Capecitabine and Hair Loss: What Users Say

• MeM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2020

Capecitabine for Colorectal Cancer "I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in January 2020. I underwent 6 weeks of Xeloda along with 6 weeks of targeted radiation. The combination shrunk my tumor by 1.5 inches which was considered a great success when I had surgery in July 2020. I had a bit of nausea and was very exhausted. Some tingling in my thumb and fingers. I also had some diarrhea occasionally. My hair has never been healthier, zero hair loss. At one point, I had some mouth tenderness but never open sores. I have recently finished 4 months of follow-up chemo (Xeloda) and am currently recovering from side effects such as extreme fatigue, muscle aches, limited nausea, and diarrhea. Also, I’ve had split and peeling skin on thumbs and fingers. All in all, my experience with Xeloda has been good. I’ve been told that there is zero sign of any cancer left, CT scan last week will tell the tale. Will know more early January but feeling very optimistic."

• Sue...
• December 12, 2016

Capecitabine for Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I have been taking Xeloda 500mg for approximately 5 months with only a few side effects. I am on one week and off the next. I am tired during the week I am on, with occasional diarrhea. I have noticed my hair thinning more, but not too extreme. I don't have any hand or foot peeling as others do. I sleep really well, and my appetite has not been affected. On occasion, my gums feel a little tender. The best part is my tumor markers continue to drop in number! This is working for me."

• Anonymous
• February 4, 2012

Capecitabine for Colorectal Cancer "I have been on Xeloda since October 2011 and haven't had any of the side effects listed. I have been able to maintain my appetite and haven't lost my hair. Actually, my hair has thinned just a little, gained a little bit more body and is getting lighter. This has been a very positive experience as far as chemo goes. I definitely will do Xeloda again (if I have to). There is a questionable mass on my lung...surgeon says cancer...oncologist not sure...and it is shrinking. I'm unsure if it is related to the combination medication I was on or Xeloda. I will hopefully determine that with this cycle of Xeloda on its own."

• Anonymous
• February 4, 2012

Capecitabine for Colorectal Cancer "I have been on Xeloda since October 2011 and haven't had any of the side effects listed. I have been able to maintain my appetite and haven't lost my hair. Actually, my hair has thinned just a little, gained a little bit more body and is getting lighter. This has been a very positive experience as far as chemo goes. I definitely will do Xeloda again (if I have to). There is a questionable mass on my lung...surgeon says cancer...oncologist not sure...and it is shrinking. I'm unsure if it is related to the combination medication I was on or Xeloda. I will hopefully determine that with this cycle of Xeloda on its own."

• exc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 16, 2022

Capecitabine for Breast Cancer "My sister was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2001. She had two recurrences over the years. In 2016 (second recurrence), she went on Xeloda. It suppressed her cancer for four years (2x as much time as the norm). Her only side effects were slight fatigue and hair thinning. When it stopped working after 4 years, she went on Verzenio, which was awful for her (terrible stomach problems, lost weight, and couldn’t sleep). If only Xeloda lasted forever! She’s now in an infusion chemo easier on her system and working to suppress cancer. Next up: oral SERDs to be approved Feb 2023. It’s hopping from one medication to another once bc metastasized, but she’s lived 21 years so far."

• dev...
• August 8, 2017

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I have been taking these pills for the past two months...one week on, one week off. 500 mg per pill. 8 pills per day, four in the morning and four at night, and so far this has been a godsend. I have MBC stage 4, as of today, I have had no side effects: no hair thinning, no diarrhea, no peeling of the hands or feet. I was given the option of chemo infusion but declined, as after reading all the side effects, I decided not to go that route. I just left my doctor's office this afternoon, and the news was good. The swelling and open wounds on the breast that had been bleeding profusely have stopped. Wounds are healing and some shrinkage of the tumor was seen. I can only tell you that it seems to be working for me."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2014

For Colorectal Cancer "Only on my 3rd week of this medicine, but finding it far less intrusive than the Folfox (5FU) treatment I had 4 years ago via drip and permanent line, with a pump for 48 hours each treatment. Some thinning of hair, not really noticeable, and lots of my friends have less hair than me anyway! I'm a keen runner and cyclist, and do find that I can't push myself as hard anymore, get very short of breath on uphills. But at least I'm still able to lead an active lifestyle, hill walking causes no trouble at all. Feel slightly nauseous quite frequently, but not been sick yet, and brush my teeth half a dozen times a day to ensure no soreness (which I had with 5FU). Slight soreness on soles of feet, particularly after long runs or walks."