Finding the Right Doctor for Xeloda

If you or a loved one needs Xeloda (Capecitabine), the first step is finding the right doctor. Xeloda is an oral chemotherapy medication used to treat breast cancer and colorectal cancer, and it's not something every doctor can prescribe. You need a specialist — and knowing which type of specialist to look for can save you weeks of waiting and frustration.

This guide walks you through exactly how to find a provider who can prescribe Xeloda near you in 2026, what to expect at your appointment, and what to do after you get your prescription.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Xeloda?

Xeloda is a chemotherapy drug, so it's prescribed by cancer specialists. The most common types of doctors who prescribe Capecitabine include:

• Medical oncologists — These are the primary prescribers of Xeloda. Medical oncologists specialize in treating cancer with medications, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
• Hematology/oncology specialists — These doctors treat both blood disorders and cancers. They frequently prescribe Xeloda for solid tumors like breast and colorectal cancer.
• Surgical oncologists — While their primary role is cancer surgery, surgical oncologists sometimes initiate or continue Xeloda as part of adjuvant (post-surgery) treatment plans.
• Gastroenterologists — For GI cancers, a gastroenterologist may work alongside your oncologist, though the oncologist typically writes the Xeloda prescription.

Your primary care doctor or family physician cannot typically prescribe Xeloda. They can, however, refer you to the right specialist and help coordinate your overall care.

How to Find a Provider Near You

Here are several ways to find an oncologist who prescribes Xeloda in your area:

1. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

This is often the fastest route. Your primary care doctor likely has relationships with local oncologists and can refer you to one who has experience with Capecitabine. If you have an HMO insurance plan, a referral from your PCP may be required.

2. Check Your Insurance Provider Directory

Log into your insurance company's website and search for in-network oncologists near your ZIP code. This ensures you won't face unexpected out-of-network charges — which can be significant with specialty cancer care.

3. Use Hospital and Cancer Center Websites

Many hospitals and cancer centers have online provider directories. Look for NCI-designated cancer centers, academic medical centers, or large community oncology practices in your area. These facilities are most likely to have oncologists experienced with Xeloda.

4. Search Professional Directories

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) offers a Find a Cancer Doctor tool. You can also try the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer database to find accredited cancer programs near you.

5. Contact Genentech Patient Support

Genentech, the manufacturer of Xeloda, offers support services at 1-866-422-2377. They may be able to help connect you with prescribers in your area.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Once you've found an oncologist, here's what typically happens:

• Medical history review — Your doctor will review your cancer diagnosis, previous treatments, and overall health history.
• Lab work — Before starting Xeloda, you'll likely need blood tests including a complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests, and kidney function tests. Xeloda is cleared through the kidneys, so kidney function is especially important.
• DPD testing — Your doctor may test for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency. People with this enzyme deficiency face a higher risk of severe or even fatal reactions to Xeloda. This test is now recommended before starting treatment.
• Dosing discussion — Xeloda dosing is based on your body surface area (BSA). Your doctor will calculate the right dose for you, typically ranging from 1,000 to 1,250 mg/m² taken twice daily.
• Side effect education — Your oncologist or oncology nurse will explain what side effects to watch for, including hand-foot syndrome, diarrhea, and nausea.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your oncologist prescribes Xeloda, the next step is filling it. Here are a few things to know:

Specialty Pharmacy vs. Retail Pharmacy

Many insurance plans require Xeloda to be filled through a specialty pharmacy. Your oncologist's office usually handles this coordination. If you're filling at a retail pharmacy, be aware that not every pharmacy stocks Capecitabine — it's a specialty medication with known supply challenges.

Checking Availability

Xeloda and generic Capecitabine have experienced intermittent shortages. If your pharmacy doesn't have it in stock, tools like Medfinder can help you check which pharmacies near you have it available — without having to call around.

Managing Cost

Xeloda can be expensive, especially for the brand name. Generic Capecitabine is significantly more affordable, and there are coupons, discount cards, and patient assistance programs that can help bring the price down further. Ask your oncologist's office about financial assistance — many practices have staff dedicated to helping patients navigate costs.

Follow-Up Care

After starting Xeloda, you'll have regular follow-up visits with your oncologist. These typically include:

• Blood work every 1–2 cycles to monitor blood counts, liver, and kidney function
• Side effect assessments and possible dose adjustments
• Imaging studies to track your cancer's response to treatment

If you're taking warfarin or other blood thinners, your doctor will need to monitor your INR closely — Xeloda can significantly increase bleeding risk when combined with warfarin. For a full list of drug interactions to be aware of, check our dedicated guide.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right doctor to prescribe Xeloda is a critical first step in your cancer treatment journey. Medical oncologists are the primary prescribers, and you can find one through your primary care doctor, insurance directory, or cancer center websites.

Don't let the process overwhelm you. Start with a referral, get your labs done, and ask your care team about DPD testing before your first dose. Once you have your prescription, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy that has Xeloda in stock near you.

If you're already on Xeloda and want to learn more, explore our guides on how Xeloda works and what you need to know about dosage and uses.