Xeloda 150 mg and 500 mg film-coated tablets.

150 mg or 500 mg capecitabine.

Excipient: 15.6 mg anhydrous lactose (150 mg tablet).

Excipient: 52 mg anhydrous lactose (500 mg tablet).

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

Film-coated tablet

Light peach film-coated tablet of biconvex, oblong shape with the marking '150' on the one side and 'Xeloda' on the other side.

Peach film-coated tablet of biconvex, oblong shape with the marking '500' on the one side and 'Xeloda' on the other side.

Xeloda is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients following surgery of stage III (Dukes' stage C) colon cancer (see section 5.1).

Xeloda is indicated for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (see section 5.1).

Xeloda is indicated for first-line treatment of advanced gastric cancer in combination with a platinum-based regimen (see section 5.1).

Xeloda in combination with docetaxel (see section 5.1) is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Previous therapy should have included an anthracycline. Xeloda is also indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of taxanes and an anthracycline-containing chemotherapy regimen or for whom further anthracycline therapy is not indicated.

Xeloda should only be prescribed by a qualified physician experienced in the utilisation of anti-neoplastic agents. Xeloda tablets should be swallowed with water within 30 minutes after a meal. Treatment should be discontinued if progressive disease or intolerable toxicity is observed. Standard and reduced dose calculations according to body surface area for starting doses of Xeloda of 1250 mg/m² and 1000 mg/m² are provided in tables 1 and 2, respectively.

Recommended posology (see section 5.1):

Monotherapy

Colon, colorectal and breast cancer

Given as single agent, the recommended starting dose for Xeloda in the adjuvant treatment of colon cancer, in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer or of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer is 1250 mg/m² administered twice daily (morning and evening; equivalent to 2500 mg/m² total daily dose) for 14 days followed by a 7-day rest period. Adjuvant treatment in patients with stage III colon cancer is recommended for a total of 6 months.

Combination therapy

Colon, colorectal and gastric cancer

In combination treatment, the recommended starting dose of Xeloda should be reduced to 800 – 1000 mg/m² when administered twice daily for 14 days followed by a 7-day rest period, or to 625 mg/m² twice daily when administered continuously (see section 5.1). The inclusion of biological agents in a combination regimen has no effect on the starting dose of Xeloda. Premedication to maintain adequate hydration and anti-emesis according to the cisplatin summary of product characteristics should be started prior to cisplatin administration for patients receiving the Xeloda plus cisplatin combination. Premedication with antiemetics according to the oxaliplatin summary of product characteristics is recommended for patients receiving the Xeloda plus oxaliplatin combination. Adjuvant treatment in patients with stage III colon cancer is recommended for a duration of 6 months.

Breast cancer

In combination with docetaxel, the recommended starting dose of Xeloda in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer is 1250 mg/m² twice daily for 14 days followed by a 7-day rest period, combined with docetaxel at 75 mg/m² as a 1 hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks. Pre-medication with an oral corticosteroid such as dexamethasone according to the docetaxel summary of product characteristics should be started prior to docetaxel administration for patients receiving the Xeloda plus docetaxel combination.

Xeloda Dose Calculations

Table 1 Standard and reduced dose calculations according to body surface area for a starting dose of Xeloda of 1250 mg/m²

Table 2 Standard and reduced dose calculations according to body surface area for a starting dose of Xeloda of 1000 mg/m²

Posology adjustments during treatment:

General

Toxicity due to Xeloda administration may be managed by symptomatic treatment and/or modification of the dose (treatment interruption or dose reduction). Once the dose has been reduced, it should not be increased at a later time. For those toxicities considered by the treating physician to be unlikely to become serious or life-threatening, e.g. alopecia, altered taste, nail changes, treatment can be continued at the same dose without reduction or interruption. Patients taking Xeloda should be informed of the need to interrupt treatment immediately if moderate or severe toxicity occurs. Doses of Xeloda omitted for toxicity are not replaced. The following are the recommended dose modifications for toxicity:

Table 3 Xeloda Dose Reduction Schedule (3-weekly Cycle or Continuous Treatment)

*According to the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trial Group (NCIC CTG) Common Toxicity Criteria (version 1) or the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) of the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, US National Cancer Institute, version 3.0. For hand-foot syndrome and hyperbilirubinemia, see section 4.4.

Haematology: Patients with baseline neutrophil counts of <1.5 x 10⁹/L and/or thrombocyte counts of <100 x 10⁹/L should not be treated with Xeloda. If unscheduled laboratory assessments during a treatment cycle show that the neutrophil count drops below 1.0 x 10⁹/L or that the platelet count drops below 75 x 10⁹/L, treatment with Xeloda should be interrupted.

Dose modifications for toxicity when Xeloda is used as a 3 weekly cycle in combination with other agents:

Dose modifications for toxicity when Xeloda is used as a 3 weekly cycle in combination with other agents should be made according to Table 3 above for Xeloda and according to the appropriate summary of product characteristics for the other agent(s).

At the beginning of a treatment cycle, if a treatment delay is indicated for either Xeloda or the other agent(s), then administration of all agents should be delayed until the requirements for restarting all drugs are met.

During a treatment cycle for those toxicities considered by the treating physician not to be related to Xeloda, Xeloda should be continued and the dose of the other agent should be adjusted according to the appropriate Prescribing Information.

If the other agent(s) have to be discontinued permanently, Xeloda treatment can be resumed when the requirements for restarting Xeloda are met.

This advice is applicable to all indications and to all special populations.

Dose modifications for toxicity when Xeloda is used continuously in combination with other agents:

Dose modifications for toxicity when Xeloda is used continuously in combination with other agents should be made according to Table 3 above for Xeloda and according to the appropriate summary of product characteristics for the other agent(s).

Posology adjustments for special populations:

Hepatic impairment: insufficient safety and efficacy data are available in patients with hepatic impairment to provide a dose adjustment recommendation. No information is available on hepatic impairment due to cirrhosis or hepatitis.

