• Registered: Thu, 02 Feb 2006
  • Posts: 4

Topic: F5U vs. Xeloda

Hi all,
Does anyone know why some Dr.s treat with F5U, and some with Xeloda, when I've heard that they are the same thing? -and F5U is so much more difficult to treat with because it is a 2 day long IV.  My husband's Dr. treats with Xeloda, and when we requested trying F5U, he said  it was the same thing, but I'm wondering if we're missing something.
Thanks,
Kristin

  • Registered: Fri, 06 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 258

Re: F5U vs. Xeloda

Mark has been on both.  He was on 5FU for a couple of months, but you are right, it was more difficult to be hooked up for two days.  The difference is that Xeloda, which he takes now, is in pill form and is a little harder on the liver (the liver has to process it) and most patients don't want to stress the liver any more than it already is, however, our oncologist was not concerned about this, he said this was minimal if any.  Xeloda does appear to have different side effects than 5FU as well. 

Mark has tolerated the Xeloda very well and has had very few down days as compared to his other regimens.  If you need more details you can look at the published works on both 5FU and Xeloda on pubmed

Hope this helps.

Stacie

  • Registered: Sat, 13 May 2006
  • Posts: 188

Re: F5U vs. Xeloda

My Mum takes aspirin. Is there any suitable alternative to aspirin? She's not having chemo or anything, but obviously I don't want her to take anything that might jeopardize her health. Or is it just an issue if you are on chemo?

  • Andym
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  • Registered: Fri, 24 Nov 2006
  • Posts: 13

Re: F5U vs. Xeloda

I am on 5fu and I get a 30ml injection each day for 5 days (every 28 days)  Whats the 2 day IV?  I was also told there was a tablet version maybe this is what the difference is, apparently the tablet is not the same as 5fu, but when taken the enzymes in your body convert the tablet into 5fu.  In my case they would not give me the tablet as it costs more than the injections.  Damm NHS!
Andrew

  • Registered: Fri, 06 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 258

Re: F5U vs. Xeloda

When we were given both options 5FU and Xeloda, the research showed that Xeloda had a bit higher statistics, but it is also harder on the liver.  It's a bit of a toss up.  It was easier for my brother to take the Xeloda in pill form, so we opted for that.  Good luck!

Stacie