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Pharmaceutisch Weekblad

, Volume 12, Issue 6, pp 228–235 | Cite as

The risks of handling cytotoxic drugs

II. Recommendations for working with cytotoxic drugs
  • G. P. Kaijser
  • W. J. M. Underberg
  • J. H. Beijnen
Reviews

Abstract

Presuming that preparation of antineoplastic drugs without proper protection may lead to mutagenic urine (of which the effects are uncertain), one has to take great care when preparing these drugs. Apart from Norway no other country has national regulations issued by the government for handling cytostatic agents. Many organizations in various countries have made their own guidelines, which may be adapted to the situations in local hospitals. The following recommendations have been compiled after a review of the literature. They reflect a personal set of guidelines for preparation, administration and disposal of cytotoxic drugs. They are probably the minimum precautions that should be taken, and have not been approved by any committee or agency. Further precautions must first have their potential benefit weighed against probable inconvenience and additional costs.

Keywords

Antineoplastic agents Drug compounding Drug contamination Health-care personnel Occupational health Protective devices Waste products 
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Copyright information

© Royal Dutch Association for Advancement of Pharmacy 1990

Authors and Affiliations

  • G. P. Kaijser
    • 1
  • W. J. M. Underberg
    • 1
  • J. H. Beijnen
    • 2
    • 3
  1. 1.Pharmaceutical LaboratoryUtrecht UniversityGH Utrechtthe Netherlands
  2. 2.Slotervaart HospitalEC Amsterdamthe Netherlands
  3. 3.Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek HospitalCX Amsterdamthe Netherlands

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