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:
With regards to your medication:
- Keep out of reach of children and animals.
- Store your drugs in the container that was given to you by the pharmacist or nurse and make sure it is clearly labeled with your name.
- Store your drugs away from any food.
- 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 the pharmacist or nurse. The container, which should be clearly identified, must be returned to the pharmacy for proper destruction.
With regards to specific measures during treatment:
- 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 GLOVES as the drug may be present in some concentration.
- In spite of wearing gloves, it is important to thoroughly wash your hands after handling these drugs.
- 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 healthcare professional.
- Washing and hygiene:These measures usually apply for the length of the treatment and for an additional 4 to 7 days after completion of treatment. Ask your healthcare professional if this precautionary period is right for your treatment.
- Wash clothing/bedding/objects that have been contaminated by your medication or bodily fluids (blood, urine, etc.) separately.
- To prevent splashing, urinate sitting on the toilet, close the toilet lid and flush twice.
- Wash your hands after having used the toilet.
These precautions may be amended by your physician or pharmacist based on your specific case. If you have questions, contact the clinic where you are receiving treatment.
