Precautions When Using Cytotoxic Medicine

Cytotoxicity is the quality of being harmful (toxic) to cells. The most common type of cytotoxic medicine is chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat cancer. There are also other types of cytotoxic medicines that are used to treat conditions other than cancer.

Cytotoxic medicines prevent the rapid growth and division of cells. They are used to target harmful cells in the body that grow and divide abnormally quickly. However, these medicines can also damage normal cells in the body that naturally grow and divide quickly. Cytotoxic medicines leave the body through urine, but they can also be present in other body fluids and waste products.

When you are taking cytotoxic medicine, your body fluids can pose a health risk for anyone who comes in contact with them. You need to take precautions to help prevent other people from coming in contact with your medicine or your body fluids.

How should I store my medicine?

• Store cytotoxic medicines in an airtight container that is clearly labeled.
• Keep cytotoxic medicines away from other medicines.
• Store these medicines in a safe place where children and pets cannot get to them.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider or pharmacist about whether to store the medicines in a refrigerated or non-refrigerated location. Different cytotoxic medicines have different temperature requirements for storage.

How should I clean up a medicine spill?

Any medicine spills should be cleaned up right away. Always use gloves, and always use a spill kit if you have one available. To clean up a spill:

• Put on gloves.
• Use disposable towels, soap, and water to wipe up the spill.
• Wipe the area a second time with another wet disposable towel.
• Place the disposable towels in a specially marked container if you have one, or in a double plastic bag.
• Carefully remove gloves without letting the contaminated parts touch you.
• Throw the gloves away in a specially marked container if you have one, or in a double plastic bag.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

How do I help prevent others from coming in contact with my body fluids?

• Make sure that people wear gloves when they handle contaminated laundry or have contact with your body fluids during the 48 hours after you take a dose of medicine.
• Practice good bathroom hygiene:
  • When using the toilet, close the toilet seat lid before you flush.
  • Men should sit down on the toilet when urinating to avoid splashing.
  • Flush twice each time you use the toilet. Do this for at least 48 hours after you take a dose of medicine.
  • After each time you use the toilet, clean the toilet and then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Handle laundry carefully:
  • Wash laundry that comes in contact with your body fluids separately. This includes clothing, sheets, and towels.
  • If you cannot wash the laundry right away, place it in a double plastic bag and wash it as soon as possible.
  • Wash laundry in warm or hot water.
• Wipe up any spills of body fluid right away. To do this:
  • Put on gloves.
  • Use disposable towels to wipe up the spill.
  • Use a disposable towel, soap, and water to wipe the spill area.
  • Wipe the area a second time with another wet disposable towel.
  • Place the disposable towels in a specially marked container if you have one, or in a double plastic bag.
• Wash and disinfect countertops and other surfaces regularly.
• Use a condom during vaginal, anal, and oral sex while you are taking cytotoxic medicines and for 48 hours after you take the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed while taking cytotoxic medicine.
• It is safe for you to have close contact with others, such as hugging and kissing, when using cytotoxic medicines.

Summary

• The most common type of cytotoxic medicine is chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat cancer.
• Talk with your health care provider about any special storage or handling instructions for your cytotoxic medicine.
• When you are taking cytotoxic medicine, your body fluids can pose a health risk for anyone who comes in contact with them.
• You need to take precautions to help prevent other people from coming in contact with your medicine or your body fluids.