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Capecitabine

Prescription ANDA TE AB Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Capecitabine
Generic name
Capecitabine
Dosage form
Tablet
Route
Oral
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
5
Packages
9
Data completeness
82% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Capecitabine 150 mg/1 200327 View
Capecitabine 500 mg/1 200327 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Tablet
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
14

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors [MoA] MoA All 26 members
Nucleoside Metabolic Inhibitor [EPC] EPC All 22 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
204345
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
December 4, 2020
Sponsor
DR REDDYS
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
4
Products approved under application 204345.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
204345-001 CAPECITABINE TABLET CAPECITABINE Prescription AB
204345-002 CAPECITABINE TABLET CAPECITABINE Prescription AB RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 204345.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 5 Labeling Approved May 7, 2026 Standard
Supplement 3 Labeling Approved March 31, 2025 Standard
Supplement 1 Labeling Approved January 14, 2022 Standard
Original application 1 Approved December 4, 2020 —

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260708). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260708 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20251120 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20251120

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING: SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS OR DEATH IN PATIENTS WITH COMPLETE DPD DEFICIENCY and INCREASED RISK OF BLEEDING WITH CONCOMITANT USE OF VITAMIN K ANTAGONISTS Increased risk of serious adverse reactions or death in patients with complete DPD deficiency Test patients for genetic variants of DPYD prior to initiating capecitabine tablets unless immediate treatment is necessary. Avoid use of capecitabine tablets in patients with certain homozygous or compound heterozygous DPYD variants that result in complete DPD deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Increased risk of bleeding with concomitant use of Vitamin K antagonists Altered coagulation parameters and/or bleeding, including death, have been reported in patients taking capecitabine tablets concomitantly with oral vitamin K antagonists, such as warfarin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Drug Interactions (7.2) ] . Clinically significant increases in prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) have been reported in patients who were on stable doses of a vitamin K antagonist at the time capecitabine tablets was introduced. These events occurred in patients with and without liver metastases. Monitor INR more frequently and adjust the dose of the vitamin K antagonist as appropriate [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ]. WARNING: SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS OR DEATH IN PATIENTS WITH COMPLETE DPD DEFICIENCY and BLEEDING WITH CONCOMITANT USE OF VITAMIN K ANTAGONISTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Serious adverse reactions or death may occur in patients with complete DPD deficiency. Test patients for genetic variants of DPYD prior to initiating capecitabine tablets unless immediate treatment is necessary. Avoid use of capecitabine tablets in patients with certain homozygous or compound heterozygous DPYD variants that result in complete DPD deficiency. (5.1) Altered coagulation parameters and/or bleeding, including death, have been reported in patients taking capecitabine tablets concomitantly with oral vitamin K antagonists. (5.2, 7.2 ) Monitor international normalized ratio (INR) more frequently and adjust the dose of the vitamin K antagonist as appropriate. (7.2)

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES SECTION Boxed Warning (10/2025) Dosage and Administration (2.1) (10/2025) Warnings and Precautions (5.1) (10/2025)

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Capecitabine tablet is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor indicated for: Colorectal Cancer • adjuvant treatment of patients with Stage III colon cancer as a single agent or as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen. ( 1.1 ) • perioperative treatment of adults with locally advanced rectal cancer as a component of chemoradiotherapy. ( 1.1 ) • treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer as a single agent or as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen. ( 1.1 ) Breast Cancer • treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer as a single agent if an anthracycline-or taxane-containing chemotherapy is not indicated. ( 1.2 ) • treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with docetaxel after disease progression on prior anthracycline-containing chemotherapy. ( 1.2 ) Gastric, Esophageal, or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer • treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic gastric, esophageal, or gastroesophageal