Be Proactive
Two of the most common side effects, hand-foot syndrome (HFS), and stomatitis can be actively managed and/or possibly prevented.
Managing and Preventing Hand-Foot Syndrome
Applying ice packs to the wrists and ankles during the administration of DOXIL therapy may have a protective effect against hand-foot syndrome (HFS). In a recent study, 94% of patients that applied regional cooling during administration experienced no HFS or mild HFS. Ask your nurse about incorporating regional cooling into your DOXIL administration.
To help control HFS after administration, follow these guidelines for at least 1 day before and 3 to 5 days after each treatment:
Managing and Preventing Hand-Foot Syndrome
Things to Avoid:
- Avoid repetitive or friction-causing activities (e.g., avoid rough towels, sexual activity, sweeping, or typing)
- Avoid heat, including hot water or steam, on your skin (e.g., take cool, short showers or baths; avoid washing dishes)
- Avoid the drying out of the skin on your hands and feet by using plain, mild skin lotions or creams for itching that do not contain irritants such as perfumes
- Try not to put pressure on your skin (e.g., don’t kneel for long periods, sit on hard surfaces or lean on your elbows)
- Avoid using adhesive bandages
- Don’t chop hard foods such as raw vegetables
Things to do:
- Wear comfortable, well-ventilated, low-heeled shoes or slippers
- Wear sunblock (SPF 15 or higher) every day on all exposed skin; avoid using sunblock that contains irritants such as perfumes
- Stay in cool places and out of direct sunlight
- Use mild soaps and pat skin dry after bathing; don’t rub
- Check hands and feet, between fingers and toes in particular, for signs of irritations
- Apply gel ice packs to your hands and feet or soak them in cold-tepid water when possible
- Wear loose clothing
Preventing Stomatitis
For at least 1 day before and 3 to 5 days after treatment follow the routine below:
Things to do:
- Practice careful oral hygiene
- Use a soft toothbrush
- Rinse your mouth with cold water frequently
- Drink plenty of cool or room temperature liquids; suck on ice chips or sip cool beverages as often as possible
Things to avoid:
- Hot or spicy foods
- Salty foods
- Acidic foods (e.g., tomatoes and tomato-based sauces)
- Citric fruits and juices
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