Renal impairment: Xeloda is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min [Cockcroft and Gault] at baseline). The incidence of grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-50 ml/min at baseline) is increased compared to the overall population. In patients with moderate renal impairment at baseline, a dose reduction to 75% for a starting dose of 1250 mg/m² is recommended. In patients with moderate renal impairment at baseline, no dose reduction is required for a starting dose of 1000 mg/m². In patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 51-80 ml/min at baseline) no adjustment of the starting dose is recommended. Careful monitoring and prompt treatment interruption is recommended if the patient develops a grade 2, 3 or 4 adverse event during treatment and subsequent dose adjustment as outlined in Table 3 above. If the calculated creatinine clearance decreases during treatment to a value below 30 ml/min, Xeloda should be discontinued. These dose adjustment recommendations for renal impairment apply both to monotherapy and combination use (see also section “Elderly” below).

There is no experience in children (under 18 years).

Elderly:

During Xeloda monotherapy, no adjustment of the starting dose is needed. However, grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse reactions were more frequent in patients 60 years of age compared to younger patients.

When Xeloda was used in combination with other agents, elderly patients (65 years) experienced more grade 3 and grade 4 adverse drug reactions, including those leading to discontinuation, compared to younger patients. Careful monitoring of patients 60 years of age is advisable.

- In combination with docetaxel: an increased incidence of grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse reactions and treatment-related serious adverse reactions were observed in patients 60 years of age or more (see section 5.1). For patients 60 years of age or more , a starting dose reduction of Xeloda to 75% (950 mg/m² twice daily) is recommended. If no toxicity is observed in patients 60 years of age treated with a reduced Xeloda starting dose in combination with docetaxel, the dose of Xeloda may be cautiously escalated to 1250 mg/m² twice daily.

- In combination with irinotecan: for patients 65 years of age or more, a starting dose reduction of Xeloda to 800 mg/m² twice daily is recommended.

• History of severe and unexpected reactions to fluoropyrimidine therapy,

• Hypersensitivity to capecitabine or to any of the excipients or fluorouracil,

• In patients with known dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency,

• During pregnancy and lactation,

• In patients with severe leucopenia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia,

• In patients with severe hepatic impairment,

• In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min),

• Treatment with sorivudine or its chemically related analogues, such as brivudine (see section 4.5),

• If contraindications exist to any of the agents in the combination regimen, that agent should not be used.

Dose limiting toxicities include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, stomatitis and hand-foot syndrome (hand-foot skin reaction, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia). Most adverse reactions are reversible and do not require permanent discontinuation of therapy, although doses may need to be withheld or reduced.

Diarrhoea. Patients with severe diarrhoea should be carefully monitored and given fluid and electrolyte replacement if they become dehydrated. Standard antidiarrhoeal treatments (e.g. loperamide) may be used. NCIC CTC grade 2 diarrhoea is defined as an increase of 4 to 6 stools/day or nocturnal stools, grade 3 diarrhoea as an increase of 7 to 9 stools/day or incontinence and malabsorption. Grade 4 diarrhoea is an increase of 10 stools/day or grossly bloody diarrhoea or the need for parenteral support. Dose reduction should be applied as necessary (see section 4.2).

Dehydration. Dehydration should be prevented or corrected at the onset. Patients with anorexia, asthenia, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea may rapidly become dehydrated. If Grade 2 (or higher) dehydration occurs, Xeloda treatment should be immediately interrupted and the dehydration corrected. Treatment should not be restarted until the patient is rehydrated and any precipitating causes have been corrected or controlled. Dose modifications applied should be applied for the precipitating adverse event as necessary (see section 4.2).

Hand-foot syndrome (also known as hand-foot skin reaction or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia or chemotherapy induced acral erythema). Grade 1 hand- foot syndrome is defined as numbness, dysesthesia/paresthesia, tingling, painless swelling or erythema of the hands and/or feet and/or discomfort which does not disrupt the patient's normal activities.

Grade 2 hand- foot syndrome is painful erythema and swelling of the hands and/or feet and/or discomfort affecting the patient's activities of daily living.

Grade 3 hand- foot syndrome is moist desquamation, ulceration, blistering and severe pain of the hands and/or feet and/or severe discomfort that causes the patient to be unable to work or perform activities of daily living. If grade 2 or 3 hand- foot syndrome occurs, administration of Xeloda should be interrupted until the event resolves or decreases in intensity to grade 1. Following grade 3 hand- foot syndrome, subsequent doses of Xeloda should be decreased. When Xeloda and cisplatin are used in combination, the use of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is not advised for symptomatic or secondary prophylactic treatment of hand–foot syndrome, because of published reports that it may decrease the efficacy of cisplatin.

Cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity has been associated with fluoropyrimidine therapy, including myocardial infarction, angina, dysrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, sudden death and electrocardiographic changes (including very rare cases of QT prolongation). These adverse reactions may be more common in patients with a prior history of coronary artery disease. Cardiac arrhythmias (including ventricular fibrillation, torsade de pointes, and bradycardia), angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure and cardiomyopathy have been reported in patients receiving Xeloda. Caution must be exercised in patients with history of significant cardiac disease, arrhythmias and angina pectoris (See section 4.8).

Hypo- or hypercalcaemia. Hypo- or hypercalcaemia has been reported during Xeloda treatment. Caution must be exercised in patients with pre-existing hypo- or hypercalcaemia (see section 4.8).

Central or peripheral nervous system disease. Caution must be exercised in patients with central or peripheral nervous system disease, e.g. brain metastasis or neuropathy (see section 4.8).

Diabetes mellitus or electrolyte disturbances. Caution must be exercised in patients with diabetes mellitus or electrolyte disturbances, as these may be aggravated during Xeloda treatment.

Coumarin-derivative anticoagulation. In a drug interaction study with single-dose warfarin administration, there was a significant increase in the mean AUC (+57%) of S-warfarin. These results suggest an interaction, probably due to an inhibition of the cytochrome P450 2C9 isoenzyme system by capecitabine. Patients receiving concomitant Xeloda and oral coumarin-derivative anticoagulant therapy should have their anticoagulant response (INR or prothrombin time) monitored closely and the anticoagulant dose adjusted accordingly (see section 4.5).

Hepatic impairment. In the absence of safety and efficacy data in patients with hepatic impairment, Xeloda use should be carefully monitored in patients with mild to moderate liver dysfunction, regardless of the presence or absence of liver metastasis. Administration of Xeloda should be interrupted if treatment-related elevations in bilirubin of >3.0 x ULN or treatment-related elevations in hepatic aminotransferases (ALT, AST) of >2.5 x ULN occur. Treatment with Xeloda monotherapy may be resumed when bilirubin decreases to 3.0 x ULN or hepatic aminotransferases decrease to 2.5 x ULN.

