Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs

Cytotoxic medicines are commonly utilised in healthcare settings and the community to treat cancer and other disorders.

Cytotoxic medications are a type of cancer treatment that contains toxic substances to cells, limiting their reproduction or growth in treating other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Once drugs are inside the body, their action is often not carefully targeted, and they can cause side effects in both patients and caregivers.

In various contexts, cytotoxic drugs are in hospitals, specialised oncology units, hospices, care homes, charitable organisations, and private residences. They are also effective for veterinary clinics.

Because of their toxicity, cytotoxic medicines can pose crucial hazards to individuals who use them. When control methods are insufficient, occupational exposure can occur. Absorption into the skin, inhalation of aerosols and drug particles, ingestion, and needle stick injuries can occur as a result of the following activities:

• drug preparation,

• drug delivery,

• handling patient waste,

• transporting and disposing of waste,

• or cleaning spills.

Inadequate control methods may result in the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain, hair loss, nose sores, vomiting, and liver damage.

• Local allergic responses and contact dermatitis

• Pregnancy-related fetal loss and abnormalities in pregnant women's children

• Changes in standard blood cell count

• Abnormal cell production, as well as mutagenesis activity or the formation of mutations

When danger to employees is catastrophic, they should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is the company’s responsibility and is chosen following your risk assessment and must provide enough protection for the intended purpose. Employees must learn how to handle, maintain and store personal protective equipment (PPE).

Any periodic test or measurement that helps to confirm the efficiency of controls is considered monitoring and is required by regulations when:

• Deterioration of control measures could result in a significant health effect

• Measurements are to ensure an occupational exposure limit or in-house working standard

• Changes in the conditions affecting employees' exposure could indicate that adequate control is no longer maintained.