Safe handling of hazardous medications at home information sheet

• Where possible, sit on the toilet seat to use the toilet
• After using the toilet, close the lid and use the ‘full flush’ option
• Wash your hands with soap and water.

• It is recommended to use disposable nappies and baby wipes
• Wear disposable gloves to place the nappies and wipes in a plastic bag
• Put the gloves in the bag as well, tie it up and put it in the rubbish
• Wash your hands with soap and water.

Where possible use either a plastic bucket or a plastic bag with no holes to vomit into. 

Using a plastic bucket:

• Wear disposable gloves to carefully empty the vomit into the toilet, close the lid and use the full flush option
• Wash the bucket with soapy water and dry with paper towels
• Put the disposable gloves in a plastic bag and put them in the rubbish
• Wash your hands with soap and water
• Only use this bucket for collecting vomit and throw it out when treatment has finished.

Using a plastic bag or vomit bag: 

• Tie it up and put it in the rubbish
• Wash your hands with soap and water

• Wear disposable gloves and use paper towels to soak up the spill
• Use disposable cloths and soapy water to wash down contaminated surfaces
• Put the used paper towels, cloths and gloves in a plastic bag and put it in the rubbish
• Wash your hands with soap and water. 

• Wear disposable gloves to touch these items
• Wash the items straight away
• After putting the items in the washing machine, put the disposable gloves into a plastic bag and put it in the rubbish
• Wash the items separately on the longest washing machine cycle in either hot or cold water with detergent. Run the full wash cycle with detergent a second time
• Air dry only
• After washing and drying, the items can be used as normal. 

Handy tip: Use a plastic mattress cover to protect the mattress from accidents.

• If the eyes are affected, continuously rinse them with water or eye wash (artificial tears) for 15 minutes
• Contact your doctor or nurse immediately or go to your nearest emergency department for help
• For other areas, wash the affected area immediately with soap and water. If there is any redness or irritation, contact your doctor or nurse for advice. 

• You and your partner should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment
• This is because chemotherapy medicines can harm an unborn baby
• You should also use a condom or other physical barrier if you have any type of sex after each treatment
• This is to reduce exposure of your partner to these medicines in semen or vaginal fluids
•  This usually applies for 48 hours but may be up to 7 days for certain drugs 
• Ask your doctor or nurse any questions you have about safe sex during your treatment. 

• The medication will be packed in a leak proof bag, labelled Cytotoxic /Hazardous
• A label naming the drug, the dose, the date,  expiry date and your child’s details will be given
• When transporting these medications, they should be placed in a securely closed, leak and puncture proof container (e.g., Esky) and labelled with a cytotoxic warning sticker
• Containers should be placed in the car boot rather than the cabin if possible
• Store all tablets/suspension, capsules and injections in a safe place away from children and animals in a container with a secure lid and follow the directions for storage on the label
• When drawing up medication or suspension, gloves must be worn
• Hazardous equipment such as oral syringes and medication cups are not to be reused and should be disposed of after each dose
• Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate container and speak to your pharmacist about safe disposal
• If you are having problems administering/taking the hazardous medication, call your care team or pharmacist for advice
• Do not crush hazardous medications 
• If dose is vomited, please note the time and ensure you contact your team for advice on whether to re-administer or not
• Return all leftover tablets or capsules to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.

• Your doctor or nurse will explain how the pump works, and what to do if you have any problems
• If you notice a spill or a leak from the pump, stop the pump and clean up the spill 
• Contact your nurse or team immediately for further instructions or go to your nearest emergency department for help.

Yes, it is safe for your child to touch other people, and to hug and cuddle their family.

Yes, others may use the same toilet as your child. 

If body fluids splash on the toilet seat, wear disposable gloves and wipe the area down with soapy water before other people use the toilet.