Pharmacists

A pharmacist's place isn't necessarily in the pharmacy. M. D. Anderson pharmacists spend most of their time interacting with patients and physicians in the clinical setting. They collaborate with your oncologist to determine the most suitable medications for particular patients.  This unique approach has allowed M. D. Anderson to signficantly reduce the cost of drug therapy.

Leukemia Department team pharmacists are involved with patients from the very beginning. After the cancer diagnosis is made, a pharmacist meets with each patient to discuss the type of chemotherapy drugs they'll be taking. Potential side effects are described in a "head to toe" fashion, starting with the upper body and continuing downward. The pharmacist also reviews the patient's medication histories and allergies to prevent unnecessary toxic effects of chemotherapy.

Pharmacists continue to interact with patients even after they are discharged from M. D. Anderson. They provide counseling on how and where to find medications, as well as determining the cost.They also assist with refills, check ups, and teaching patients how to administer treatments at home, including intravenous antibiotics and nutrition.