Safety Precautions for Healthcare Professionals

Many chemotherapy drugs are considered hazardous, so the nurses and doctors who give chemotherapy will take precautions to avoid direct contact with the drugs while giving them to you.

Some chemotherapy drugs are dangerous to others in these ways:

• They can cause abnormal changes in DNA (mutagenic).
• They may be able to alter development of a fetus or embryo, leading to birth defects (teratogenic).
• They may be able to cause another type of cancer (carcinogenic).
• Some may cause localized skin irritation or damage.

Nurses may wear special gloves, goggles, and gowns when preparing and giving you chemotherapy drugs. Additionally, pharmacists or nurses prepare the drugs in areas with special ventilation systems.

If you are hospitalized, nurses and health care professionals may take special precautions in handling your urine and stool for a few days after treatment, as they may contain the drugs. If you are receiving chemotherapy drugs at home, you will be given special instructions and precautions to ensure the safety of your caregivers and those living with you.

Special procedures are used for disposing of materials after mixing and administering 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 bags. If any drug leaks or spills, special precautions are used to clean up the drugs