← Back
Treatment and the treatment process

Your full medication list and interactions

During leukaemia treatment, a complete list of all your medicines is one of the simplest and most important safety tools.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, boxes and a glowing list.
Figure 1.All medicines on one list.

01Short answer

The list should include prescription and non-prescription medicines (painkillers, stomach remedies), vitamins, herbal products, teas, drops, inhalers and creams. Some leukaemia medicines, especially targeted tablets, can interact with other medicines, grapefruit or some herbs, so their level can rise or fall. That is why every new medicine should be checked by the team first.

02Simple explanation

Write everything down. Tablets, drops, herbs, supplements.

Carry the list. To every visit.

Have it checked. Pharmacist and haematologist.

Update it. After every change.

03Scientific explanation

Enzymes: many medicines are broken down in the liver by the same enzymes (for example CYP3A4), so one can change the level of another.

Heart rhythm: some medicines together can affect heart rhythm (the QT interval).

Clotting: blood thinners combined with low platelets can raise bleeding risk.

04What happens in the body?

One list

All medicines and supplements belong in one place.

A shared pathway

When two medicines use the same route, they can affect each other.

On a dark navy background, two capsules at one gate.
Figure 2.Medicines can share a pathway.

Pharmacist review

A pharmacist can check your list for interactions.

On a dark navy background, a glowing checklist.
Figure 3.A pharmacist reviews the list.

05Working with your list

Four steps.

Write — Everything.1WriteEverything.
Bring — To every visit.2BringTo every visit.
Check — Pharmacist.3CheckPharmacist.
Update — Every time.4UpdateEvery time.

06What goes on the list

GroupExamplesWhy it matters
PrescriptionHeart, blood pressure, diabetes medicinesInteractions and adjustment
Non-prescriptionPainkillers, stomach remediesSome affect bleeding or absorption
Herbs and supplementsTeas, vitamins, extractsSome change medicine levels

07Key terms

Interaction
One medicine affecting another.
Over-the-counter
Sold without a prescription.
Medication review
Going through your list with a professional.
Grapefruit
A fruit that can change some medicine levels.

08Key points

  • Keep the list in writing.
  • Include herbs and supplements.
  • Bring it to every visit.
  • Ask before any new medicine.
  • Ask about grapefruit.
  • Update it after changes.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a painkiller?

Some are unsuitable when platelets are low; ask your team first.

Are vitamins harmless?

Not always; some can affect treatment.

Should every doctor see the list?

Yes, including your dentist.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I buy a painkiller?

  2. Are vitamins harmless?

  3. Should every doctor see the list?

My questions

12Sources

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Drug Interactions: What You Should Know
  2. MedlinePlus. Herbal Medicine
  3. MedlinePlus. Dietary Supplements
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  5. MedlinePlus. Dexamethasone
  6. NHS. Steroids
  7. MedlinePlus. Venetoclax
  8. MedlinePlus. Platelet Disorders
  9. MedlinePlus. Aciclovir (acyclovir)
  10. NHS. Shingles
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →