Category 1 Hazardous Medications
AT HOME
A guide for patients and clients and their families
Providence Care Rev. January 2014 This material is available in French and accessible formats upon request to the Communications Department. Cet outil est disponible en franรงais ou en support accessible sur demande au Service des communications.
www.providencecare.ca
AT HOME
1.... AT HOME - Category 1 Hazardous Medications
Now that you are going home there are things you can put into place to keep your environment safe for you and your family.
How should I store and handle my hazardous medications at home? Store hazardous medications in a childproof container, out of reach of children and pets. These medications should not be stored in the bathroom as moisture or humidity may damage them. Check the label to see if it needs to be refrigerated or if it is light sensitive. Wash your hands before and after handling. If a family member is pouring your medications, they should wear *gloves and wash their hands after glove removal.
How do I get rid of disposable items? Items soiled with body fluids as well as used gloves, should be double-bagged, stored separately from your household garbage away from the reach of children and pets. They can be disposed of as usual on regular garbage collection days.
What should I do with non-disposable items soiled with body fluids? Wash bed sheets or clothing separately two times with regular detergent in a washing machine using hot water before adding to your regular laundry. If your family member is performing this task, they should wear *gloves. Countertops, toilets, or floors, should be washed with soapy water using paper towels then double bag and dispose (see instructions for non-disposable items). If your family member is performing this task, they should wear two pairs of *gloves.
Category 1 Hazardous Medications - AT HOME ...2
What if there is a spill? Wear *gloves at all times when cleaning up waste or handling soiled items. Wash hands after removing gloves. DO NOT touch the spill with unprotected hands. Clean up spills as soon as you can to avoid spread to other areas. Flush waste down the toilet (flush twice with the lid down). Use toilet paper if you can to clean up spills then flush down the toilet. If you use paper towels, double bag (see instructions for disposable items). Wash linen soiled with waste separately (see instructions for non-disposable items). Wash soiled skin with warm soapy water for 10 minutes.
Who needs to know I am taking this medication? Any health personnel where you have appointments and tests should know you are taking a hazardous medication, and when the last dose was taken.
Other important information During sexual activity, wear a condom to protect your partner from being exposed to the drug. Oral sex is discouraged. Kissing and cuddling is safe. If you are thinking about getting pregnant, discuss with your physician when it might be safe to plan a pregnancy. Any family members who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should not handle these medications (even with gloves), if at all possible.
*If possible, two pairs of Nitrile gloves are recommended. Ask your care provider where they can be purchased.