Chemotherapeutic vesicants cause severe tissue destruction and sloughing if they leak into subcutaneous spaces.
Management Protocol
- 1. Stop the infusion immediately. Do not remove the IV cannula.
- 2. Aspirate residual drug from the cannula using a syringe.
- 3. Administer antidote if available, then remove the cannula.
- 4. Elevate the extremity and apply warm/cold compresses according to drug specifications.
