Medication Tips During Chemotherapy

Your doctor has developed a plan to treat your cancer and help you feel better. The doctor may prescribe one or more medications to help with your cancer treatment.

To help strengthen your immune system during chemotherapy, your doctor may also prescribe medicine that will help your body make more white blood cells. The medicine may shorten the duration of your nadir.

Whether you receive treatment or medicine in a hospital, clinic, or at home, it is important to follow the tips below to ensure that your treatment is carried out as intended:

• Take your medication exactly as your doctor tells you or prescribes.
• Do not skip a dose.
• Do not run out of your medicine. Call your pharmacy when you notice that you are running low on your medication and need a refill. Call your health care provider if you notice your refills are almost up.
• Never take medicine that is prescribed for someone else, even if it is the same type and dose as yours.
• Do not use leftover or outdated medicine.
• Report any side effects that you may experience right away.
• Talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicine that was not prescribed or suggested by your doctor.