Renal impairment. The incidence of grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-50 ml/min) is increased compared to the overall population (see section 4.2 and 4.3).

As this medicinal product contains anhydrous lactose as an excipient, patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

Interaction with other medicinal products:

Coumarin-derivative anticoagulants: altered coagulation parameters and/or bleeding have been reported in patients taking Xeloda concomitantly with coumarin-derivative anticoagulants such as warfarin and phenprocoumon. These reactions occurred within several days and up to several months after initiating Xeloda therapy and, in a few cases, within one month after stopping Xeloda. In a clinical pharmacokinetic interaction study, after a single 20 mg dose of warfarin, Xeloda treatment increased the AUC of S-warfarin by 57% with a 91% increase in INR value. Since metabolism of R-warfarin was not affected, these results indicate that capecitabine down-regulates isozyme 2C9, but has no effect on isozymes 1A2 and 3A4. Patients taking coumarin-derivative anticoagulants concomitantly with Xeloda should be monitored regularly for alterations in their coagulation parameters (PT or INR) and the anti-coagulant dose adjusted accordingly.

Phenytoin: increased phenytoin plasma concentrations resulting in symptoms of phenytoin intoxication in single cases have been reported during concomitant use of Xeloda with phenytoin. Patients taking phenytoin concomitantly with Xeloda should be regularly monitored for increased phenytoin plasma concentrations.

Folinic acid: a combination study with Xeloda and folinic acid indicated that folinic acid has no major effect on the pharmacokinetics of Xeloda and its metabolites. However, folinic acid has an effect on the pharmacodynamics of Xeloda and its toxicity may be enhanced by folinic acid: the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of Xeloda alone using the intermittent regimen is 3000 mg/m² per day whereas it is only 2000 mg/m² per day when Xeloda was combined with folinic acid (30 mg orally bid).

Sorivudine and analogues: a clinically significant drug-drug interaction between sorivudine and 5-FU, resulting from the inhibition of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase by sorivudine, has been described. This interaction, which leads to increased fluoropyrimidine toxicity, is potentially fatal. Therefore, Xeloda must not be administered concomitantly with sorivudine or its chemically related analogues, such as brivudine (see section 4.3). There must be at least a 4-week waiting period between end of treatment with sorivudine or its chemically related analogues such as brivudine and start of Xeloda therapy.

Antacid: the effect of an aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide-containing antacid on the pharmacokinetics of capecitabine was investigated. There was a small increase in plasma concentrations of capecitabine and one metabolite (5'-DFCR); there was no effect on the 3 major metabolites (5'-DFUR, 5-FU and FBAL).

Allopurinol: interactions with allopurinol have been observed for 5-FU; with possible decreased efficacy of 5-FU. Concomitant use of allopurinol with Xeloda should be avoided.

Interaction with cytochrome P-450: For potential interactions with isozymes 1A2, 2C9 and 3A4, see interactions with coumarin-derivative anticoagulation.

Interferon alpha: the MTD of Xeloda was 2000 mg/m² per day when combined with interferon alpha-2a (3 MIU/m² per day) compared to 3000 mg/m² per day when Xeloda was used alone.

Radiotherapy: the MTD of Xeloda alone using the intermittent regimen is 3000 mg/m² per day, whereas, when combined with radiotherapy for rectal cancer, the MTD of Xeloda is 2000 mg/m² per day using either a continuous schedule or given daily Monday through Friday during a 6-week course of radiotherapy.

Oxaliplatin: no clinically significant differences in exposure to capecitabine or its metabolites, free platinum or total platinum occurred when capecitabine was administered in combination with oxaliplatin or in combination with oxaliplatin and bevacizumab.

Bevacizumab: there was no clinically significant effect of bevacizumab on the pharmacokinetic parameters of capecitabine or its metabolites in the presence of oxaliplatin.

Food interaction: In all clinical trials, patients were instructed to administer Xeloda within 30 minutes after a meal. Since current safety and efficacy data are based upon administration with food, it is recommended that Xeloda be administered with food. Administration with food decreases the rate of capecitabine absorption (see section 5.2).

Women of childbearing potential

Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving treatment with Xeloda. If the patient becomes pregnant while receiving Xeloda, the potential hazard to the foetus must be explained.

Pregnancy

There are no studies in pregnant women using Xeloda; however, it should be assumed that Xeloda may cause foetal harm if administered to pregnant women. In reproductive toxicity studies in animals, Xeloda administration caused embryolethality and teratogenicity. These findings are expected effects of fluoropyrimidine derivatives. Xeloda is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Xeloda is excreted in human breast milk. In lactating mice, considerable amounts of capecitabine and its metabolites were found in milk. Breast-feeding should be discontinued while receiving treatment with Xeloda.

Xeloda has minor or moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Xeloda may cause dizziness, fatigue and nausea.

a. Summary of the safety profile

The overall safety profile of Xeloda is based on data from over 3000 patients treated with Xeloda as monotherapy or Xeloda in combination with different chemotherapy regimens in multiple indications. The safety profiles of Xeloda monotherapy for the metastatic breast cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer and adjuvant colon cancer populations are comparable. See section 5.1 for details of major studies, including study designs and major efficacy results.

The most commonly reported and/or clinically relevant treatment-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were gastrointestinal disorders (especially diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, stomatitis), hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia), fatigue, asthenia, anorexia, cardiotoxicity, increased renal dysfunction on those with preexisting compromised renal function, and thrombosis/embolism.

b. Tabulated summary of adverse reactions

ADRs considered by the investigator to be possibly, probably, or remotely related to the administration of Xeloda are listed in Table 4 for Xeloda given as a single agent and in Table 5 for Xeloda given in combination with different chemotherapy regimens in multiple indications. The following headings are used to rank the ADRs by frequency: very common ( 1/10), common ( 1/100, < 1/10) and uncommon ( 1/1,000, < 1/100). Within each frequency grouping, ADRs are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Xeloda Monotherapy:

Table 4 lists ADRs associated with the use of Xeloda monotherapy based on a pooled analysis of safety data from three major studies including over 1900 patients (studies M66001, SO14695, and SO14796). ADRs are added to the appropriate frequency grouping according to the overall incidence from the pooled analysis.

