Oral chemotherapy: Handling Safely at Home | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Oral chemotherapy is a cancer-fighting drug given by mouth in tablet, capsule, or liquid form. Learn how to handle oral chemotherapy safely at home. Read more about oral chemotherapy at http://www.dana-farber.org/Adult-Care...


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It is very important that you take your oral chemotherapy safely at home. This video will offer you some easy tips to follow. Keep your medicine in its original container. Do not use a pill box. Do not mix your pills in a case or bag with other pills. Do not store your oral chemo in your bathroom, because the moisture might damage the pills. Do not keep your oral chemo on a window sill. Keep your oral chemo in a safe place. Your doctor or nurse will tell you if it needs special storage. For example, some medications are kept in the refrigerator. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after you take your pills. Do not crush, break, or chew your pills. If you can’t swallow your pills, call your care team. Take your pills as directed and at the same time every day. Do not flush your pills down the toilet. Do not dump them down the sink. Do not throw them away in the trash. Return your extra pills to the pharmacy where the prescription was filled.