Vaccine Schedules

Recommended vaccines for infants and young children, including Hepatitis A & B, Rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, IPV, MMR, and Varicella.

Booster and additional vaccines for adolescents, such as TDaP, HPV, and MCV-4.

Vaccines recommended for adults, including annual flu shots, TD boosters, pneumococcal vaccines, and potentially others based on individual needs.

A folic acid analog used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and cancer.

Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, disrupting DNA synthesis in cancer cells during S phase.

Bone marrow suppression (low blood cells), liver damage, GI ulcers, pulmonary damage.

Regular CBC, platelet, WBC, and liver function tests are crucial during and after therapy.

Available orally, IM, IV, and intrathecally; Leucovorin may be given as an antidote.

Report fever, bleeding, unusual fatigue, and other symptoms. Avoid infections, and use caution with oral care to prevent complications.

Pregnancy, liver/kidney issues, peptic ulcers, or active infections.

Interacts with other drugs, potentially leading to toxicity. Alcohol increases liver risk.

The lowest point in blood cell counts following chemotherapy, usually leukocytes and platelets.

Nausea and vomiting caused by stimulation of the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the brain.

Chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., cyclophosphamide) used for various cancers, causing alopecia (hair loss).

Chemotherapeutic agents with bone marrow suppression, cardiac toxicity, and tissue damage risks.

Bone marrow suppression, alopecia, red urine/tears, cardiac toxicity etc.

Drugs (e.g., leuprolide) that treat prostate cancer by decreasing testosterone.

Initially increases then decreases testosterone production, desensitizing pituitary receptors.

Drugs that block estrogen's effect on breast cancer cells.

Nausea/vomiting, hot flashes, blood clots, endometrial cancer risk.

Report symptoms such as bleeding, chest pain, or vision changes. Have regular checkups.

Methotrexate blocks the synthesis of folic acid by inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which is crucial for the activation of folic acid.

By disrupting DNA synthesis during the S-phase of cell formation, Methotrexate effectively kills cancer cells.

Methotrexate can cause severe bone marrow suppression, leading to decreased red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (weakened immunity), and platelets (increased risk of bleeding).

Adults over 65 years old are recommended to receive the pneumococcal vaccine, and younger adults who smoke or have other health risks might also need it.

The TDaP vaccine is a booster dose that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) in adolescents and adults.

Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) are potentially severe diseases that can affect adults. Vaccination ensures immunity against these diseases.

It is recommended to receive a flu vaccine every year.

Adults should receive a Td booster every 10 years to maintain immunity against tetanus and diphtheria.

Folic acid supplements can affect how methotrexate works. Any vitamin/mineral supplements should be approved by the healthcare provider.

Nadir is the lowest point in blood cell counts (especially leukocytes and platelets) after chemotherapy. It's when monitoring for low cell counts is crucial.

Many cancer drugs cause nausea and vomiting by stimulating the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the brain.

Nitrogen mustard drugs like cyclophosphamide can cause temporary hair loss (alopecia). It's important to support the client's feelings about this change.

Alkylating anticancer drugs, like nitrogen mustards, damage DNA by forming abnormal bonds. They can kill cancer cells at any stage of their cycle.

Effective cancer treatment often involves pairing a cell cycle phase non-specific drug (like an alkylating agent) with a phase-specific drug.

Methotrexate is a drug used to treat various conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and cancer. It works by inhibiting the production of DNA, slowing down the growth of fast-dividing cells.

Methotrexate can cause side effects like bone marrow suppression (affecting blood cell production), liver damage, GI ulcers, and pulmonary damage.

Methotrexate can suppress bone marrow, leading to low levels of blood cells like platelets (for clotting), erythrocytes (red blood cells for oxygen), and leukocytes (white blood cells for fighting infection).

During methotrexate therapy, it's crucial to monitor blood cell counts (CBC) regularly, including platelets, erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Watch for signs of infection and bleeding.

Methotrexate is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic effects (harm to the fetus). It's also unsuitable for people with severe liver or kidney problems, peptic ulcers, or active infections.

Report any fever, sore throat, easy bruising, or unusual fatigue to your doctor immediately. Methotrexate can suppress your immune system.

To reduce the risk of infection when taking methotrexate, wash your hands frequently, limit contact with sick people, and practice good oral care.

Avoid alcohol while on methotrexate, as it can increase the risk of liver damage. Report any yellowing of the skin or eyes to your doctor.

Anthracyclines like Doxorubicin are powerful chemotherapy drugs used to treat various cancers. They are known for their effectiveness but also for causing severe bone marrow suppression, cardiac toxicity, and tissue damage.

Doxorubicin can severely suppress bone marrow, leading to low white blood cells (leukopenia), platelets (thrombocytopenia), and red blood cells (anemia). This makes patients prone to infections, bleeding, and fatigue.

Doxorubicin can damage the heart, leading to problems like irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, and even heart failure. The risk increases with each dosage and can manifest months or years after treatment.

Patients receiving Doxorubicin should be monitored closely for signs of bone marrow suppression (fever, fatigue, bleeding) and cardiac toxicity (rapid heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath).

GnRH agonists, like Leuprolide, are used to treat prostate cancer by reducing testosterone levels. They don't cure the cancer, but they can control pain and slow its progression.

Leuprolide initially increases testosterone levels, but then it quickly decreases them by desensitizing the pituitary gland, which regulates testosterone production.

While mainly used for prostate cancer, certain GnRH agonists are also used to treat conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroid tumors in women.

GnRH agonists provide a non-surgical alternative to castration or orchiectomy for advanced prostate cancer. They offer pain control and slow cancer progression.

Drugs like leuprolide that initially stimulate testosterone production, but then decrease it by desensitizing pituitary receptors.

Regular administration of GnRH agonists leads to a decrease in testosterone production due to desensitization of pituitary receptors.

Blocks estrogen receptors in breast tissue, reducing estrogen-dependent cancer growth.

While blocking estrogen in breast tissue, it activates estrogen receptors in the uterus, increasing endometrial cancer risk.

Activates estrogen receptors to maintain bone density and increase HDL (good cholesterol).

Abnormal menstrual bleeding while taking tamoxifen could indicate endometrial hyperplasia or cancer.