Table 4 Summary of related ADRs reported in patients treated with Xeloda monotherapy

Xeloda in combination therapy:

Table 5 lists ADRs associated with the use of Xeloda in combination with different chemotherapy regimens in multiple indications based on safety data from over 3000 patients. ADRs are added to the appropriate frequency grouping (Very common or Common) according to the highest incidence seen in any of the major clinical trials and are only added when they were seen in addition to those seen with Xeloda monotherapy or seen at a higher frequency grouping compared to Xeloda monotherapy (see Table 4). Uncommon ADRs reported for Xeloda in combination therapy are consistent with the ADRs reported for Xeloda monotherapy or reported for monotherapy with the combination agent (in literature and/or respective summary of product characteristics).

Some of the ADRs are reactions commonly seen with the combination agent (e.g. peripheral sensory neuropathy with docetaxel or oxaliplatin, hypertension seen with bevacizumab); however an exacerbation by Xeloda therapy can not be excluded.

Table 5 Summary of related ADRs reported in patients treated with Xeloda in combination treatment in addition to those seen with Xeloda monotherapy or seen at a higher frequency grouping compared to Xeloda monotherapy

⁺ For each term, the frequency count was based on ADRs of all grades. For terms marked with a “+”, the frequency count was based on grade 3-4 ADRs. ADRs are added according to the highest incidence seen in any of the major combination trials.

Post-Marketing Experience:

The following additional serious adverse reactions have been identified during post-marketing exposure:

- Very rare: lacrimal duct stenosis

- Very rare: hepatic failure and cholestatic hepatitis have been reported during clinical trials and post-marketing exposure

- Very rare: ventricular fibrillation, QT prolongation, torsade de pointes and bradycardia

c. Description of selected adverse reactions

Hand-foot syndrome (see section 4.4):

For the capecitabine dose of 1250 mg/m² twice daily on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks, a frequency of 53% to 60% of all-grades HFS was observed in capecitabine monotherapy trials (comprising studies in adjuvant therapy in colon cancer, treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, and treatment of breast cancer) and a frequency of 63% was observed in the capecitabine/docetaxel arm for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. For the capecitabine dose of 1000 mg/m² twice daily on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks, a frequency of 22% to 30% of all-grade HFS was observed in capecitabine combination therapy

A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials with data from over 4700 patients treated with capecitabine monotherapy or capecitabine in combination with different chemotherapy regimens in multiple indications (colon, colorectal, gastric and breast cancer) showed that HFS (all grades) occurred in 2066 (43%) patients after a median time of 239 [95% CI 201, 288] days after starting treatment with capecitabine. In all studies combined, the following covariates were statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of developing HFS: increasing capecitabine starting dose (gram), decreasing cumulative capecitabine dose (0.1*kg), increasing relative dose intensity in the first six weeks, increasing duration of study treatment (weeks), increasing age (by 10 year increments), female gender, and good ECOG performance status at baseline (0 versus 1).

Diarrhoea (see section 4.4):

Xeloda can induce the occurrence of diarrhoea, which has been observed in up to 50% of patients.

The results of a meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials with data from over 4700 patients treated with capecitabine showed that in all studies combined, the following covariates were statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of developing diarrhea: increasing capecitabine starting dose (gram), increasing duration of study treatment (weeks), increasing age (by 10 year increments), and female gender. The following covariates were statistically significantly associated with a decreased risk of developing diarrhea: increasing cumulative capecitabine dose (0.1*kg) and increasing relative dose intensity in the first six weeks.

Cardiotoxicity (see section 4.4) :

In addition to the ADRs described in Tables 4 and 5, the following ADRs with an incidence of less than 0.1% were associated with the use of Xeloda monotherapy based on a pooled analysis from clinical safety data from 7 clinical trials including 949 patients (2 phase III and 5 phase II clinical trials in metastatic colorectal cancer and metastatic breast cancer): cardiomyopathy, cardiac failure, sudden death, and ventricular extrasystoles.

Encephalopathy:

In addition to the ADRs described in Tables 4 and 5, and based on the above pooled analysis from clinical safety data from 7 clinical trials, encephalopathy was also associated with the use of Xeloda monotherapy with an incidence of less than 0.1%.

d. Special populations

Elderly patients (see section 4.2):

An analysis of safety data in patients 60 years of age treated with Xeloda monotherapy and an analysis of patients treated with Xeloda plus docetaxel combination therapy showed an increase in the incidence of treatment-related grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions and treatment-related serious adverse reactions compared to patients <60 years of age. Patients 60 years of age treated with Xeloda plus docetaxel also had more early withdrawals from treatment due to adverse reactions compared to patients <60 years of age.

The results of a meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials with data from over 4700 patients treated with capecitabine showed that in all studies combined, increasing age (by 10 year increments) was statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of developing HFS and diarrhea and with a decreased risk of developing neutropenia.

Gender

The results of a meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials with data from over 4700 patients treated with capecitabine showed that in all studies combined, female gender was statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of developing HFS and diarrhea and with a decreased risk of developing neutropenia.

Patients with renal impairment (see section 4.2, 4.4, and 5.2):

An analysis of safety data in patients treated with Xeloda monotherapy (colorectal cancer) with baseline renal impairment showed an increase in the incidence of treatment-related grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions compared to patients with normal renal function (36% in patients without renal impairment n=268, vs. 41% in mild n=257 and 54% in moderate n=59, respectively) (see section 5.2). Patients with moderately impaired renal function show an increased rate of dose reduction (44%) vs. 33% and 32% in patients with no or mild renal impairment and an increase in early withdrawals from treatment (21% withdrawals during the first two cycles) vs. 5% and 8% in patients with no or mild renal impairment.

The manifestations of acute overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mucositis, gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding, and bone marrow depression. Medical management of overdose should include customary therapeutic and supportive medical interventions aimed at correcting the presenting clinical manifestations and preventing their possible complications.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: cytostatic (antimetabolite), ATC code: L01BC06

Capecitabine is a non-cytotoxic fluoropyrimidine carbamate, which functions as an orally administered precursor of the cytotoxic moiety 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Capecitabine is activated via several enzymatic steps (see section 5.2). The enzyme involved in the final conversion to 5-FU, thymidine phosphorylase (ThyPase), is found in tumour tissues, but also in normal tissues, albeit usually at lower levels. In human cancer xenograft models capecitabine demonstrated a synergistic effect in combination with docetaxel, which may be related to the upregulation of thymidine phosphorylase by docetaxel.

