Precautions To Take When Using Drugs

Although the drugs you are taking are intended to help you, they can be harmful to those around you. In an effort to prevent accidental exposure, certain precautions are recommended and should be respected for the duration of your therapy. Accidental absorption can occur simply by touching the drug or touching an object that has come into contact with the drug.

Below is a list of precautions you should take to protect those around you:

• Keep out of reach of children and animals.
• Store your drugs in the container that was given to you by your health care provider and make sure it is clearly labeled with your name.
• Store your drugs away from any food.
• If you need to store your medication in the refrigerator, place it in a rigid, closed container on a high shelf.
• If the drug comes in contact with any surface other than the container, that surface must be cleaned with a detergent.
• If you are taking tablets, do not crush or cut.
• If you are taking capsules, do not break open or crush.
• Wash your hands before and after taking your medication.
• Dispose of any unused medication or related waste in the dedicated container that was given to you by your health care provider. The container, which should be clearly identified, must be returned to the pharmacy for proper destruction.

• Protection:
  • Restrict the number of people who handle your medication. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid all contact.
  • Inform anyone handling your medication, items that may have come into contact with your medication or your body fluids (blood, urine, vomit, stool, etc.) that they should wear appropriate gloves as the drug may be present in some concentration. Continue to take these precautions for several days after treatment has ended. Ask your health care provider for more information.
  • In spite of wearing gloves, it is important to thoroughly wash your hands after handling these drugs.
  • Used gloves should be disposed of in the provided container.
  • Whether you are a man or a woman, specific contraceptive measures may apply for the duration of your treatment and even after the last dose. Speak to your health care professional.
• Washing and hygiene:The following measures should be taken during treatment and for several days after treatment has ended. Ask your health care provider for more information.
  • Wash your clothing and sheets twice, especially if they are soiled. Wash them separately from those of other family members.
  • To prevent splashing, urinate sitting on the toilet, close the toilet lid and flush twice. Clean the toilet bowl, the lid, and the floor around the toilet daily. If possible, other family members should use a separate toilet.
  • Wash your hands after having used the toilet.
  • If these tasks are performed by someone else, they should wear gloves and wash their hands afterwards.

These precautions may be modified by the professionals supervising your treatment. If you have questions, contact the clinic where you are receiving treatment.