junction cancer as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen. ( 1.3 ) • treatment of adults with HER2-overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who have not received prior treatment for metastatic disease as a component of a combination regimen. ( 1.3 ) Pancreatic Cancer • adjuvant treatment of adults with pancreatic adenocarcinoma as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen. ( 1.4 ) 1.1 Colorectal Cancer Capecitabine tablets are indicated for the: adjuvant treatment of patients with Stage III colon cancer as a single agent or as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen. perioperative treatment of adults with locally advanced rectal cancer as a component of chemoradiotherapy. treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer as a single agent or as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen. 1.2 Breast Cancer Capecitabine tablets are indicated for the: • treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer as a single agent if an anthracycline- or taxane-containing chemotherapy is not indicated. • treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with docetaxel after disease progression on prior anthracycline-containing chemotherapy. 1.3 Gastric, Esophageal, or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer Capecitabine tablets are indicated for the: • treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic gastric, esophageal, or gastroesophageal junction cancer as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen. • treatment of adults with HER2-overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who have not received prior treatment for metastatic disease as a component of a combination regimen. 1.4 Pancreatic Cancer Capecitabine tablets are indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adults with pancreatic adenocarcinoma as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adjuvant Treatment of Colon Cancer • Single agent: 1,250 mg/m 2 twice daily orally for the first 14 days of each 21-day cycle for a maximum of 8 cycles. ( 2.1 ) In combination with Oxaliplatin-Containing Regimens: 1,000 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for the first 14 days of each 21-day cycle for a maximum of 8 cycles in combination with oxaliplatin 130 mg/m 2 administered intravenously on day 1 of each cycle. ( 2.2 ) Perioperative Treatment of Rectal Cancer • With Concomitant Radiation Therapy: 825 mg/m 2 orally twice daily ( 2.2 ) • Without Radiation Therapy: 1,250 mg/m 2 orally twice daily ( 2.2 ) Unresectable or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: • Single agent: 1,250 mg/m 2 twice daily orally for the first 14 days of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. ( 2.2 ) • In Combination with Oxaliplatin: 1,000 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for the first 14 days of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity in combination with oxaliplatin 130 mg/m 2 administered intravenously on day 1 of each cycle. ( 2.2 ) Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer: • Single agent: 1,000 mg/m 2 or 1,250 mg/m 2 twice daily orally for the first 14 days of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. ( 2.3 ) • In combination with docetaxel: 1,000 mg/m 2 or 1,250 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for the first 14 days of a 21-day cycle, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity in combination with docetaxel at 75 mg/m 2 administered intravenously on day 1 of each cycle ( 2.3 ) Unresectable or Metastatic Gastric, Esophageal, or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer • 625 mg/m 2 orally twice daily on days 1 to 21 of each 21-day cycle for a maximum of 8 cycles in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy. ( 2.4 ) OR • 850 mg/m 2 or 1,000 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for the first 14 days of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity in combination with oxaliplatin 130 mg/m 2 administered intravenously on day 1 of each cycle. ( 2.4 ) HER2-overexpressing metastatic adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction or stomach • 1,000 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for the first 14 days of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity in combination with cisplatin and trastuzumab. ( 2.4 ) Pancreatic cancer • 830 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle for maximum of 6 cycles in combination with gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m 2 administered intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 of each cycle. ( 2.5 ) Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 for information related to dosage modifications for adverse reactions and renal impairment ( 2.5 and 2.6 ). 