Managing cytotoxic extravasation.

The administration of cytotoxic drugs is an area in which evidence-based practice has never been more important, yet information on extravasation is sparse and largely anecdotal. To help staff, an effective and user-friendly approach to the management of cytotoxic extravasation was developed and is described in this article. It details the problems that can arise during the administration of cytotoxic drugs and focuses on the risk of extravasation, which requires urgent management. Failing to take appropriate action, or delaying it, can have serious consequences for the patient, including the risk of disfigurement.