There is evidence that the metabolism of 5-FU in the anabolic pathway blocks the methylation reaction of deoxyuridylic acid to thymidylic acid, thereby interfering with the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The incorporation of 5-FU also leads to inhibition of RNA and protein synthesis. Since DNA and RNA are essential for cell division and growth, the effect of 5-FU may be to create a thymidine deficiency that provokes unbalanced growth and death of a cell. The effects of DNA and RNA deprivation are most marked on those cells which proliferate more rapidly and which metabolise 5-FU at a more rapid rate.

Colon and colorectal cancer:

Monotherapy with Xeloda in adjuvant colon cancer

Data from one multicentre, randomised, controlled phase III clinical trial in patients with stage III (Dukes' C) colon cancer supports the use of Xeloda for the adjuvant treatment of patients with colon cancer (XACT Study; M66001). In this trial, 1987 patients were randomised to treatment with Xeloda (1250 mg/m² twice daily for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period and given as 3-week cycles for 24 weeks) or 5-FU and leucovorin (Mayo Clinic regimen: 20 mg/m² leucovorin IV followed by 425 mg/m² IV bolus 5-FU, on days 1 to 5, every 28 days for 24 weeks). Xeloda was at least equivalent to IV 5-FU/LV in disease-free survival in per protocol population (hazard ratio 0.92; 95% CI 0.80-1.06). In the all-randomised population, tests for difference of Xeloda vs 5-FU/LV in disease-free and overall survival showed hazard ratios of 0.88 (95% CI 0.77 – 1.01; p = 0.068) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.74 – 1.01; p = 0.060), respectively. The median follow up at the time of the analysis was 6.9 years. In a preplanned multivariate Cox analysis, superiority of Xeloda compared with bolus 5-FU/LV was demonstrated. The following factors were pre-specified in the statistical analysis plan for inclusion in the model: age, time from surgery to randomization, gender, CEA levels at baseline, lymph nodes at baseline, and country. In the all-randomised population, Xeloda was shown to be superior to 5FU/LV for disease-free survival (hazard ratio 0.849; 95% CI 0.739 - 0.976; p = 0.0212), as well as for overall survival (hazard ratio 0.828; 95% CI 0.705 - 0.971; p = 0.0203).

Combination therapy in adjuvant colon cancer

Data from one multicentre, randomised, controlled phase 3 clinical trial in patients with stage III (Dukes' C) colon cancer supports the use of Xeloda in combination with oxaliplatin (XELOX) for the adjuvant treatment of patients with colon cancer (NO16968 study). In this trial, 944 patients were randomised to 3-week cycles for 24 weeks with Xeloda (1000 mg/m² twice daily for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period) in combination with oxaliplatin (130 mg/m² intravenous infusion over 2-hours on day 1 every 3 weeks); 942 patients were randomized to bolus 5-FU and leucovorin. In the primary analysis for DFS in the ITT population, XELOX was shown to be significantly superior to 5-FU/LV (HR=0.80, 95% CI=[0.69; 0.93]; p=0.0045). The 3 year DFS rate was 71% for XELOX versus 67% for 5-FU/LV. The analysis for the secondary endpoint of RFS supports these results with a HR of 0.78 (95% CI=[0.67; 0.92]; p=0.0024) for XELOX vs. 5-FU/LV. XELOX showed a trend towards superior OS with a HR of 0.87 (95% CI=[0.72; 1.05]; p=0.1486) which translates into a 13% reduction in risk of death. The 5 year OS rate was 78% for XELOX versus 74% for 5-FU/LV. The efficacy data is based on a median observation time of 59 months for OS and 57 months for DFS. The rate of withdrawal due to adverse events was higher in the XELOX combination therapy arm (21%) as compared with that of the 5-FU/LV monotherapy arm (9%) in the ITT population.

Monotherapy with Xeloda in metastatic colorectal cancer

Data from two identically-designed, multicentre, randomised, controlled phase III clinical trials (SO14695; SO14796) support the use of Xeloda for first line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. In these trials, 603 patients were randomised to treatment with Xeloda (1250 mg/m² twice daily for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period and given as 3-week cycles). 604 patients were randomised to treatment with 5-FU and leucovorin (Mayo regimen: 20 mg/m² leucovorin IV followed by 425 mg/m² IV bolus 5-FU, on days 1 to 5, every 28 days). The overall objective response rates in the all-randomised population (investigator assessment) were 25.7% (Xeloda) vs. 16.7% (Mayo regimen); p <0.0002. The median time to progression was 140 days (Xeloda) vs. 144 days (Mayo regimen). Median survival was 392 days (Xeloda) vs. 391 days (Mayo regimen). Currently, no comparative data are available on Xeloda monotherapy in colorectal cancer in comparison with first line combination regimens.

Combination therapy in first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer

Data from a multicentre, randomised, controlled phase III clinical study (NO16966) support the use of Xeloda in combination with oxaliplatin or in combination with oxaliplatin and bevacizumab for the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. The study contained two parts: an initial 2-arm part in which 634 patients were randomised to two different treatment groups, including XELOX or FOLFOX-4, and a subsequent 2x2 factorial part in which 1401 patients were randomised to four different treatment groups, including XELOX plus placebo, FOLFOX-4 plus placebo, XELOX plus bevacizumab, and FOLFOX-4 plus bevacizumab. See Table 6 for treatment regimens.

