Why do cytotoxic drugs require reconstitution in pharmacy?
Facilities for the sterile reconstitution of cytotoxic agents need to ensure both the protection of the product and the protection of the drug handlers. Aseptic drug manipulation must take place in a controlled environment to ensure the sterility of the end product.
Where should cytotoxic drugs be reconstituted?
Cytotoxic drug handling guidelines
- 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.
How does cytotoxic medication work?
Cytotoxic drugs work by interrupting cells at particular places in the growth cycle. 3 They are most likely to affect cells that are growing rapidly, for example, cancer cells, hair follicles, bone marrow, and cells lining the stomach and intestines.
What happens when you touch cytotoxic drugs?
Exposure to cytotoxic drugs has been reported to cause increased frequency of chromosome damage in exposed workers. They can cause acute skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritations, as well as nausea, headaches, and dizziness.
How do you handle cytotoxic waste?
Because of its toxicity, cytotoxic waste must be segregated and disposed properly. Mixing cytotoxic waste with other wastes will render them hazardous. As such, they must then be disposed of properly. The most acceptable and safest way to dispose cytotoxic waste is through incineration.
How should cytotoxic drugs be stored?
Cytotoxic medications should be stored in a hard-walled and robust container, securely closed and labelled with cytotoxic warnings. Refrigeration may be necessary.
Why do we use cytotoxic precautions?
Cytotoxic precautions are used to make sure that other people do not come in contact with your cancer treatment or body fluids. Although the risk is very low, it is important to be careful. These precautions are needed when handling your cancer treatment or body fluids.
What are some of the adverse health effects from cytotoxic drugs?
Adverse health effects, such as abdominal pain, hair loss, disruption of menstrual cycle, foetal loss and birth defects have been reported in hospital workers exposed to the agents.
How is cytotoxic waste disposed of?
Disposal. Due to its hazardous nature, high temperature incineration is the only option to dispose of Cytotoxic and Cytostatic wastes.
How do you manage cytotoxic waste?
What do you need to know about cytotoxic drug reconstitution?
Cytotoxic Drug Reconstitution (CDR) The pharmacy department of the hospital will operate the CDR service providing customised chemotherapy regimen suits to every patient’s needs. Preparation, reconstitution, administration and disposal of hazardous drugs should be performed by trained personnel to protect the handler,…
Why do some drugs have to be reconstituted?
Cytotoxic (literally toxic to cells) drugs have special preparation and environmental requirements due to their toxic nature. Some of these agents must be reconstituted (restored to its original state by the adding of water or other fluid) before administration to the patient.
How are cytotoxic drugs used to treat cancer?
Malignant processes can be treated by surgery, radiation, drugs or a combination of these. Drugs used in the treatment of cancer require special handling and processing prior to their administration to the patient. Cytotoxic (literally toxic to cells) drugs have special preparation and environmental requirements due to their toxic nature.
Where to do drug reconstitution in a hospital?
The reconstitution should take place in the pharmacy aseptic unit (qualified clean room). However for those hospitals without the CDR facility on site, preparation may be outsourced to any nearby hospitals with qualified clean rooms or opt for the closed-system-drug-transfer device. Hospitals that offer CDR service:
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