Medication Safety
Articles that contain information about safety topics when taking medications to treat cancer and manage side effects. Visit OncoLink Rx to learn more about the specific medications you are taking.
Vaccine Safety
A vaccine (also called an immunization) is a treatment given as an injection, pill, or nasal spray that is used to protect you from a disease. They help your immune system make antibodies, which are what your immune system makes when you are exposed to a disease.
General Medication Safety
Medication safety is important to ensure that you are taking your medication as ordered, storing it properly and asking questions when needed.
Box Warnings
Box warnings are major safety risks of medications. They are often not common but are serious potential side effects.
Taking Oral Anti-Cancer Medications at Home
This article provides instructions for patients taking chemotherapy, biotherapy, or hormone therapy by mouth at home.
Home Safety for Patients Receiving Anti-Cancer Medications
This article provides information to address common questions about safety while receiving chemotherapy, biotherapy and hormone therapy.
Safe Medication Disposal
It is important to dispose of medications correctly. This article guides you as to how to dispose of medications.
Opioids for Treating Cancer Pain
Opioids are a type of medication used to treat pain in people with cancer. When used as directed these medications can be useful in managing chronic and acute pain.
Naloxone (Narcan®) for Emergency Use
Naloxone (Narcan®) is a medication used to help reverse an opioid overdose.
Safe Use of Controlled Substance in the Home
Controlled substances, such as some pain medications, need to be safely used and stored in the home. This article provides information and tips for safely using controlled substances at home.
How To Give a Subcutaneous (SubQ or SQ) Injection
A subcutaneous injection is an injection ("shot") of medication into the subcutaneous layer, or fatty tissue layer, under your skin. These types of injections are used to given medications that need to be absorbed (taken in) slowly by the body.
Injection Site Reactions
Some medications can cause reactions in the area around an IV or central line. Reactions can be caused by a sensitivity to the medication or by the medication leaking out of the blood vessels and into the nearby tissues.
Pregnancy Prevention During Cancer Treatment
Treatment for cancer can affect an unborn fetus. In most cases, it is not safe to become pregnant or father a child during cancer treatment. This article provides reasons why you should not become pregnant or father a child during cancer treatment and gives birth control options.