What to do if my child misses a dose of cancer medicine (1659)
Key points below
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.