Capecitabine GI Toxicity Management — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: D — Stop capecitabine immediately and contact the oncology team
Option D is correct. The UK capecitabine SmPC states that patients must interrupt treatment immediately if moderate or severe toxicity such as vomiting occurs ([medicines.org.uk](https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14544/smpc?utm_source=openai)). NHS Acute Oncology and chemotherapy toxicity protocols reinforce that systemic anticancer therapy including capecitabine must be stopped promptly when significant GI toxicity appears, with urgent contact of the oncology team ([rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk](https://www.rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/acute-oncology-guidelines/systemic-anticancer-treatment-toxicity/step-2-find-the-symptoms/diarrhoea/is-the-patient-on-chemotherapy/chemotherapy-induced-diarrhoea/?utm_source=openai)). Option C is dangerous and contradicts all guidance. Option A (self‑reduction) bypasses oncology management. Option E fails to acknowledge the need to interrupt therapy and risks progression to dehydration or mucositis. Option B is inappropriate—IV 5‑FU has similar metabolic risks and switching without medical review is unsafe.
Reference: Capecitabine SmPC (eMC), ~2025; NHS Acute Oncology guidance on chemotherapy‑induced toxicity, 2025, https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14544/smpc