Medical Health Encyclopedia

Vaccinations. Studies now suggest that young survivors of leukemia have an increased risk for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), even if they have been previously vaccinated. Children may need reimmunization. Siblings of patients with ALL who require polio vaccinations should be given the killed virus (IPV), not the live polio vaccination (OPV).

Other Precautions

• Use a soft toothbrush when counts are low to prevent gum bleeding.
• Avoid the common pain relievers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They increase the risk for bleeding and include ibuprofen (Advil, NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, Nuprin, Rufen), naproxen (Aleve), ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis KT).

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Some of the drugs used for leukemia cause extreme sun sensitivity. Children should wear sunblock and be covered with sun-protective clothing when going outside in order to avoid sunburn, which can cause skin infection.