cautions and contra-indications

Last reviewed 01/2018

Cautions:

  • Haematological toxicity
    • blood tests should be carried out at least every 2 weeks for the first 3 months of treatment, then every 1-3 months
  • Renal and hepatic impairment
    • patients at risk of liver disease (including obese women, patients with hepatomegaly or hepatitis) require close monitoring
  • vitamin B12 efficiency
    • increased risk of neutropaenia
  • pregnancy and breast-feeding
  • elderly

Contra-indications:

  • Abnormally low neutrophil counts or haemoglobin values