Chemotherapy is an important treatment for cancer, but it does come with potential side effects. One question cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often have is whether their urine poses any risks after treatment. Here we’ll look at what happens if you touch chemotherapy urine and steps to take for safety.
Can you get chemotherapy from someone’s urine?
The short answer is no, you cannot get chemotherapy simply from touching or coming into contact with the urine of someone undergoing cancer treatment. Chemotherapy drugs are metabolized and broken down by the body after being administered. Any trace amounts left over that get excreted through urine are at such low levels that they do not pose a danger or exposure risk.
That said, some precautions should still be taken when handling the urine of someone undergoing chemotherapy. The drugs administered are toxic, so directly ingesting or injecting urine could potentially lead to adverse effects. But simply getting urine on your hands or skin should not cause harm or transfer chemotherapy drugs in any significant manner.
Are there any risks from touching chemotherapy urine?
While the chemotherapy drugs themselves get broken down and do not pose a major risk from casual contact, urine of those undergoing treatment can still carry other risks including:
- Bacteria – Urine can contain infectious bacteria that could potentially cause urinary tract infections or other problems if exposed to open wounds, ingested, etc. This risk applies to all urine, not just from those undergoing chemo.
- Blood – Some chemotherapy drugs break down blood cells, so urine may contain small amounts of blood or blood products that should be handled properly.
- Other body fluids – Vomiting and diarrhea are common chemo side effects, so urine collection bags may contain small amounts of these body fluids that require sanitary handling.
Overall these risks are still relatively low for brief or casual contact, but proper hand washing and hygiene is recommended when handling urine collection bags and waste.
What precautions should be taken with chemotherapy urine?
To stay safe when handling the urine of someone undergoing chemotherapy, the following general precautions are recommended:
- Wear gloves – Gloves reduce the risk of directly exposing the skin to any blood, bacteria or body fluids that may be present in the urine.
- Wash hands – Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after handling urine collection bags, cleaning bedpans, or coming into contact with any catheter tubing.
- Clean up spills – Use proper disinfecting wipes or cleaners to clean up any spilled urine or other wastes.
- Follow disposal guidelines – Follow any disposal instructions from your treatment facility regarding emptying or changing urine collection bags, catheter bags, or other equipment.
- Launder contaminated laundry – Use gloves when handling soiled clothing, bedding or other laundry. Wash the items separately with hot water and detergent.
Staff at healthcare facilities often wear protective gowns and other gear when directly handling urine collection equipment as well. But for family members and home caregivers, gloves and diligent handwashing are generally sufficient precautions for casual contact.
What should you do if chemotherapy urine touches your skin?
If any urine does happen to get on your hands or skin, follow these steps:
- Wash the exposed area – Gently wash the skin that came into contact with the urine using soap and water. Use antibacterial soap if available.
- Rinse thoroughly – Be sure to rinse all soap residues off completely after washing.
- Dry skin – Pat skin dry with a clean towel.
- Monitor for symptoms – Watch for any rashes, burns or other skin reactions over the next several days. Seek medical treatment if any concerning symptoms develop.
For small splashes on intact skin, this should remove any traces of urine and prevent any significant absorption or reaction. Seek emergency medical care if urine gets in eyes or mouth, or if you develop any hives, trouble breathing or other signs of allergic reaction.
Does chemotherapy make urine smell stronger?
Chemotherapy medications and metabolic byproducts can cause some changes to the smell, color and consistency of urine in those undergoing treatment. Potential effects include:
- Stronger odor – Some report urine smelling stronger or more foul during chemotherapy.
- Dark color – Urine may appear darker brown, orange or yellow if blood levels drop.
- Foamy appearance – Protein in the urine can cause it to look foamy or frothy.
- Clear urine – Extreme hydration from IV fluids may lead to very clear urine.
While urine can have a stronger and more variable odor during chemotherapy treatments, this does not mean the risk for those handling it changes. The same basic precautions should be used regardless of smell or appearance.
Can you spread chemotherapy drugs through sexual activity?
Chemotherapy metabolites can be present in other bodily fluids like semen and vaginal secretions for a period of time after treatments. While direct exposure to these secretions could theoretically pose a risk, normal sexual activity between partners is considered safe during chemotherapy.
Small trace amounts that may be present are not thought to be absorbed in the genital tract or pose a meaningful exposure risk. Using condoms and other protection for several days after infusions can further reduce any potential risks.
Partners should communicate openly with each other and delay sexual activity if either partner has concerns or does not feel well enough due to side effects. But overall chemotherapy metabolites do not accumulate in semen or vaginal fluid in amounts considered dangerous from normal sexual contact.
How long should precautions be taken after chemotherapy?
The length of time precautions may be needed when handling bodily fluids after chemotherapy depends on the drug administered. Here are some general guidelines:
| Chemotherapy Drug | Timeframe Precautions Needed |
|---|---|
| Platinums (cisplatin, carboplatin) | 48-72 hours |
| Anthracyclines (doxorubicin) | 72 hours |
| Alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide) | Greater than 72 hours |
| Monoclonal antibodies (rituximab) | Up to several months |
This provides a rough timeframe, but always follow any specific guidance from your treatment provider. When in doubt, continue taking precautions until your next cycle starts or as advised by your doctor.
Conclusion
While chemotherapy urine requires some special handling, the risks from casual exposure or touching are very low. Take reasonable precautions by wearing gloves during handling and washing hands after contact. Seek medical care if any concerning symptoms develop after exposure to urine from someone undergoing chemotherapy.