Chemotherapy Safety At Home

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.
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Chemotherapy safety and body fluids

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.
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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.
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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.
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When do I need to take precautions?

Patients need to take a few precautions when undergoing chemotherapy both in the hospital and at home.
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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.
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Having chemotherapy at home
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You may receive chemotherapy at home. If so, you should follow the precautions in this information advice.

• Follow the directions on the label regarding safe storage. Store all capsules and tablets away from children.
• Inform our doctor or nurse if you develop any problems while taking chemotherapy drugs.
• If you need to use a pump for chemotherapy, our staff will explain how it works and what to do should you encounter any issues. If you notice leakage or spillage from your pump, stop the pump immediately and contact our clinic for further instructions.
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Precautions to be taken at home

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.
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Disclaimer:
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.