cytotoxic drug handling guidelines & safe systems

Question 1

What are the 4 safe system requirements

Answer 1

• cytotoxic drugs for the treatment of cancer should be given as part of a wider pathway of care coordinated by a multidisciplinary team
• cytotoxic drugs should be prescribed, dispensed, and administered only in the context of a written protocol or treatment plan
• injectable cytotoxic drugs should only be dispensed if they are prepared for administration
• oral cytotoxic medicines should be dispensed with clear directions for use

Question 2

When should injectable cytotoxic drugs be dispensed

Answer 2

Only if they are prepared for adminsitration

Question 3

What are the cytotoxic drug handling guidelines

Answer 3

Trained personnel should reconstitute cytotoxics
Reconstitution should be carried out in designated pharmacy areas
Protective clothing (including gloves, gowns, and masks) should be worn
The eyes should be protected and means of first aid should be specified
Pregnant staff should avoid exposure to cytotoxic drugs (all females of child-bearing age should be informed of the reproductive hazard)
Use local procedures for dealing with spillages and safe disposal of waste material, including syringes, containers, and absorbent material
Staff exposure to cytotoxic drugs should be monitored

Question 4

A cytotoxic solution for injection has spilt, only very slighty onto the desk. What do you do

• clean it up wearing appropriate protective clothing, using appropriate protective cleaning equipment
• do not let anybody into the area affected unless they have been authorised
• use local procedures for dealing with spillages

Answer 4

use local procedures for dealing with spillages

Question 5

True or false - Reconsitution of cytotoxic drugs can occur anywhere in the dispensary as long as it is done by trained personnel

Answer 5

FALSE

Trained personnel should reconstitute cytotoxics
Reconstitution should be carried out in designated pharmacy areas

Question 6

True or false - females of CBP should avoid exposure to cytotoxic drugs

Answer 6

False
Pregnant staff should avoid exposure to cytotoxic drugs (all females of child-bearing age should be informed of the reproductive hazard)