Storage, Handling + Disposal of Hazardous Drugs

Question 1

In which drug classes do we find most hazardous drugs?

Answer 1

cancer chemotherapy, antivirals, immunosuppressants, hormones + certain anticonvulsants

Question 2

standard precautions when handling hazardous drugs

Answer 2

・store in a well-ventilated area

・wear chemotherapy gloves

・perform sterile compounding activities w/ hazardous drugs in an ISO class 5 biological safety cabinet/compounding aseptic containment idolator

・wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Question 3

organizations that provide info regarding the storage, handling + disposal of hazardous drugs

Answer 3

・United States Pharmacopoeia (USP)

・American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)

・National Institute of Occupational Safety + Health (NIOSH)

・Occupational Safety + Health Administration (OSHA)

Question 4

What info is provided in a product’s material safety data (MSDS)?

Answer 4

・chemical + physical properties

・health, safety, fire + environmental hazards

・info on what to do if the product is accidentally spilled

Question 5

what type of container must be used for the disposal of hazardous drug-contaminated needles + syringes?

Answer 5

chemotherapy sharps container

Question 6

how does one distinguish a standard sharps container from a chemotherapy sharps container?

Answer 6

・Standard Sharps containers are red

・chemotherapy sharps container are yellow

Question 7

purpose of a black pharmaceutical waste container?

Answer 7

used for the disposal of bulk hazardous drug waste

• ex: disposal of a partially empty vial of a cancer chemo. drug