Chemotherapy Safety at Home

Of course, anyone using or dispensing chemotherapy in their clinic needs to follow basic safety precautions to protect their patients and their staff. However, practicing chemotherapy safety doesn't end at the clinic door. Clients need to be informed of the potential risks of handling oral chemotherapy and/or the risks of handling the wastes of a patient who has had chemotherapy after they leave the clinic. You should have a very rigid protocol in place for in house and at home chemotherapy handling before ever considering using and handling chemotherapy. We make the following recommendations to clients:

Handling Waste

Most chemotherapeutic agents are eliminated in the feces or urine. In most cases, the drugs are eliminated in a changed form that poses little risk. However, pets should be walked and allowed to urinate or defecate outside your children’s play area for 48 hours after your pet’s last treatment.
Disposable latex gloves should be used to clean up any urine, stool or vomit for 48 hours after your pet’s last treatment. Place soiled paper towels and gloves in a sealed plastic container to dispose of.
For cats, clean litter box frequently. Remove feces and flush down the toilet. Dispose of litter in a sealed plastic container.
Contaminated bedding should be washed separately from other laundry.
Clients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, immune suppressed or taking immunosuppressive drugs should avoid their pet’s waste for 48 hours following treatment.

Handling Chemotherapy Drugs

Wear latex gloves when handling oral chemotherapy medications at home. Wash hands immediately and thoroughly after handling medication. Gloves may be resealed and returned to the clinic for disposal.
Never break or crush chemotherapy tablets.
Do not store chemotherapy medication near food, cosmetics, or other medications. Keep out of the reach of children and pets
If you come in contact with chemotherapy medication, wash the area immediately with soap and water. If exposed skin becomes irritated and does not quickly resolve, contact your physician.
Wash any surfaces, such as counter tops or floors that may have come in contact with the chemotherapy medication with a rubbing alcohol wipe followed by soap and water, then wipe dry with a paper towel.

For more information, please contact us at 734-459-6040.