Table 6 Treatment Regimens in Study NO16966 (mCRC)

Non-inferiority of the XELOX-containing arms compared with the FOLFOX-4-containing arms in the overall comparison was demonstrated in terms of progression-free survival in the eligible patient population and the intent-to-treat population (see Table 7). The results indicate that XELOX is equivalent to FOLFOX-4 in terms of overall survival (see Table 7). A comparison of XELOX plus bevacizumab versus FOLFOX-4 plus bevacizumab was a pre-specified exploratory analysis. In this treatment subgroup comparison, XELOX plus bevacizumab was similar compared to FOLFOX-4 plus bevacizumab in terms of progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.01; 97.5% CI 0.84 - 1.22). The median follow up at the time of the primary analyses in the intent-to-treat population was 1.5 years; data from analyses following an additional 1 year of follow up are also included in Table 7. However, the on-treatment PFS analysis did not confirm the results of the general PFS and OS analysis: the hazard ratio of XELOX versus FOLFOX-4 was 1.24 with 97.5% CI 1.07 - 1.44. Although sensitivity analyses show that differences in regimen schedules and timing of tumor assessments impact the on-treatment PFS analysis, a full explanation for this result has not been found.

Table 7 Key efficacy results for the non-inferiority analysis of Study NO16966

*EPP=eligible patient population; **ITT=intent-to-treat population

Data from a randomised, controlled phase III study (CAIRO) support the use of Xeloda at a starting dose of 1000 mg/m² for 2 weeks every 3 weeks in combination with irinotecan for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. 820 Patients were randomized to receive either sequential treatment (n=410) or combination treatment (n=410). Sequential treatment consisted of first-line treatment with Xeloda (1250 mg/m² twice daily for 14 days), second-line irinotecan (350 mg/m² on day 1), and third-line combination of capecitabine (1000 mg/m² twice daily for 14 days) with oxaliplatin (130 mg/m² on day 1). Combination treatment consisted of first-line treatment of Xeloda (1000 mg/m² twice daily for 14 days) combined with irinotecan (250 mg /m² on day 1) (XELIRI) and second-line capecitabine (1000 mg/m² twice daily for 14 days) plus oxaliplatin (130 mg/m² on day 1). All treatment cycles were administered at intervals of 3 weeks. In first-line treatment the median progression-free survival in the intent-to-treat population was 5.8 months (95%CI 5.1 - 6.2 months) for Xeloda monotherapy and 7.8 months (95%CI 7.0 - 8.3 months; p=0.0002) for XELIRI.

Data from an interim analysis of a multicentre, randomised, controlled phase II study (AIO KRK 0604) support the use of Xeloda at a starting dose of 800 mg/m² for 2 weeks every 3 weeks in combination with irinotecan and bevacizumab for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. 115 Patients were randomised to treatment with Xeloda combined with irinotecan (XELIRI) and bevacizumab: Xeloda (800 mg/m² twice daily for two weeks followed by a 7-day rest period), irinotecan (200 mg/m² as a 30 minute infusion on day 1 every 3 weeks), and bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg as a 30 to 90 minute infusion on day 1 every 3 weeks); a total of 118 patients were randomised to treatment with Xeloda combined with oxaliplatin plus bevacizumab: Xeloda (1000 mg/m² twice daily for two weeks followed by a 7-day rest period), oxaliplatin (130 mg/m² as a 2 hour infusion on day 1 every 3 weeks), and bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg as a 30 to 90 minute infusion on day 1 every 3 weeks). Progression-free survival at 6 months in the intent-to-treat population was 80% (XELIRI plus bevacizumab) versus 74% (XELOX plus bevacizumab). Overall response rate (complete response plus partial response) was 45% (XELOX plus bevacizumab) versus 47% (XELIRI plus bevacizumab).

Combination therapy in second-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer

Data from a multicentre, randomised, controlled phase III clinical study (NO16967) support the use of Xeloda in combination with oxaliplatin for the second-line treatment of metastastic colorectal cancer. In this trial, 627 patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma who have received prior treatment with irinotecan in combination with a fluoropyrimidine regimen as first line therapy were randomised to treatment with XELOX or FOLFOX-4. For the dosing schedule of XELOX and FOLFOX-4 (without addition of placebo or bevacizumab), refer to Table 6. XELOX was demonstrated to be non-inferior to FOLFOX-4 in terms of progression-free survival in the per-protocol population and intent-to-treat population (see Table 8). The results indicate that XELOX is equivalent to FOLFOX-4 in terms of overall survival (see Table 8). The median follow up at the time of the primary analyses in the intent-to-treat population was 2.1 years; data from analyses following an additional 6 months of follow up are also included in Table 8.

Table 8 Key efficacy results for the non-inferiority analysis of Study NO16967

*PPP=per-protocol population; **ITT=intent-to-treat population

Advanced gastric cancer:

Data from a multicentre, randomised, controlled phase III clinical trial in patients with advanced gastric cancer supports the use of Xeloda for the first-line treatment of advanced gastric cancer (ML17032). In this trial, 160 patients were randomised to treatment with Xeloda (1000 mg/m² twice daily for 2 weeks followed by a 7-day rest period) and cisplatin (80 mg/m² as a 2-hour infusion every 3 weeks). A total of 156 patients were randomised to treatment with 5-FU (800 mg/m² per day, continuous infusion on days 1 to 5 every 3 weeks) and cisplatin (80 mg/m² as a 2-hour infusion on day 1, every 3 weeks). Xeloda in combination with cisplatin was non-inferior to 5-FU in combination with cisplatin in terms of progression-free survival in the per protocol analysis (hazard ratio 0.81; 95% CI 0.63 - 1.04). The median progression-free survival was 5.6 months (Xeloda + cisplatin) versus 5.0 months (5-FU + cisplatin). The hazard ratio for duration of survival (overall survival) was similar to the hazard ratio for progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.85; 95% CI 0.64 - 1.13). The median duration of survival was 10.5 months (Xeloda + cisplatin) versus 9.3 months (5-FU + cisplatin).

Data from a randomised multicentre, phase III study comparing capecitabine to 5-FU and oxaliplatin to cisplatin in patients with advanced gastric cancer supports the use of Xeloda for the first-line treatment of advanced gastric cancer (REAL-2). In this trial, 1002 patients were randomised in a 2x2 factorial design to one of the following 4 arms:

- ECF: epirubicin (50 mg/ m² as a bolus on day 1 every 3 weeks), cisplatin (60 mg/m² as a two hour infusion on day 1 every 3 weeks) and 5-FU (200 mg/m² daily given by continuous infusion via a central line).

- ECX: epirubicin (50 mg/m² as a bolus on day 1 every 3 weeks), cisplatin (60 mg/m² as a two hour infusion on day 1 every 3 weeks), and Xeloda (625 mg/m² twice daily continuously).

