What to do if my child misses a dose of cancer medicine (1659)

Key points below

In general, give the medicine as soon as you remember your child missed it. Never double up on a medicine. If it is more than two hours after the medicine is due then you should follow these recommendations:

Medicine given Once a day

If less than 12 hours since the time it normally should be given: GIVE DOSE
If more than 12 hours since the time it should be given: SKIP DOSE
Return to usual schedule with the next normally scheduled dose

Medicine given Twice Daily

If less than 6 hours since the time it normally should be given: GIVE DOSE
If more than 6 hours since the time it should be given: SKIP DOSE
Return to usual schedule with the next normally scheduled dose

Medicine given Three Times a day

If less than 3 hours since the time it normally should be given: GIVE DOSE
If more than 3 hours since the time it should be given: SKIP DOSE
Return to usual schedule with the next normally scheduled dose

Medicine given Four times a day

If less than 2 hours since the time it normally should be given: GIVE DOSE
If more than 2 hours since the time it should be given: SKIP DOSE
Return to usual schedule with the next normally scheduled dose

Medicine given every 2, 3, or 4 hours

If it has been more than 2 hours since the time it normally should be given, SKIP DOSE that was missed and return to the normal medication schedule. Do not double up on doses.

Never double up on a medicine. Do not give two doses at once because you missed a dose. This is dangerous and can put your child at risk for increased side effects.
If your medicine is to help your child’s cancer or pain management call your oncology provider to let them know you missed a dose. Your provider may tell you to take the medicine differently or longer due to the missed dose.

ALERT

Do not delay calling your provider or a pharmacist if you have questions regarding how to take your medicine.