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Hazardous drug safety
Learn about the dangers of hazardous drug exposure―they are studied, documented and very real
About 8 million U.S. healthcare workers, including pharmacists, physicians and other caregivers, are potentially exposed to hazardous drugs, according to the CDC.1 This exposure is putting them at risk of both short- and long-term health issues such as headaches, hair loss, nausea, organ damage, reproductive problems,2 developmental impairment, genetic issues and even cancer.3
To address these risks, healthcare facilities need to comply with new and existing standards, guidelines and recommendations. With upcoming changes driven by USP General Chapter <800> Hazardous Drugs-Handling in Healthcare Settings, facilities should use a closed system drug transfer device (CSTD) when compounding hazardous drugs when the dosage form allows, and CSTDs must be used when administering antineoplastic hazardous drugs when the dosage form allows.4
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BD-2062 (3/17)
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hazardous drug exposures in health care. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Web site. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hazdrug. Accessed February 23, 2017.
- Connor TH, Lawson CC, Polovich M, McDiarmid MA. Reproductive health risks associated with occupational exposures to antineoplastic drugs in health care settings: a review of the evidence. J Occup Environ Med. 2014;56(9):901-910.
- Hansen J, Olsen JH. Cancer morbidity among Danish female pharmacy technicians. Scand J Work Environ Health. 1994;20(1):22-26.
- U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention. <800> Hazardous Drugs—Handling in Healthcare Settings. https://www.usp.org/sites/default/files/usp_pdf/EN/m7808.pdf. Updated December 1, 2014. Accessed February 23, 2017.