_news/2008/07/switching_from_5fu_to_xeloda_can_cause_significant_side_effects

    Yes, all is fine.
    Chris, I read the link you provided and have it bookmarked. You asked if there was any time lapse in treatment before going over to Xeloda. There was a 3 week time lapse.

    I have found in my limited research....5 months since dx... that there are so many ideas, scientific articles, etc. out there that it is sometimes mind-boggling. Most all of them sound reasonable but LOTS of them are not in harmony one with the other.This hurts us, the patient, in my opinion. Guess one of these days maybe/perhaps they will become more unified in their information.

    I will certainly talk to my oncologist about this information. I certainly do not want to have a heart attack while trying to stave off a cancer recurrance. I went to my husbands grandmother's funeral visitation tonight. She was 101 1/2 years old.She went out as gracefully as she had lived for all these years. That is what I plan for myself if possible :) Thank you for sharing. Always appreciated.

    -Pat aka JayLo ( Jaylo is my 17 pound cat..LOL )

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