Cytotoxic agents

The following additional requirements are necessary for those pharmacies providing home health care pharmacy services that routinely prepare chemotherapy agents to ensure the protection of the personnel involved: 1. All chemotherapy agents should be compounded in a vertical flow, class II, biological safety cabinet. If possible, other products should not be compounded in this cabinet. 2. Protective apparel must be worn by personnel compounding chemotherapy drugs. This includes disposable masks, gloves, and gowns with tight cuffs. 3. Proper aseptic and safety techniques must be used by personnel compounding chemotherapy agents. 4. Appropriate disposal procedures for cytotoxic waste must be developed that comply with applicable state and federal regulations. 5. Written procedures for handling both major and minor spills of cytotoxic agents must be developed. 6. Prepared doses of chemotherapy must be dispensed and shipped in a manner to minimize the risk of accidental rupture of the primary container.