Generic Xeloda (Capecitabine)
Same active ingredient — capecitabine — as Xeloda®, at a substantially lower price. Produced by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The same active ingredient, without the originator price
Generic capecitabine is the equivalent of branded Xeloda® — not a different medicine, and not a “knockoff.”
Any switch between brand and generic should be discussed with your prescribing doctor. Reference prices are indicative public list prices and vary by market.
Available generic capecitabine options
Every option contains capecitabine and requires a valid prescription. Grouped by strength.
Availability varies by destination. All options are dispatched after pharmacist review of your prescription.
What Xeloda® typically costs — and the generic alternative
Typical branded reference prices by market, next to our generic capecitabine price.
| Market | Branded Xeloda® — reference price | Generic capecitabine — OnlineMeds |
|---|---|---|
| United States | ~$1,500+ / month (brand) branded list price |
|
| United Kingdom | ~£300 / month branded list price |
|
| Australia | ~A$500 / month branded list price |
Reference prices are indicative public list prices for the originator brand. Prices vary by destination & quantity — not a promised discount.
Capecitabine, explained simply
Written and reviewed by our pharmacist team. Informational only — your doctor directs your treatment.
Capecitabine is the active ingredient in Xeloda®, an oral chemotherapy used in colorectal and breast cancers. Generic capecitabine contains the same active ingredient at the same strengths and is produced by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers, typically far below the originator price. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
Xeloda® is the originator brand for capecitabine, developed by Roche. It is prescribed in the management of certain colorectal and breast cancers, often as part of a combination regimen. It is a prescription-only specialist medicine taken by mouth.
Capecitabine is a fluoropyrimidine. It is converted in the body into 5-fluorouracil, which interferes with the growth of cancer cells. It is used as part of a treatment plan directed by your oncologist, usually in defined cycles.
Capecitabine is prescribed for adults with specific colorectal or breast cancers, as determined by an oncologist based on your diagnosis and overall health.
Capecitabine is usually taken twice daily, within about 30 minutes after a meal, with water, in treatment cycles (commonly two weeks on, one week off) set by your oncologist. The 150 mg and 500 mg tablets allow the dose to be tailored to your body size and tolerability.
Never change your dose on your own.
Reported side effects of capecitabine may include hand-foot syndrome (sore, red palms and soles), diarrhoea, nausea, mouth soreness, and tiredness. Tell your oncologist promptly about severe diarrhoea or hand-foot symptoms, as the dose may need adjusting. This is not a complete list.
Report new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly. This is not a complete list — see the patient information leaflet.
Store as directed on the patient information leaflet, usually at room temperature away from moisture and out of reach of children. Always follow the storage guidance supplied with your medicine.
Xeloda® vs generic capecitabine
| Attribute | Xeloda® (brand) | Generic capecitabine |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Capecitabine | Capecitabine Same |
| Strengths | 150 mg / 500 mg | 150 mg / 500 mg Same |
| Dosage form | Tablet | Tablet Same |
| Originator | Roche | Licensed manufacturer |
| Prescription required | Yes | Yes Same |
| Typical cash price | ~$1,500+ / month (brand) (United States reference) | |
| Availability | National pharmacies & insurance coverage | Ships worldwide from OnlineMeds — Rx required |
Equivalence refers to the active ingredient, strength, and form. Discuss any switch with your prescribing doctor.
A pharmacy, not a marketplace
Every order is sourced, checked, and dispatched by our own licensed pharmacy team.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about equivalence, prescriptions, legality, and delivery. Tap a question to expand.
Is generic capecitabine the same as Xeloda?
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Sitharam Reddy is a licensed clinical pharmacist with 19 years of experience. He holds a B.Pharm and M.Pharm from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. At OnlineMeds, he reviews medicine and health content to help ensure it is accurate, evidence-based, and easy to understand.
Informational only. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional. This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
This page draws on public information from recognised health authorities and cancer organisations. Always follow the guidance of your own doctor.