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If
you are caring for a chemotherapy patient at home it is important that
you follow certain procedures in handling the drugs and disposing of
waste products.
Chemotherapy
is Hazardous Waste.
Chemotherapy
medicine, equipment, or items that come into contact with the medicine
at any time such as syringes and needles are considered contaminated
with hazardous waste. Regardless of its administration method,
chemotherapy remains in the body for many hours, sometimes days, after
treatment and is excreted in urine and stool. The patient's vomitus may
contain traces of chemotherapy.
Special
Disposal Procedures.
Materials
contaminated with chemotherapy must be disposed of in specially marked
containers, specifically, a hard plastic container labeled
"Chemotherapy" or "Hazardous Waste." Equipment and
gloves that have been in contact with chemotherapy should be placed into
this container. If materials in contact with chemotherapy are too large
to fit in the plastic container, place them in a special bag and seal it
tightly with rubber bands. Sharp objects should only be placed in hard
plastic containers. Ask the doctor or nurse which containers should be
used. Containers or bags should be removed from the home when full. Either
return waste containers to the physician's office or arrange for the
company supplying the medicines and equipment to remove the waste.
Body Waste
The
toilet (septic tank or city sewage) may be used as usual, just flush it
twice after using for 48 hours after receiving chemotherapy. Wash hands
well with soap and water afterward, and wash skin if urine or stool gets
on it. Pregnant women should avoid direct contact with chemotherapy or
contaminated wastes.
Laundry
Items
soiled with chemotherapy should be handled carefully to avoid getting
the drug on the skin. Wear gloves to immediately place soiled sheets and
clothing in the washer and wash as usual. If a washer is not available,
place soiled items in a plastic bag until they can be washed. Wash
unsoiled clothes and linens in the usual manner. Also, dispose of
plastic sheets as hazardous waste.
Skin Care
Chemotherapy
spilled on the skin may cause irritation. If this happens, thoroughly
wash the area with soap and water, then dry. If redness persists more
than one hour or if irritation occurs, call the doctor. Because
chemotherapy is absorbed through the skin, gloves should be worn when
working with the chemotherapy, equipment, or wastes.
Eye Care
If
any chemotherapy splashes into the eyes, flush them out with water for
10-15 minutes and notify the doctor.
Source:
National
Guideline Clearinghouse
This page was last
edited on 06/19/2003
Written
by Rachael Myers Lowe, cancerpage.com
Reviewed by Katie Mullaly, RN, MSN and Jane Quigley, RN, BSN
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