- EOF: epirubicin (50 mg/m² as a bolus on day 1 every 3 weeks), oxaliplatin (130 mg/m² given as a 2 hour infusion on day 1 every three weeks), and 5-FU (200 mg/m² daily given by continuous infusion via a central line).

- EOX: epirubicin (50 mg/m² as a bolus on day 1 every 3 weeks), oxaliplatin (130 mg/m² given as a 2 hour infusion on day 1 every three weeks), and Xeloda (625 mg/m² twice daily continuously).

The primary efficacy analyses in the per protocol population demonstrated non-inferiority in overall survival for capecitabine- vs 5-FU-based regimens (hazard ratio 0.86; 95% CI 0.8 - 0.99) and for oxaliplatin- vs cisplatin-based regimens (hazard ratio 0.92; 95% CI 0.80 - 1.1). The median overall survival was 10.9 months in capecitabine-based regimens and 9.6 months in 5-FU based regimens. The median overall survival was 10.0 months in cisplatin-based regimens and 10.4 months in oxaliplatin-based regimens.

Xeloda has also been used in combination with oxaliplatin for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. Studies with Xeloda monotherapy indicate that Xeloda has activity in advanced gastric cancer.

Colon, colorectal and advanced gastric cancer: meta-analysis

A meta-analysis of six clinical trials (studies SO14695, SO14796, M66001, NO16966, NO16967, M17032) supports Xeloda replacing 5-FU in mono- and combination treatment in gastrointestinal cancer. The pooled analysis includes 3097 patients treated with Xeloda-containing regimens and 3074 patients treated with 5-FU-containing regimens. Median overall survival time was 703 days (95% CI: 671; 745) in patients treated with Xeloda-containing regimens and 683 days (95% CI: 646; 715) in patients treated with 5-FU-containing regimens. The hazard ratio for overall survival was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89; 1.00, p=0.0489) indicating that Xeloda-containing regimens are superior to 5-FU-containing regimens.

Breast cancer:

Combination therapy with Xeloda and docetaxel in locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer

Data from one multicentre, randomised, controlled phase III clinical trial support the use of Xeloda in combination with docetaxel for treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of cytotoxic chemotherapy, including an anthracycline. In this trial, 255 patients were randomised to treatment with Xeloda (1250 mg/m² twice daily for 2 weeks followed by 1-week rest period and docetaxel 75 mg/m² as a 1 hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks). 256 patients were randomised to treatment with docetaxel alone (100 mg/m² as a 1 hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks). Survival was superior in the Xeloda + docetaxel combination arm (p=0.0126). Median survival was 442 days (Xeloda + docetaxel) vs. 352 days (docetaxel alone). The overall objective response rates in the all-randomised population (investigator assessment) were 41.6% (Xeloda + docetaxel) vs. 29.7% (docetaxel alone); p = 0.0058. Time to progressive disease was superior in the Xeloda + docetaxel combination arm (p<0.0001). The median time to progression was 186 days (Xeloda + docetaxel) vs. 128 days (docetaxel alone).

Monotherapy with Xeloda after failure of taxanes, anthracycline containing chemotherapy, and for whom anthracycline therapy is not indicated

Data from two multicentre phase II clinical trials support the use of Xeloda monotherapy for treatment of patients after failure of taxanes and an anthracycline-containing chemotherapy regimen or for whom further anthracycline therapy is not indicated. In these trials, a total of 236 patients were treated with Xeloda (1250 mg/m² twice daily for 2 weeks followed by 1-week rest period). The overall objective response rates (investigator assessment) were 20% (first trial) and 25% (second trial). The median time to progression was 93 and 98 days. Median survival was 384 and 373 days.

All indications:

A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials with data from over 4700 patients treated with Xeloda monotherapy or Xeloda in combination with different chemotherapy regimens in multiple indications (colon, colorectal, gastric and breast cancer) showed that patients on Xeloda who developed hand-foot syndrome (HFS) had a longer overall survival compared to patients who did not develop HFS: median overall survival 1100 days (95% CI 1007;1200) vs 691 days (95% CI 638;754) with a hazard ratio of 0.61 (95% CI 0.56; 0.66).

The pharmacokinetics of capecitabine have been evaluated over a dose range of 502-3514 mg/m²/day. The parameters of capecitabine, 5'-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine (5'-DFCR) and 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) measured on days 1 and 14 were similar. The AUC of 5-FU was 30%-35% higher on day 14. Capecitabine dose reduction decreases systemic exposure to 5-FU more than dose-proportionally, due to non-linear pharmacokinetics for the active metabolite.

Absorption: after oral administration, capecitabine is rapidly and extensively absorbed, followed by extensive conversion to the metabolites, 5'-DFCR and 5'-DFUR. Administration with food decreases the rate of capecitabine absorption, but only results in a minor effect on the AUC of 5'-DFUR, and on the AUC of the subsequent metabolite 5-FU. At the dose of 1250 mg/m² on day 14 with administration after food intake, the peak plasma concentrations (C_max in µg/ml) for capecitabine, 5'-DFCR, 5'-DFUR, 5-FU and FBAL were 4.67, 3.05, 12.1, 0.95 and 5.46 respectively. The time to peak plasma concentrations (T_max in hours) were 1.50, 2.00, 2.00, 2.00 and 3.34. The AUC_0- values in μg•h/ml were 7.75, 7.24, 24.6, 2.03 and 36.3.

Protein binding: in vitro human plasma studies have determined that capecitabine, 5'-DFCR, 5'-DFUR and 5-FU are 54%, 10%, 62% and 10% protein bound, mainly to albumin.

Metabolism: capecitabine is first metabolised by hepatic carboxylesterase to 5'-DFCR, which is then converted to 5'-DFUR by cytidine deaminase, principally located in the liver and tumour tissues. Further catalytic activation of 5'-DFUR then occurs by thymidine phosphorylase (ThyPase). The enzymes involved in the catalytic activation are found in tumour tissues but also in normal tissues, albeit usually at lower levels. The sequential enzymatic biotransformation of capecitabine to 5-FU leads to higher concentrations within tumour tissues. In the case of colorectal tumours, 5-FU generation appears to be in large part localised in tumour stromal cells. Following oral administration of capecitabine to patients with colorectal cancer, the ratio of 5-FU concentration in colorectal tumours to adjacent tissues was 3.2 (ranged from 0.9 to 8.0). The ratio of 5-FU concentration in tumour to plasma was 21.4 (ranged from 3.9 to 59.9, n=8) whereas the ratio in healthy tissues to plasma was 8.9 (ranged from 3.0 to 25.8, n=8). Thymidine phosphorylase activity was measured and found to be 4 times greater in primary colorectal tumour than in adjacent normal tissue. According to immunohistochemical studies, thymidine phosphorylase appears to be in large part localised in tumour stromal cells.

