MXT inservice
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| Mon, 10-24-2005 - 8:29pm |
Well we learn something every day. I went to an inservice at work yesterday re patients on MXT. Although I am fully aware MXT is a cytotoxic drug ( and new much of the information given) I considered the dose I am on 20 mg weekly did not warrant any great caution to my family members, and the precautions where for high dose "chemo" administration.....I was just a little bit WRONG.
Here are a few of the things I learnt from the pharmacist that I think any on MXT (even low doses )may be interested to know.
1. For 48 hours following the weekly dose ( or any divided dose ) we are "hot" as in cytotoxic drugs leave our system and our bodily fluids are contaminated with this drug and could be of danger with repeated exposure ( this applies mainly to nursing staff etc who are emptying bodily fluids,).........however
2. As the MXT is lost down the toilet ( voiding & BO ) then our toilet becomes "hot" and over a period of time the enamel will errode.(black areas in the bowl) Double flushing will reduce the "hotness" of our toilet.
( if more than 1 toilet in the house only use that one for the 48 hrs)
3. As I have teenage children ( who want children of their own) I was just a tad concerned about this possible repeated exposure over a long period, to them. The pharmacist advised I clean the toilet after each use by me and double flush for the 48 hr period.
4. My next question..re intimate exchange of body fluids with partners during that 48 hr period. Her answer was if we are not worried about future sperm count then no problems. So I would take that as a ....if you want more children then dont exchange body fluids with a partner for 48 hrs.
5. Take tabs promptly dont put them on the bench as they will contaminate the area.
6. Dont put MXT tabs in another bottle with other drugs as they will contaminate them.
7. IF any person at home has to deal with your body fluids ( vomit urine Bo ) during that 48 hrs then they should wear gloves to dispose of items.
8. Taking Folic acid during the other 6 days is a MUST as it reduces the toxicity of MXT.
9. Keep MXT and folic acid in seperate areas to reduce risk of taking wrong tablet
It was a very interesting inservice as it delt with oral MXT doses. This was a Health Department awareness & education inservice following the death of a woman who took MXT daily for 1 month in error. There have also been reports of people confusing the folic acid tab and MXT tab. I have to say that sometimes I forget to take my tabs or wonder if I have or not. So
10 If in doubt dont re take your MXT ....
Hope this was of interest to any here on MXT. I have to say I was wondering why my toilet was not so bright & sparkling and why I have been buying so much blue loo. Now I know. Lell

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Thanks so much for the info, Lell. I am going to my rheumy tomorrow and I am taking your post with me. Thank goodness I forgot to take my MTX last week, since I was around the babies. I wonder what it could do to someone so little?? I won't stop it though, but I will be sure not to take it and get around the kids till after 48 hours. Just one more thing to have to remember. No wonder our brain's are mush!!!!!!!!!
Vicki
Bev
This was a very interesting post, Lell -- thank you!
Molly
Molly
Molly
Hi Lell,
Thanks for the great information. I don't share my home toilet, only at work, so I'll double flush there. Are we at risk ourselves? Even though we already have the MTX in our systems?
My question is if this is such a big deal why is it not any any pamplets or online anywhere? My dr never mentioned this. Regarding exchanging intimate body fluids, what harm can be done with long term exposure? Is it like me, where I will need to be off of MTX for 3 months before TTC? Will my boyfriend have long term effects even after the 3 months? Talk about putting a kink in your love life!!!
Smiles, Jen
Dear girls,
I have to say I did hum and ha about posting this, wondering if the inservice was from an over cautious pharmacist. It was aimed at nursing staff who are looking after people in hospital who just happen to be on MXT and they have to be giving the doses. As well as many times discarding bodily fluids.
The double flushing is to reduc the MXT components of the drug from eroding the enamel of the bowl over a period of time.
And the cleaning was to reduce the risk to others should they inadvertantly come into contact with drips & drops.(which are "hot")
I really did think precautions such as laminar-flow set up ( for IV chem) went with the routine double flushing and handling procedures of a cytotoxic drug in hospital, and oral lower doses in the home did not warrant the same caution.
I myself have decided to follow the caution rules at home, it is not likely any of them will be dealing with my direct body fluids....but I shall endeavour to save the toilet!! and clean the loo each time I use it for that 48hrs just to reduce risk to my kids.
My hubby...........well maybe he likes me "hot" (wink wink) But those still of childbearing yrs maybe should have a discussion with their own pharmacist or doctor and make up their own minds.Lell.
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