Xelox is an oral chemotherapy drug used to treat metastatic breast cancer, adjuvant colorectal cancer, and metastatic colorectal cancer. Although Xelox has proven effective in slowing tumor growth, it may cause unwanted side effects. For example, like all chemotherapy drugs, Xelox may lower the body’s ability to fight infection.

Another side effect reported by Xelox patients is dizziness. Due to this side effect, Xelox patients should not drive or engage in any dangerous activities while taking the drug. Additionally, other side effects reported by Xelox users include:   

     
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • sores in mouth and throat
  • stomach pain
  • decreased appetite
  • dehydration
  • hand-foot syndrome
  • rash
  • dry or itchy skin
  • tiredness
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • fever

Related Topics

Xelox Side Effects: Hand-Foot Syndrome

Hand-foot syndrome, also called Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia, is a side effect which can occur with several chemotherapy drugs, including Xelox. This side effect occurs when small amounts of Xelox leak out from blood vessels, called capillaries, in the hands and feet. This drug leakage results in side effects such as redness, tenderness, and sometimes peeling of the palms and soles. The redness, also known as Palmer-Plantar erythema, looks like sunburn. 

Xelox Serious Side Effects

Xelox has been linked to several serious side effects, including death. For example, in February 2006, researchers abruptly stopped recruiting patients for a study combining the anti-cancer drugs Xelox and Avastin after several patients involved in the clinical testing died. All together, seven people died during the Xelox and Avastin clinical study, with four deaths occurring suddenly and three deaths among younger patients.

Xelox Side Effects: Excessive Bleeding

Another serious Xelox side effect is excessive bleeding, which may occur during therapy and for up to one month after stopping treatment with Xelox. Although this side effect can be life-threatening, it usually only occurs when Xelox is taken with anticoagulants, such as warfarin. In addition, patients with cancer and those over 60 years old are at a higher risk.

If you or a loved one took Xelox and suffered a serious side effect, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.  Please contact our office today to learn more.