Febrile Medical Program and

What is febrile neutropenia? You may also need the following tests and treatments: Febrile neutropenia is a low level of white blood cells (neutropenia) combined with a (febrile). • Blood test • Chest X-ray and other tests, if needed What causes febrile neutropenia? • A drop in your (WBC) count may • Admission to the hospital if you have occur after cancer therapies such as , severe symptoms. immunotherapy, or some radiation treatments. Since white blood cells play an important role in How do I prevent infection while my preventing infection, when your WBC count drops, WBC count is low? you are at a higher risk of getting an infection. Since white blood cells are destroyed as a side Your body may respond to the infection with a effect of cancer treatment, you cannot prevent fever. You may also have chills, sweating, tiredness, neutropenia from occurring. However, or other symptoms. preventing an infection during your cancer treatment is important. You have a fever if: There are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of getting an infection when your white • Your temperature taken by mouth is greater blood cells are low. than 38 oC (100.4 oF) for more than 1 hour DO: OR • Stay away from large crowds or people who • You have a single temperature reading taken have colds, the flu or other illnesses that people by mouth greater than 38.3 oC (101 oF). can pass to each other. • Eat a well-balanced diet. • Wash all fruits and vegetables. How do we care for you if you have • Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluid a day febrile neutropenia? (avoid caffeine drinks). Your doctor and nurse will check your blood • Wash your hands before eating and after using levels regularly. the toilet. If your blood levels show a low WBC count and you • Clean any cuts or scrapes to your skin with soap have a fever, we will check to see if you have an and water right away. Cover with a bandage to infection. You may need to take medicines to help prevent infection. rebuild your WBC count. • Prevent mouth sores with regular mouth care (especially after meals).

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Form # 001475 © 2010_10 REV 2019_09 www.hrh.ca DO (continued): What should I do if my WBC count is • Prevent constipation. Ask your nurse or doctor low and I have signs of an infection? before using a laxative. • Report any ulcers, sore areas or white patches If you know your WBC count is low and in your mouth to your nurse or doctor. you have the warning signs of an infection, call the Cancer Care Clinic: If you also have a fever, DO: Tel: (416) 242-1000, ext. 21500 • Keep a thermometer at home - Take your Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. temperature daily and write your temperature reading down in a notebook. If you are not a patient at our clinic, • Remember that some medicines can hide please contact your cancer centre or doctor an infection by reducing fever (for example, for follow-up OR go to your nearest steroids and acetaminophen). Ask your nurse emergency department. or doctor before taking these medicines. What questions can I ask my doctor or DO NOT: oncology nurse? • Use rectal suppositories or enemas. As you prepare for your cancer treatment, you may • Work in the garden without wearing gloves to want to think about asking the following questions protect your skin. to your doctor or oncology nurse. • Eat raw meat or fish. Please keep in mind that every person treated for • Share drinking glasses or eating utensils. cancer is different. Your own circumstances will • Touch animal droppings or clean litter boxes guide the decisions that you and your doctors make. without wearing protective gloves. • Will the cancer treatment that I am receiving cause neutropenia? What are the warning signs of • How do I know if my body’s WBC count is low? an infection? • How severe is the neutropenia likely to be and how long can I expect it to last? The following are signs that you may • Will you admit me to the hospital if I have this have an infection: condition? • What should I do if I think that I have symptoms • A fever of 38 oC • Redness, swelling, of febrile neutropenia? (100.4 oF) or above or drainage from • Will my treatment change? a wound • Chills or shaking • What can I do to prevent infection? • Cough with yellow • Unusual sweating • What should I do if my mouth or throat is sore or green sputum • Urinating often or a and painful? • Sore throat burning feeling • What should I do if I have urinary or bowel (with fever) when urinating problems? • Diarrhea (with fever). • Shortness of breath • What will happen if I am allergic to an ?

© 2019 Humber River Hospital. All rights reserved. The information provided in this handout is for educational purposes. It does not replace the advice or specific instructions from your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat. If you have questions about your own care, please speak with your healthcare provider.

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