The Information Book Edition 3 - Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service

Oral medicationsIt is a good idea for you to help to give your child’s medicines in hospital. It maymake medicine-taking easier if your child needs to continue treatment at home.Many children don’t like taking any sort of medicine.Hints to help your child take medicine:• Rewards are more helpful than threats. Use an incentive like a Star Chart• Re-direct your child’s attention by playing a game• It might be easier to give medicines with a syringe instead of a spoon.Your nurse will show you how to do this• You might need to hold your child firmly. Your nurse will help show you thebest way if needed• If the medication is missed out, you need to tell your child’s team• Some medicines / tablets must be taken at specific times. Make sureyou know when your child’s medicine should be taken and always checkthe expiry dates.Before giving any medication that has not been ordered by your child’sconsultant oncologist, check with your child’s team whether it is okay to givethe medication.Never give aspirin or drugs that contain aspirin.Taking tabletsSome children have trouble swallowing tablets. If you are having problemswith your child taking tablets ask your nurse coordinator or pharmacist for thewritten information about taking tablets.Cancer Sec.3.11Updated July 2012