How to Administer Chemo Drugs

According to information provided by the American Cancer Society, chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that consists of the administration of poisonous drugs into the patient's system for the purpose of destroying cancerous cells. Chemotherapy works based on the fact that cancer cells have a faster metabolism than "normal" cells, causing them to soak up a disproportionately larger amount of the administered medication. Although chemotherapy methods all have the same goal, the method by which that goal is reached can vary widely.

Instructions

• 1

  Chemotherapy regimens vary widely. Some allow for at-home administration.Some are administered at a local physician's office. And some require a visit to the hospital. It all depends on the drugs used and they given. Be clear about the general protocol before administering chemo drugs.

• 2

  Speak with your physician about the appropriate method for introducing the drug into your body. Some chemotherapy regimens are fairly easy to take, since the drugs are ingested through via pill or liquid. Other types of chemotherapy require intramuscular injections, which can be given by a doctor in his office. The most common form of chemotherapy, however, requires injecting directly into the veins with an IV.

• 3

  Carefully follow the indicated timing and dosage protocol if you are taking chemotherapy drugs outside your physician's direct supervision. Be clear on how often you are supposed to take the drugs, along with the appropriate time of day and the appropriate circumstances for administration (for example, whether the drugs should be taken on a full or empty stomach). Chemotherapy is a precise protocol that requires minute attention to detail for full effect, so if you feel you are unable to fully comply with instructions, request that your doctor administer your chemotherapy medications.