2.1 Evaluation and Testing of DPD Deficiency Before Initiating Capecitabine Tablets Prior to initiating capecitabine tablets, test patients for genetic variants of the DPYD gene unless immediate treatment is necessary. An FDA-authorized test for the detection of the DPYD gene to identify patients at risk of serious adverse reactions with capecitabine tablets are not currently available. Currently available tests used to identify DPYD variants may vary in accuracy and design (e.g., which DPYD variant(s) they identify). Avoid use of capecitabine tablets in patients known to have certain homozygous or compound heterozygous DPYD variants that result in complete DPD deficiency. No capecitabine tablets dose has been proven safe for patients with complete DPD deficiency. For patients with partial DPD deficiency, individualize the dosage and modify based on tolerability and intent of treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Colorectal Cancer Adjuvant Treatment of Colon Cancer Single Agent The recommended dosage of capecitabine tablets is 1,250 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for the first 14 days of each 21-day cycle for a maximum of 8 cycles. In Combination with Oxaliplatin-Containing Regimens The recommended dosage of capecitabine tablets is 1,000 mg/m 2 …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Capecitabine tablets, USP are for oral administration. Capecitabine tablets USP, 150 mg are light peach colored, biconvex, oblong film-coated tablets with ‘150’ debossed on one side and ‘RDY’ on other side. Capecitabine tablets USP, 500 mg are peach colored, biconvex, oblong tablets with “500” debossing on one side and “RDY” on other side. Tablets: 150 mg and 500 mg (3)

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Capecitabine tablets are contraindicated in patients with history of severe hypersensitivity reaction to fluorouracil or capecitabine [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. History of severe hypersensitivity reactions to fluorouracil or capecitabine ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Cardiotoxicity : May be more common in patients with a prior history of coronary artery disease. Withhold capecitabine for cardiotoxicity as appropriate. The safety of resumption of capecitabine in patients with cardiotoxicity that has resolved has not been established. ( 2.5 , 5.3 ) Diarrhea : Withhold capecitabine and then resume at same or reduced dose, or permanently discontinue, based on severity and occurrence. ( 2.5 , 5.4 ) Dehydration : Optimize hydration before starting capecitabine. Monitor hydration status and kidney function at baseline and as clinically indicated. Withhold capecitabine and then resume at same or reduced dose or permanently discontinue, based on severity and occurrence. ( 2.5 , 5.5 ) Renal Toxicity : Monitor renal function at baseline and as clinically indicated. Optimize hydration before starting capecitabine. Withhold capecitabine and then resume at same or reduced dose, or permanently discontinue, based on severity and occurrence. ( 2.5 , 5.6 ) Serious Skin Toxicities : Monitor for new or worsening serious skin reactions. Permanently discontinue capecitabine in patients who experience a severe cutaneous adverse reaction. ( 5.7 ) Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia Syndrome : Withhold capecitabine then resume at same or reduced dose, or permanently discontinue, based on severity and occurrence. ( 2.5 , 5.8 ) Myelosuppression : Monitor complete blood count at baseline and before each cycle. Capecitabine is not recommended in patients with baseline neutrophil counts <1.5 x 10 9 /L or platelet counts <100 x 10 9 /L. For grade 3 or 4 myelosuppression, withhold capecitabine and then resume at same or reduced dose, or permanently discontinue, based on occurrence. ( 2.5 , 5.9 ) Hyperbilirubinemia : Patients with Grade 3 to 4 hyperbilirubinemia may resume treatment once the event is Grade 2 or less ( < 3 x ULN), using the percent of current dose as shown in column 3 of Table 1 ( 2.5, 5.10 ) E mbryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.11 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Serious Adverse Reactions or Death from Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase (DPD) Deficiency Patients with certain homozygous or compound heterozygous variants in the DPYD gene known to result in complete or near complete absence of DPD activity (complete DPD deficiency) are at increased risk for acute early-onset toxicity and serious, including fatal, adverse reactions due to capecitabine (e.g., mucositis, diarrhea, neutropenia, and neurotoxicity). Patients with partial DPD activity (partial DPD deficiency) may also have increased risk of serious, or fatal, adverse reactions. Prior to initiating capecitabine tablets, test patients for genetic variants of the DPYD gene unless immediate treatment is necessary [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.5) ] . Serious adverse reactions may still occur even if no DPYD variants are identified. Avoid use of capecitabine tablets in patients with certain homozygous or compound heterozygous DPYD variants that result in complete DPD deficiency. Withhold or permanently discontinue capecitabine based on clinical assessment of the onset, duration, and severity of adverse reactions in patients with evidence of acute early-onset or unusually severe reactions. No capecitabine dose has been proven safe for patients with complete DPD deficiency. For patients with partial DPD deficiency, individualize the dosage and modify based on tolerability and intent of treatment. An FDA-authorized test for the detection of genetic variants of the DPYD gene to identify patients at risk of serious adverse reactions with capecitabine tablets treatment is not currently available. Currently available tests used to identify DPYD variants may vary in accuracy and design (e.g., which DPYD variant(s) they identify). 