Oral anti-cancer medication education

Before you start taking oral anti-cancer medication you will be booked a face-to-face appointment in the Cancer Centre with a pharmacist or pharmacy technician. They will explain how to take your medication, including time(s) of the day, how many tablets/capsules and whether it should be taken with/without food.

The pharmacist or pharmacy technician will talk you through:

• Possible side effects
• Issues with swallowing
• How to safely handle/store your medication
• How to obtain further supplies
• What to do if you encounter any problems

The pharmacist or pharmacy technician will also ask about the regular medication you take at home, so please bring a list of these to your appointment. This will include any herbal medication and food supplements. They will also ask about any allergies you have.

During the appointment please feel free to ask any questions you have regarding your medication and treatment. We are happy to try and help, if we do not know the answer we will direct you to someone who does.

When you are given your medication this will be accompanied by a patient information leaflet (PIL) about the specific drugs you have been given. Please keep this for your reference.