Safety Information for Oral Anti-Cancer Agents
What are Anti-Cancer Agents?
Anti-cancer agents are drugs used to treat cancer. These drugs kill cancer cells, but can also
harm normal cells in your body which is what can cause side effects. Anti-cancer agents are
given in “cycles”. Some anti-cancer agents may be given every day. Other anti-cancer agents
must be given with planned breaks to allow your body to recover between cycles.
What are Oral Anti-Cancer Agents?
Some anti-cancer agents can be given by tablet or capsule which you take by mouth; we will call
these pills. These pills are called oral anti-cancer agents.
You will be given a prescription for one “cycle” at a time of your anti-cancer agent. It is very
important that anti-cancer pills are taken in the right amount or dose and at the right time to
avoid serious side effects. Safe handling and disposal of anti-cancer pills is also very important.
These pills are hazardous and need special precautions.
What Should I Know About My Anti-Cancer Pills?
Read the information carefully that comes with your anti-cancer pills.
It is important for you to know the following:
•
What time of day you need to take your pills.
•
If you should take your pills with or without food.
•
If there are specific foods or drinks that you should not have while taking your anti-cancer
pills such as grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
•
If there are any other pills, over the counter medications or natural health products such
as vitamins, minerals, herbs & supplements that you should not take with your anticancer pills.
•
If your anti-cancer pills should be kept at room temperature or in the fridge.
o Keep your anti-cancer pills separate from other medications
o If your anti-cancer pills are to be kept in the fridge make sure they are stored away
from food
How Do I Take My Anti-Cancer Pills?
•
Swallow each pill whole. Do not crush or chew your pills.
o Call your primary nurse if it is hard for you to swallow the pills.
•
Wash your hands after taking your pills.
How Do I Help Someone Take Their Anti-Cancer Pills?
•
Do not touch the oral anti-cancer pills with bare hands.
o Wear disposable gloves, you can buy these at your local pharmacy. These gloves
need to be thrown in the garbage after you use them.
o Wash your hands well before you put your gloves on.
o Put the pills right into a medicine cup to take them. You can buy these at your local
pharmacy.
o After you have given the pills, take your gloves off and wash your hands.
Call the pharmacist who gave you your pills if you are not sure what to do.
What if I Miss or Forget a Pill?
•
Skip the missed dose and take your next dose as planned. Do not try to make it up by
taking two doses at once.
•
Please refer to your anti-cancer agent handout for more information
What if I Vomit After I Take My Pill?
•
If you vomit after taking your pill do not take your pills again until your next scheduled
dose.
•
Call your primary nurse if you are not sure what to do.
Do I Need to Know Anything Else about Anti-Cancer Pills?
•
Do not get pregnant or your partner pregnant while taking this medication.
•
•
Do not share your pills with anyone.
Keep your pills away from children and pets. Make sure they cannot reach your pills.
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What if I Have Leftover Anti-Cancer Pills?
•
Bring your pill packages and any left-over pills to your next clinic visit.
•
Do not throw them away or flush them down the toilet.
Are There any Safety Measures I Need to Take?

Wash your hands well after using the bathroom.

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning up bodily fluids such as vomit, urine, blood, or
stool.

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning bedpans, commodes, urinals and linens dirtied by
bodily fluids.

Wash bed pans, commodes and urinals well with soap and water.

Wash soiled linens and clothing twice in hot soapy water separate from other laundry.

Put disposable gloves and paper towels that you used when cleaning up bodily fluids in
two plastic bags and throw away with regular garbage.
If you have questions call your primary nurse during clinic hours.
__________________________
.
WARNING
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid, if possible, handling anticancer pills or the bodily fluids or waste of a person taking anti-cancer pills.
Created by Trillium Health Partners, Oncology Program, 2014
Adapted from:
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