5.2 Increased Risk of Bleeding With Concomitant Use of Vitamin K Antagonists Altered coagulation parameters and/or bleeding, incl …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Dehydration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Renal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Serious Skin Toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Hyperbilirubinemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Most common adverse reactions in patients who received capecitabine as a single agent for the adjuvant treatment for colon cancer ( > 30%) were palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, diarrhea, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions ( > 30%) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who received capecitabine as a single agent were anemia, diarrhea, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, hyperbilirubinemia, nausea, fatigue, and abdominal pain. ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions ( > 30%) in patients with metastatic breast cancer who received capecitabine with docetaxel were diarrhea, stomatitis, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, nausea, alopecia, vomiting, edema, and abdominal pain. ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions ( > 30%) in patients with metastatic breast cancer who received capecitabine as a single agent were lymphopenia, anemia, diarrhea, hand-and-foot syndrome, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and dermatitis. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adjuvant Treatment of Colon Cancer Single Agent The safety of capecitabine as a single agent was evaluated in patients with Stage III colon cancer in X-ACT [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Patients received capecitabine 1,250 mg/m 2 orally twice daily for the first 14 days of a 21-day cycle (N=995) or leucovorin 20 mg/m 2 intravenously followed by fluorouracil 425 mg/m 2 as an intravenous bolus on days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle (N=974). Among patients who received capecitabine, the median duration of treatment was 5.4 months. Deaths due to all causes occurred in 0.8% of patients who received capecitabine on study or within 28 days of receiving study drug. Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 11% of patients who received capecitabine. Most common adverse reactions (>30%) were palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, diarrhea, and nausea. Tables 2 and 3 summarize the adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities in X-ACT. Table 2 Adverse Reactions (≥10%) in Patients Who Received Capecitabine for Adjuvant Treatment of Colon Cancer in X-ACT Adverse Reaction Capecitabine (N=995) Fluorouracil + Leucovorin (N=974) All Grades (%) Grade 3 or 4 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 or 4 (%) Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome 60 17 9 1%) in Patients Who Received Capecitabine as a Single Agent for Adjuvant Treatment of Colon Cancer in X-ACT Laboratory Abnormality Capecitabine (N=995) Fluorouracil + Leucovorin (N=974) Grade 3 or 4 (%) Grade 3 or 4 (%) Bilirubin increased 20 6 Lymphocytes decreased 13 13 Neutrophils/granulocytes decreased 2.4 26 Calcium decreased 2.3 2.2 Neutrophils decreased 2.2 26 ALT increased 1.6 0.6 Calcium increased 1.1 0.7 Hemoglobin decreased 1 1.2 Platelets decreased 1 0.7 In Combination with Oxaliplatin-Containing Regimens The safety of capecitabine for the perioperative treatment of adults with Stage III colon cancer as a component of a combination chemotherapy regimen was derived from published literature [se …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Allopurinol: Avoid concomitant use of allopurinol with capecitabine tablets. ( 7.1 ) • Leucovorin : Closely monitor for toxicities when capecitabine tablets is coadministered with leucovorin. ( 7.1 ) • CYP2C9 substrates : Closely monitor for adverse reactions when CYP2C9 substrates are coadministered with capecitabine tablets. ( 7.2 ) • Vitamin K antagonists : Monitor INR more frequently and dose adjust oral vitamin K antagonist as appropriate • Phenytoin : Closely monitor phenytoin levels in patients taking capecitabine tablets concomitantly with phenytoin and adjust the phenytoin dose as appropriate. ( 7.2 ) • Nephrotoxic drugs : Closely monitor for signs of renal toxicity when capecitabine tablets is used concomitantly with nephrotoxic drugs. ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on Capecitabine Tablets Allopurinol Concomitant use with allopurinol may decrease concentration of capecitabine’s active metabolites [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )], which may decrease efficacy. Avoid concomitant use of allopurinol with capecitabine tablets. Leucovorin The concentration of fluorouracil is increased and its toxicity may be enhanced by leucovorin, folic acid, or folate analog products. Deaths from severe enterocolitis, diarrhea, and dehydration have been reported in elderly patients receiving weekly leucovorin and fluorouracil. Instruct patients not to take products containing folic acid or folate analog products unless directed to do so by their healthcare provider. 