5-FU is further catabolised by the enzyme dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) to the much less toxic dihydro-5-fluorouracil (FUH₂). Dihydropyrimidinase cleaves the pyrimidine ring to yield 5-fluoro-ureidopropionic acid (FUPA). Finally, β-ureido-propionase cleaves FUPA to α-fluoro-β-alanine (FBAL) which is cleared in the urine. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity is the rate limiting step. Deficiency of DPD may lead to increased toxicity of capecitabine (see section 4.3 and 4.4).

Elimination: the elimination half-life (t_1/2 in hours) of capecitabine, 5'-DFCR, 5'-DFUR, 5-FU and FBAL were 0.85, 1.11, 0.66, 0.76 and 3.23 respectively. Capecitabine and its metabolites are predominantly excreted in urine; 95.5% of administered capecitabine dose is recovered in urine. Faecal excretion is minimal (2.6%). The major metabolite excreted in urine is FBAL, which represents 57% of the administered dose. About 3% of the administered dose is excreted in urine as unchanged drug.

Combination therapy: Phase I studies evaluating the effect of Xeloda on the pharmacokinetics of either docetaxel or paclitaxel and vice versa showed no effect by Xeloda on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel or paclitaxel (C_max and AUC) and no effect by docetaxel or paclitaxel on the pharmacokinetics of 5'-DFUR.

Pharmacokinetics in special populations: A population pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out after Xeloda treatment of 505 patients with colorectal cancer dosed at 1250 mg/m² twice daily. Gender, presence or absence of liver metastasis at baseline, Karnofsky Performance Status, total bilirubin, serum albumin, ASAT and ALAT had no statistically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of 5'-DFUR, 5-FU and FBAL.

Patients with hepatic impairment due to liver metastases: According to a pharmacokinetic study in cancer patients with mild to moderate liver impairment due to liver metastases, the bioavailability of capecitabine and exposure to 5-FU may increase compared to patients with no liver impairment. There are no pharmacokinetic data on patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Patients with renal impairment: Based on a pharmacokinetic study in cancer patients with mild to severe renal impairment, there is no evidence for an effect of creatinine clearance on the pharmacokinetics of intact drug and 5-FU. Creatinine clearance was found to influence the systemic exposure to 5'-DFUR (35% increase in AUC when creatinine clearance decreases by 50%) and to FBAL (114% increase in AUC when creatinine clearance decreases by 50%). FBAL is a metabolite without antiproliferative activity.

Elderly: Based on the population pharmacokinetic analysis, which included patients with a wide range of ages (27 to 86 years) and included 234 (46%) patients greater or equal to 65, age has no influence on the pharmacokinetics of 5'-DFUR and 5-FU. The AUC of FBAL increased with age (20% increase in age results in a 15% increase in the AUC of FBAL). This increase is likely due to a change in renal function.

Ethnic factors: Following oral administration of 825 mg/m² capecitabine twice daily for 14 days, Japanese patients (n=18) had about 36% lower C_max and 24% lower AUC for capecitabine than Caucasian patients (n=22). Japanese patients had also about 25% lower C_max and 34% lower AUC for FBAL than Caucasian patients. The clinical relevance of these differences is unknown. No significant differences occurred in the exposure to other metabolites (5'-DFCR, 5'-DFUR, and 5-FU).

In repeat-dose toxicity studies, daily oral administration of capecitabine to cynomolgus monkeys and mice produced toxic effects on the gastrointestinal, lymphoid and haemopoietic systems, typical for fluoropyrimidines. These toxicities were reversible. Skin toxicity, characterised by degenerative/regressive changes, was observed with capecitabine. Capecitabine was devoid of hepatic and CNS toxicities. Cardiovascular toxicity (e.g. PR- and QT-interval prolongation) was detectable in cynomolgus monkeys after intravenous administration (100 mg/kg) but not after repeated oral dosing (1379 mg/m²/day).

A two-year mouse carcinogenicity study produced no evidence of carcinogenicity by capecitabine.

During standard fertility studies, impairment of fertility was observed in female mice receiving capecitabine; however, this effect was reversible after a drug-free period. In addition, during a 13-week study, atrophic and degenerative changes occurred in reproductive organs of male mice; however these effects were reversible after a drug-free period.

In embryotoxicity and teratogenicity studies in mice, dose-related increases in foetal resorption and teratogenicity were observed. In monkeys, abortion and embryolethality were observed at high doses, but there was no evidence of teratogenicity.

Capecitabine was not mutagenic in vitro to bacteria (Ames test) or mammalian cells (Chinese hamster V79/HPRT gene mutation assay). However, similar to other nucleoside analogues (ie, 5-FU), capecitabine was clastogenic in human lymphocytes (in vitro) and a positive trend occurred in mouse bone marrow micronucleus tests (in vivo).

Tablet core:

anhydrous lactose,

croscarmellose sodium,

hypromellose,

microcrystalline cellulose,

magnesium stearate.

Tablet coating:

hypromellose,

titanium dioxide (E171),

yellow and red iron oxide (E172),

talc.

Not applicable.

3 years.

Do not store above 30°C.

Nature: PVC/PVDC blisters

Content: 150 mg: 60 film-coated tablets (6 blisters of 10 tablets)

500 mg: 120 film-coated tablets (12 blisters of 10 tablets)

No special requirements.

Roche Registration Limited

6 Falcon Way

Shire Park

Welwyn Garden City

AL7 1TW

United Kingdom

EU/1/00/163/001 – 150 mg film-coated tablets

EU/1/00/163/002 – 500 mg film-coated tablets

Date of first authorisation: 02 February 2001

Date of first renewal: 02 February 2006

17 June 2011

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) http://www.ema.europa.eu/