In this month’s issue of The Oncology Pharmacist (TOP), we present the fourth and final article in our series on oncology pharmacy safety. Christine Roussel, PharmD, BCOP, and Thomas H. Connor, PhD, discuss hazardous drug assessment, use of antineoplastic drugs in nononcology settings, oral chemotherapy, decontamination/cleaning, state legislative activities, and the new update to USP Chapter 800. One of the most interesting developments relates to actions taking place at the state level. The authors note, “The promulgation of new legislation related to safe handling of hazardous drugs by several states has forever changed the climate in which safe handling guidelines have been perceived.”
Please participate in our reader poll (see below), which ties into the issue of oncology pharmacy safety. We ask if you’ve collaborated with colleagues in developing safety protocols for the handling of potentially hazardous drugs. Roussel and Connor point out that “The growing use of hazardous drugs in nononcology practices and the increased utilization of oral hazardous drugs require the scope of safe handling practices to extend beyond traditional settings.” Please visit our website, www.TheOncologyPharmacist.com, and let us know if you have helped educate staff in other healthcare settings about potentially hazardous drugs.
When you visit the TOP website to participate in the poll, please take the time to give us your feedback about what you see in print and online. We want to hear from you!