7.2 Effect of Capecitabine Tablets on Other Drugs CYP2C9 Substrates Capecitabine tablets increased exposure of CYP2C9 substrates [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ], which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates. Closely monitor for adverse reactions of CYP2C9 substrates where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious adverse reactions when used concomitantly with capecitabine tablets (e.g., anticoagulants, antidiabetic drugs). Vitamin K Antagonists Capecitabine tablets increases exposure of vitamin K antagonist [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ], which may alter coagulation parameters and/or bleeding and could result in death [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. These events may occur within days of treatment initiation and up to 1 month after discontinuation of capecitabine tablets. Monitor INR more frequently and refer to the prescribing information of oral vitamin K antagonist for dosage adjustment, as appropriate, when capecitabine tablets is used concomitantly with vitamin K antagonist. Phenytoin Capecitabine tablets may increases exposure of phenytoin, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to phenytoin. Closely monitor phenytoin levels and refer to the prescribing information of phenytoin for dosage adjustment, as appropriate, when capecitabine tablets is used concomitantly with phenytoin. 7.3 Nephrotoxic Drugs Due of the additive pharmacologic effect, concomitant use of capecitabine tablets with other drugs known to cause renal toxicity may increase the risk of renal toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]. Closely monitor for signs of renal toxicity when capecitabine tablets is used concomitantly with nephrotoxic drugs (e.g. platinum salts, irinotecan, methotrexate, intravenous bisphosphonates).

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Lactation : Advise not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 ) • Hepatic Impairment : Monitor patients with hepatic impairment more frequently for adverse reactions. (8.7) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )], capecitabine tablets can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Available human data with capecitabine tablets use in pregnant women is not sufficient to inform the drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, administration of capecitabine to pregnant animals during the period of organogenesis caused embryolethality and teratogenicity in mice and embryolethality in monkeys at 0.2 and 0.6 times the exposure (AUC) in patients receiving the recommended dose of 1,250 mg/m 2 twice daily, respectively (see Data). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Oral administration of capecitabine to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis at a dose of 198 mg/kg/day caused malformations and embryo lethality. In separate pharmacokinetic studies, this dose in mice produced 5’-DFUR AUC values that were approximately 0.2 times the AUC values in patients administered the recommended daily dose. Malformations in mice included cleft palate, anophthalmia, microphthalmia, oligodactyly, polydactyly, syndactyly, kinky tail and dilation of cerebral ventricles. Oral administration of capecitabine to pregnant monkeys during the period of organogenesis at a dose of 90 mg/kg/day, caused fetal lethality. This dose produced 5’-DFUR AUC values that were approximately 0.6 times the AUC values in patients administered the recommended daily dose. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of capecitabine or its metabolites in human milk, or on its effects on milk production or the breastfed child. Capecitabine metabolites were present in the milk of lactating mice (see Data). Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with capecitabine tablets and for 1 week after the last dose. Data Lactating mice given a single oral dose of capecitabine excreted significant amounts of capecitabine metabolites into the milk. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Capecitabine tablets can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating capecitabine tablets. Contraception Females Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with capecitabine tablets and for 6 months after the last dose. Males Based on genotoxicity findings, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with capecitabine tablets and for 3 months after the last dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )]. Infertility Based on animal studies,capecitabine tablets may impair fertility in females and males of reproductive potential [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )]. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of capecitabine tablets in pediatric patients have not been established. Safety and effectiveness were assessed, but not established in two single arm studies in 56 pediatric patients aged 3 months to <17 years with newly diagnosed gliomas. In both trials, pediatric patients received an investigational pediatric formulation of capecitabine concomitantly with and following comple …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Capecitabine is metabolized to fluorouracil in vivo . Both normal and tumor cells metabolize fluorouracil to 5-fluoro-2’-deoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) and 5-fluorouridine triphosphate (FUTP). These metabolites cause cell injury by two different mechanisms. First, FdUMP and the folate cofactor, N 5-10 -methylenetetrahydrofolate, bind to thymidylate synthase (TS) to form a covalently bound ternary complex. This binding inhibits the formation of thymidylate from 2’-deoxyuridylate. Thymidylate is the necessary precursor of thymidine triphosphate, which is essential for the synthesis of DNA, so that a deficiency of this compound can inhibit cell division. Second, nuclear transcriptional enzymes can mistakenly incorporate FUTP in place of uridine triphosphate (UTP) during the synthesis of RNA. This metabolic error can interfere with RNA processing and protein synthesis.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Capecitabine, USP is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor. The chemical name is 5’-deoxy-5-fluoro-N-[(pentyloxy) carbonyl]-cytidine and has a molecular weight of 359.35. Capecitabine, USP has the following structural formula: Capecitabine, USP is a white to off-white crystalline powder. Freely soluble in methanol, soluble in acetonitrile and in ethanol. Sparingly soluble in water. Capecitabine tablets, USP are supplied as biconvex, oblong film-coated tablets for oral use. Each light peach-colored tablet contains 150 mg capecitabine and each peach-colored tablet contains 500 mg capecitabine. The inactive ingredients in capecitabine tablets, USP include: anhydrous lactose, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and purified water. The peach or light peach film coating contains hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, talc, titanium dioxide, and synthetic yellow and red iron oxides.

10 OVERDOSAGE Administer uridine triacetate within 96 hours for management of capecitabine tablets overdose. Although no clinical experience using dialysis as a treatment for capecitabine tablets overdose has been reported, dialysis may be of benefit in reducing circulating concentrations of 5’-DFUR, a low– molecular-weight metabolite of the parent compound.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Capecitabine Tablets, USP 150 mg are light peach colored biconvex, oblong shaped film-coated tablets, debossed with 150 on one side and plain on the other side and are supplied as follows Bottles of 60 NDC 59651-204-60 Carton of 10 (1 X 10) unit-dose Tablets NDC 59651-204-10 Capecitabine Tablets, USP 500 mg are peach colored biconvex, oblong shaped film-coated tablets, debossed with 500 on one side and plain on the other side and are supplied as follows Bottles of 120 NDC 59651-205-08 Carton of 10 (1 X 10) unit-dose Tablets NDC 59651-205-10 Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. KEEP TIGHTLY CLOSED. Capecitabine is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
90,992
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CAPECITABINE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
59651-204-10 59651-204 Aurobindo Pharma Limited 1 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (59651-204-10) / 10 TABLET in 1 BLISTER PACK April 17, 2018
59651-204-60 59651-204 Aurobindo Pharma Limited 60 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (59651-204-60) April 17, 2018
59651-205-08 59651-205 Aurobindo Pharma Limited 120 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (59651-205-08) April 17, 2018
59651-205-10 59651-205 Aurobindo Pharma Limited 1 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (59651-205-10) / 10 TABLET in 1 BLISTER PACK April 17, 2018
55111-496-05 55111-496 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited 500 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (55111-496-05) December 10, 2020
55111-496-60 55111-496 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited 60 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (55111-496-60) December 10, 2020
55111-497-04 55111-497 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited 120 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (55111-497-04) December 10, 2020
55111-497-05 55111-497 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited 500 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (55111-497-05) December 10, 2020
82009-112-12 82009-112 Quallent Pharmaceuticals Health LLC 120 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (82009-112-12) July 21, 2023
59651-204 59651-204 Aurobindo Pharma Limited — April 17, 2018
59651-205 59651-205 Aurobindo Pharma Limited — April 17, 2018
55111-496 55111-496 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited — December 10, 2020
55111-497 55111-497 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited — December 10, 2020
82009-112 82009-112 Quallent Pharmaceuticals Health LLC — July 21, 2023

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.