Caregiver field guide · Pola-R-CHP × 6

Build the home care kit before cycle one.

A symptom-by-symptom Amazon shopping guide for supporting a parent through polatuzumab + rituximab + cyclophosphamide + doxorubicin + prednisone. It prioritizes practical supplies, then identifies OTC medicines that must be cleared with the oncology team.

Prepared July 26, 2026 · U.S. consumer products · No affiliate links

01 · STOCKBuy the low-risk essentials now.
02 · CONFIRMAsk the team which OTC medicines are permitted.
03 · RECORDTrack temperature, fluids, stools, symptoms and medicines.
04 · CALLUse the clinic’s thresholds; do not wait out red flags.

Start here

What to buy first

Tier 1 · before cycle 1

Digital oral thermometer, pill organizer, medication notebook, oral-care kit, hydration bottle, oral rehydration packets, bland pantry foods, emesis bags, disposable gloves, fragrance-free skin care, nonslip bath mat, night-lights, and a treatment-day bag.

Tier 2 · after team approval

Polyethylene glycol, senna, loperamide, acetaminophen, antacids, sleep aids, antihistamines, numbing mouth products, vitamins, supplements and herbal products. Ask for a written “okay to use” plan with dose and call thresholds.

The complete shopping list

Shop by symptom and job

Infection & fever

Neutropenia and serious infections are key risks. Monitoring and hand hygiene matter more than elaborate “immune boosting” products.

Reliable digital oral thermometer

Choose a simple model with a rigid or flexible tip, extra batteries, and no-touch backup only if desired. Label it for him.

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Soap, alcohol hand sanitizer & paper towels

Place at the entrance, bathroom, kitchen and treatment bag. Visitors should clean hands on arrival.

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Well-fitting disposable masks

Keep a supply for crowded indoor settings, clinic visits, or when a household contact is ill, following his team’s advice.

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Disinfecting wipes & disposable gloves

Useful for high-touch surfaces and cleaning vomit, stool, or body fluids. Gloves do not replace handwashing.

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Symptom and temperature log

A paper notebook can capture temperature, blood pressure if requested, fluid intake, stools, medicines and clinic calls.

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Food-safety basics

Separate cutting boards, instant-read food thermometer and refrigerator thermometer help reduce foodborne infection risk.

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Mouth sores & dry mouth

Mucositis can make eating and drinking difficult and may become infected.

Ultra-soft toothbrushes

Use gently; replace after illness or as directed. Ask before flossing if platelets are low or gums bleed.

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Mild fluoride toothpaste

Look for a gentle, non-whitening, strongly flavored-free option; many people prefer SLS-free during mouth sensitivity.

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Alcohol-free mouth rinse

Choose bland and alcohol-free, but confirm the exact rinse with his team. Avoid peroxide and harsh antiseptic rinses unless prescribed.

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Dry-mouth gel, spray or lozenges

Prefer sugar-free products. Stop if they sting. Ask before medicated or numbing products.

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Lip balm & bedside humidifier

Plain petrolatum or fragrance-free balm protects cracked lips. A cool-mist humidifier may improve comfort; clean it daily.

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Soft-food tools

Small blender, silicone straws, insulated cup and reusable ice-pop molds make cool, soft foods easier.

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Nausea, vomiting & hydration

Prescription anti-nausea medicines should be taken exactly as directed; home supplies support—not replace—the plan.

Leakproof emesis bags

Keep beside the bed, in the car and in the infusion bag. Choose graduated bags if tracking output would help.

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Insulated straw bottle

A marked 24–32 oz bottle makes small frequent sips and daily intake tracking easier.

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Oral rehydration solution

Packets or ready-to-drink solution can replace fluid and electrolytes after vomiting or diarrhea. Ask about sodium/potassium limits if he has heart or kidney disease.

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Bland shelf-stable foods

Crackers, pretzels, rice cups, oatmeal, applesauce, broth and plain noodles. Buy small quantities until taste preferences are clear.

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Small plates & odor control

Small portions can feel less overwhelming. Use lidded containers; cold foods often smell less than hot foods.

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Acupressure wristbands

Low-risk adjunct for some people, but evidence is mixed. Do not substitute for prescribed antiemetics.

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Diarrhea & constipation

Both are common. Infection, bowel obstruction, dehydration and medication effects can look similar, so get a written bowel plan.

