The nurse notes that a client scheduled to begin radiation therapy takes vitamins A, C, and E. What side effects of taking these supplements during treatment should the nurse be alert to?

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Antioxidant vitamins, such as A, C, and E, may prevent the oxidizing effect of free radicals deliberately formed by radiation and some chemotherapies and thus have the potential to hinder the efficacy of these treatments. Use of antioxidant supplements during treatment is discouraged unless specifically prescribed by the oncologist. In some unique circumstances, antioxidants are used as treatment adjuvant therapy and it is imperative that their use be reserved only for these prescribed circumstances until further research is available. Garlic supplementation is noted to alter platelet function and coagulation. Echinacea can cause immunosuppression. A variety of other herbs affect chemotherapy levels, which can lead to toxicity.

The Nurse Notes That a Client Scheduled to Begin Radiation