For cancer patients, medication is a critical aspect of recovery. A patient’s specific mix of medications will be designed in consultation with a care team. Those medications will work best when given at the proper doses and times.
This guide will help cancer patients and caregivers successfully manage the storage, dosage, and special circumstances related to cancer medication.
What are the 5 R’s for medication safety?
Caregivers who follow the 5 Rights of Medication Administration will be the most effective at keeping cancer patients safe and healthy. These are the same steps followed by the care professionals at your clinic or hospital.
- Right drug
- Right dose
- Right time
- Right route
- Right person
Right drug
As you get ready to administer a drug, first make sure you’re using the correct one. Look at the pill bottle, then read the name of the drug out loud.
Right dose
A common cause of dangerous adverse drug events is giving an improper dose. This mistake usually happens when caregivers misread or mismeasure the proper amount.
Right time
A medication plan will only be successful if the proper medication is given at the right time. The best solution is a written medication schedule.
Right route
Cancer medications can be administered as pills, liquids, topical treatments rubbed on the skin, and injectable treatments. Injectable treatments include intravenous (IV) infusions or injections through the vein, intramuscular (IM) injections into the muscle, and subcutaneous (SQ) injections under the skin. Follow the directions given with the medication, and ask for help if you feel you need it.
Right person
Pill bottles can look very similar. As a last step before administering the medication, look again at the medication you’re holding to make sure you’re giving it to the right patient.
General tips for effective cancer medication management
Two important strategies will help you give medication safely throughout the treatment process: keeping a medication list and storing medication properly. Medication storage and handling is especially important because some treatments may be hazardous.
Medication list
A medication list is a critical document that will be consulted by patients, caregivers, pharmacists, and your doctor. Make sure you add any supplements or over-the-counter medications to the list in addition to prescribed medications.
The medication list should include the name of the medication, the dosage or how the medication is taken, when treatment with the medication began, and any concerns you have such as side effects experienced....