Toilet-side care kit

Unscented soft wipes, gentle cleanser, soft toilet paper and zinc oxide or petrolatum barrier cream protect irritated skin.

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Washable waterproof pads

Useful for bed, recliner and car without making the space feel clinical.

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Stool and fluid tracker

Record frequency, consistency, pain, blood, fluid intake and any medicine used; this helps the clinic triage quickly.

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Fiber foods—only as tolerated

Oats, prunes and soluble-fiber foods may help constipation, but avoid pushing fiber when dehydrated, vomiting, severely bloated, or if obstruction is possible.

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Heating pad—comfort only

Use low heat, short sessions and intact sensation; never place over a port, numb skin, swelling or unexplained severe abdominal pain.

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OTC bowel medicines

Polyethylene glycol, senna or loperamide may be appropriate—but purchase/use only after the team specifies when to start, stop and call.

See approval table ↓

Appetite & taste changes

Prioritize calories, protein, fluid and foods he can tolerate; the “perfect” diet is less important than maintaining intake.

Ready-to-drink nutrition shakes

Buy a few flavors and styles first. Diabetes, kidney disease and fluid restrictions change the best choice—ask the dietitian.

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Protein boosters

Single-serve nut butter, powdered milk or an approved protein powder can enrich small meals. Avoid botanical “superfood” blends.

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Plastic or bamboo utensils

May reduce metallic taste for some people. Keep stainless steel available too—preferences vary.

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Freezer meal containers

Freeze small, labeled portions before treatment. Avoid buffet leftovers and follow the team’s food-safety guidance.

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Neuropathy & fall prevention

Polatuzumab can cause numbness, tingling, pain or weakness. Report new symptoms early because treatment changes may be needed.

Motion-sensor night-lights

Create a continuous lit path from bed to bathroom; remove loose rugs and cords.

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Nonslip bath mat & grab bar

Use a professionally secured grab bar when possible; suction bars are balance aids, not weight-bearing safety devices.

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Closed-back, nonslip shoes

Stable soles and roomy toe boxes protect numb feet. Avoid barefoot walking.

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Protective gloves & jar opener

Use gloves for cooking or gardening and a grippy opener for weak hands; test bath water with an unaffected area or thermometer.

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Shower chair

Useful when fatigue, dizziness or numb feet make standing unsafe. Match the weight rating and tub dimensions.

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Cane or walker—after fitting

Do not guess the height. Ask physical therapy or the oncology team for fitting and gait guidance.

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Fatigue, sleep & daily comfort

Fatigue is common and may also signal anemia, infection, dehydration or another treatable problem.

Treatment-day bag

Pack phone cable, headphones, layers, water bottle, snacks, emesis bag, medication list, notebook and clinic contacts.

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Soft layers & washable blanket

Infusion rooms can feel cold. Choose front-opening clothing if port access requires it.

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Reacher, rolling cart & bedside caddy

Reduce bending and wasted trips; keep fluids, thermometer, phone and medicines within reach.

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Sleep mask & quiet fan

Prednisone may disrupt sleep. Keep a routine and ask before any OTC sleep medicine.

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Skin, hair & body changes

Dryness, rash, sensitivity, hair loss and steroid-related changes can affect comfort and self-image.

Fragrance-free moisturizer & cleanser

Choose thick cream or ointment and a gentle soap-free wash. Report blistering, rapidly spreading or painful rash.

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Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen

Pair with a wide-brim hat and protective clothing; reapply as labeled.

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Electric hair clippers & lint roller

Shortening hair before or during shedding can reduce tangles and mess. Avoid a close razor if platelets are low.

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Soft caps, bamboo sleep cap & satin pillowcase

Protect a sensitive scalp. Wash new headwear before use and avoid tight seams.

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Soft nail file & electric trimmer

Reduce snagging and small cuts. Avoid cutting cuticles or using shared manicure tools.

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Compression socks—only if cleared

Swelling can have several causes, including a clot. Do not self-treat new one-sided swelling; ask before compression.

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Medication organization

Prednisone and supportive prescriptions can create a complicated schedule. Accuracy prevents double doses and missed medicines.

AM/PM weekly pill organizer

Use only after reconciling every prescription, OTC medicine and supplement with the oncology pharmacist.

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Medication notebook or dry-erase chart

Record name, dose, time, reason, prescriber and “as needed” maximum. Note who administered each dose.

