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Originally Posted by Fattoo  I want to know the appropriate way of handling Antineoplastic tablets?
Is it dangerous to open the tablet bottle to count the tablets?
Is it hazard to touch these tablets?
I am really concern since I dispensed chemotherapy tablets weekly. |
Antineoplastic drugs are potentially toxic medicines and it is essential that patients and other healthcare workers adequately understand their correct use. Many antineoplastic drugs have been found to be mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic on the basis of cell DNA and chromosomal studies, animal models and, to a lesser degree, experience in treated patients. The risk associated with occupational low-level exposure has not been determined. Therefore, without evidence to the contrary, risk is assumed to be present.
Tablets and capsules of antineoplastic drugs must be handled in a manner which minimises exposure to healthy individuals. This includes avoiding skin contact and liberation of powdered drug into the air. Based on this premise, antineoplastic drugs in tablet form should not be split or crushed, and capsules should not be opened.
Hope this helps!