Chemotherapy helps by destroying cancer cells. However, they can damage healthy cells as well. Hence, it is crucial to reduce the possibility of others coming in contact with your chemotherapy medicines. This also includes avoiding contact with your body fluids as they may contain chemotherapy drugs.
Body fluids such as blood, urine, vomit and faeces are liquids from our body. When you are undergoing chemotherapy, the medications may remain in these body fluids during treatment and even after the treatment for a period of time.
Most chemotherapy drugs tend to remain in body fluids for around 48 hours after each treatment. However, some medications can persist in body fluids for up to seven days. If you have to undergo chemotherapy regularly, the medications may remain in your body fluids throughout the treatment period.
Hence, it is crucial to prevent other people, especially children and pregnant or breastfeeding women, from coming in contact with chemotherapy medicines and your body fluids.
Patients need to take a few precautions when undergoing chemotherapy both in the hospital and at home.
Both during and for 48 hours after chemotherapy sessions, patients need to take precautions with body fluids. People who receive chemotherapy that remains in the body fluids for longer will need to take precautions for a longer period of time. Our doctors and nurses will advise you how long you must take these precautions for.
You may receive chemotherapy at home. If so, you should follow the precautions in this information advice.
It is essential to reduce the chances of family members and carers coming in contact with your body fluids. Our nurses can advise you which precautions to use depending on your treatment.
The information on the Centre For Clinical Haematology website is intended for educational use. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional.
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The CFCH team is committed to providing patient-centred care and comprehensive multidisciplinary support through every stage of your journey with us.
During your initial consultation, you'll meet our doctors who will listen to your concerns and begin your evaluation and recommend the necessary investigations required.
After diagnosis, we will plan your care, tailoring treatment options to your unique needs for the optimal outcome.
Throughout your treatment journey, we will provide a supportive environment to closely monitor your progress, ensuring your comfort and adjusting care as needed.
After treatment, we will continue to support you with a holistic approach to your recovery, to ensure that both your physical and mental wellbeing are looked after.