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Lockable medication box

Useful if children visit or if sedating medicines are prescribed.

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Blood-pressure cuff or glucose meter

Buy only if the team wants home monitoring. Prednisone can raise glucose; correct device choice and thresholds should come from clinicians.

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OTC medicines

Buy only after the team writes the rules

“Over the counter” does not mean automatically safe during chemotherapy. Low platelets, neutropenia, kidney/liver changes, dehydration, bowel obstruction, drug interactions and fever masking all change the choice.

ProductPossible roleWhy approval matters
Polyethylene glycol 3350Osmotic laxative for constipation.Confirm first Not for suspected obstruction; dose and timing depend on stools, hydration and other medicines.
Senna or bisacodylStimulant laxative when the plan calls for it.Confirm first Can worsen cramping; the team may prefer a specific regimen around anti-nausea medicines.
LoperamideMay slow uncomplicated diarrhea.Call first Fever, blood, severe pain, infection or treatment-specific diarrhea may require evaluation rather than slowing the bowel.
AcetaminophenPain relief or fever reduction.Call first Can hide fever; liver disease and combination products affect safe dosing.
Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirinPain or inflammation.Avoid unless cleared Bleeding, platelet, kidney, stomach and cardiovascular risks may be higher.
Antacids / acid reducersHeartburn or steroid-related stomach discomfort.Confirm first Symptoms can mimic other problems and some products interact or add sodium/magnesium.
Diphenhydramine / sleep aidsAllergy symptoms or sleep.Confirm first Sedation, falls, urinary retention and confusion are concerns, especially in older adults.
Oral numbing gels / peroxide rinsesMouth pain or cleansing.Avoid unless directed Some products irritate tissue, hide worsening injury, or make swallowing less safe.
Vitamins, antioxidants, probiotics, herbs, CBDOften marketed for “immunity,” gut health or nausea.Do not self-start Potential interactions, infection risk from live organisms and uncertain effects on treatment. Bring exact labels to the pharmacist.

Urgent action

Call the oncology team now if…

Possible infection or emergency

Temperature at or above the team’s threshold; chills; confusion; trouble breathing; chest pain; uncontrolled bleeding; seizure; fainting; new severe weakness; or a rapidly worsening condition. If the team cannot be reached, follow their emergency instructions or call emergency services.

Same-day clinical advice

Unable to keep liquids down; repeated vomiting; new or worsening diarrhea; blood or black stool; severe constipation with pain/vomiting; painful mouth sores limiting fluids; new numbness/tingling/weakness; one-sided leg swelling; reduced urination; spreading rash; or symptoms not controlled by the prescribed plan.

This is not an exhaustive triage list. His oncology team’s thresholds take precedence. Ask them to write the 24/7 number, fever threshold, diarrhea threshold, and when to go directly to the emergency department.

One-page checkout

Print-and-check shopping list

Digital oral thermometer + batteries
Soap, sanitizer, masks, gloves
Food and refrigerator thermometers
Ultra-soft toothbrush + mild fluoride toothpaste
Team-approved mouth rinse / dry-mouth products
Lip balm + cool-mist humidifier
Insulated marked water bottle
Oral rehydration solution
Emesis bags
Bland foods + small meal containers
Sample nutrition shakes
Wipes, barrier cream, waterproof pads
Night-lights + nonslip bath mat
Closed-back nonslip shoes
Shower chair / reacher if needed
Fragrance-free cleanser, cream, sunscreen
Soft cap, satin pillowcase, lint roller
Treatment tote + charging cable + layers
AM/PM pill organizer + medication log
Written OTC and emergency plan from team

Evidence base

Sources

  1. FDA: POLIVY (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq) prescribing information (2026) — regimen-specific adverse reactions and serious risks.
  2. National Cancer Institute: Infection and Neutropenia — fever, infection precautions and calling before fever medicines.
  3. National Cancer Institute: Mouth and Throat Problems — oral care and escalation.
  4. National Cancer Institute: Nausea and Vomiting — hydration and symptom management.
  5. National Cancer Institute: Diarrhea and Constipation — self-care and warning signs.
  6. National Cancer Institute: Nutrition During Cancer Treatment — eating challenges and food safety.
  7. National Cancer Institute: Nerve Problems (Peripheral Neuropathy) — injury and fall prevention.
  8. American Cancer Society: Mouth Sores and Pain — caution with rinses and home remedies.