The medications that you receive during your chemotherapy are very strong. We use them to kill the cancer cells in your body. Because they are so good at their job, they can also be toxic to others who come in direct contact with you. It is important that you know about the precautions you need to take during and after receiving chemotherapy. These precautions will help those around you avoid contact with toxic and dangerous chemicals.
Chemotherapy drugs are broken down and excreted (removed) from your body once their job is done. This usually happens in the kidneys and sometimes by the liver/intestines.
The chemotherapy drugs are strong, that even as they are being removed from your body, they can still be toxic and dangerous to others. For example, they can cause abnormal changes in DNA, they can alter the development of an unborn baby, they may be able to cause other kinds of cancer and some may cause localized skin irritation or damage. This occurs by others having contact with the toxic by-products once they have been eliminated by your body. That is why it is important for you to take certain steps to ensure that people around you do not become sick.
Nurses will wear special gloves and gowns when preparing and giving you chemotherapy drugs. Additionally, pharmacists prepare the drugs in areas with special ventilation systems. Special procedures are used for disposing of materials after mixing and administrating the drugs. There are separate plastic containers to dispose of sharp items, syringes, IV tubing and medication bags. Gowns and gloves are disposed of in special containers. If any drug leaks or spills, special precautions are used to clean up the drug.
When do you start taking these precautions?
You should start as soon as you begin your chemotherapy
How long do you continue these precautions?
Different chemotherapy drugs take different lengths of time to be removed from your body. To be safe, you should continue all precautions until 48 hours (2 full days) after the completion of your chemotherapy.
Does it matter whether or not you take the chemotherapy in the hospital or in the clinic?
No. The doctors and nurses in the hospital and in the clinic already know about the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the chemotherapy. The people that you need to protect are those who come into contact with you during and after your chemotherapy treatments. You will need to take the same precautions with these people whether you receive your chemotherapy in the hospital or in the outpatient clinic.
What are the precautions that you need to take?
No one should come into contact with your urine or your feces (stool). You must flush the toilet twice after each use. If possible use a separate toilet from others in your home. If you are in the hospital, do not allow visitors to use your toilet.
Emesis (the contents you vomit from your stomach) can also contain toxic chemicals. If you vomit in the toilet, remember to flush twice and be sure to wipe around the edges of the toilet to clean any splashes. If you vomit into a bucket or pan, carefully pour the emesis into the toilet and flush twice. Then thoroughly rise the bucket or pan with hot soapy water and dry with disposable paper towel. Discard the paper towel right away. Do not use a regular dish cloth or tea towel.
You must use a condom during sexual intercourse for the first 48 hours after the last dose of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and other drugs can be found in vaginal secretions and sperm.
What if you are too sick or weak to take these precautions and you need someone to help you?
If you are in the hospital, please allow the staff to help you and remind your visitors to avoid your body fluids (urine, stool, vomit, etc.).
If you are at home and you need help, make sure that whoever is helping you understands the dangers involved and has read this information sheet. They need to wear disposable gloves and should avoid allowing their clothes and skin to come in contact with your body fluids. Once they are finished, they must throw out their gloves and wash their hands thoroughly.
What if you get body fluids on your bed or sheets?
If you are in the hospital, please let the staff know.
If you are at home, wash any soiled linen or clothes in hot water twice with regular detergent in your washing machine (do not hand wash these items), and be sure to wash the soiled linens and clothes separately from the other laundry. If you are unable to wash right away, place the dirty items in a washable pillowcase and keep separate from other household items.
What if you wear absorbable undergarments (such as Depends) or you are menstruating and are using sanitary napkins?
Any items that are absorbable (can hold body fluids) and are disposable can be thrown away. They should be sealed in a plastic bag and placed directly in the trash.
What happens if someone accidentally comes into contact with some of my body fluids?
Don't panic! Have the person wash the area thoroughly with warm soapy water. Repeat several times. If necessary, they can even take a shower. A single, accidental exposure will not likely have any serious effects. But it is important that this person avoid any further exposures. This person should also discuss the exposure with their family doctor during their next scheduled visit.
Is there anything else you can do to help limit the exposure to your family and friends?Yes. One of the most important things you can remember to do is wash your hands often. Wash them after you have handled any of your body fluids and after every trip to the bathroom. This also has the added benefit of helping you to avoid infections and getting sick!
Yes. One of the most important things you can remember to do is wash your hands often. Wash them after you have handled any of your body fluids and after every trip to the bathroom. This also has the added benefit of helping you to avoid infections and getting sick!
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 10/1/2007...#13586
