Capecitabine after effects

  • 9 replies
  • 116 subscribers
  • 388 views

Hi all, i was on capecitabine for 6 months, this ended the end of June, i still have low energy levels, wake up really groggy like I'm hung over. How long did it take you to get back to normal? I'm just about managing to get through the day without a snooze in the day, so that's improving if nothing else.

I'm interested to hear from anyone who's experienced similar symptoms..

  • Hi  

    As this is a general chat group, I’d recommend also making your post in the bowel cancer group to connect with others who have been through the same cancer and treatment. You’d be likely to get more replies there.

    Sarah xx


    Community Champion Badge

    Cervical Cancer Forum

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

  • I dont use the site that often and cant really navigate round it very easily so its usually whatever i can find on the forum.

  • If you click on your name it will show the groups you’re a member of, and the bowel group is one of them. If you click on the bowel group picture you will go straight to the bowel group. 

    Sarah xx


    Community Champion Badge

    Cervical Cancer Forum

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

  • My apologies-I see your post is now in the bowel group, so hopefully others will be able to answer your question.

    Sarah xx


    Community Champion Badge

    Cervical Cancer Forum

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

  • Hi Double G,

    I finished mine in October 2024. 

    I still have very low energy levels and wake up groggy.  I went back to work full time in January and have to nap Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

    I do manage to exercise a fair bit too which does help. 

    it’s very frustrating.  I look forward to any other responses in this to see other peoples experiences. 

    best wishes

    cerysm

  • Thanks for the response, must be difficult working full time, I'm surprised how long it stays in your system for and still affects you.

    Went to the doctor's about it, bloods are fine, got a follow up appointment this week but not sure if there's anything they can prescribe?

    I'm just trying to get fit for the reversal in the new year, done a bit of walking, first proper walks since before the op in October.

  • Hi Double G, I’m only on my 2nd cycle of Capecitabine tablets. 2000mg in the morning and 2000mg in the evening. I’m stage 4 breast cancer with varies mets. I did have PICC line and chemo and breezed through it. This however I feel sick, down and sleepy. For me it’s a horrible drug.

  • Yes it is horrible, although you are on a different journey, im assuming the PICC line is a drip?

  • Yes that’s correct. Sometimes I think the daily intake is too much. Much prefer the once a week and then try and recover. I really hope you start to feel better soon x