Drug interactions
Capecitabine + Heparin
Severity: Moderate
Capecitabine and Heparin: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Capecitabine can cause thrombocytopenia and may affect coagulation, so concurrent heparin may raise the bleeding risk. The effect is documented mainly with warfarin and is less established with heparin.
What this interaction means in plain words
Capecitabine and Heparin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Capecitabine belongs to Oncology; Heparin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive bleeding risk through capecitabine-related thrombocytopenia and impaired hemostasis alongside heparin anticoagulation.
What to do
Monitor platelet counts and for bleeding, and check aPTT or anti-Xa as appropriate. Hold or adjust heparin if platelets fall substantially.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Heparin
- Defibrotide + Heparin Contraindicated
- Heparin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Heparin + Oritavancin Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Heparin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Heparin Major
- Alteplase + Heparin Major
Other interactions of Capecitabine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Capecitabine with Heparin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Capecitabine and Heparin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Capecitabine can cause thrombocytopenia and may affect coagulation, so concurrent heparin may raise the bleeding risk. The effect is documented mainly with warfarin and is less established with heparin.
How serious is the interaction between Capecitabine and Heparin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor platelet counts and for bleeding, and check aPTT or anti-Xa as appropriate. Hold or adjust heparin if platelets fall substantially.
What other medicines interact with Heparin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Heparin with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Oritavancin. The full list is on the Heparin page.
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