Hazardous Drug HandlingThe United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is a private, non-profit, organization although many standards issued by the USP are enforced at many regulatory agencies including the Joint Commission and individual state’s Boards of Pharmacy.

The latest chapter, USP General Chapter <800>, provides standards for the safe handling of hazardous drugs in healthcare to reduce the risk of exposure to the environment, patients, and healthcare personnel.

USP General Chapter <800> Handling Hazardous Drugs

Much of this chapter by the USP focuses on safety during preparation and compounding of pharmaceuticals and provides comprehensive guidelines to the proper handling of drugs throughout the entire life cycle of hazardous drugs.  Many departments are involved in and affected by the handling of hazardous drugs.  In addition to the pharmacy, a facility’s nursing staff, infection control, environmental services, health, and safety are all affected by the life cycle of hazardous drugs.

By following recommendations outlined in USP <800> you can make sure your facility is practicing safe medication handling and disposal practices. Organizations must take a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to build a robust drug management program focusing on high-priority issues including:

  • Updating all internal policies and procedures related to the receipt and storage of hazardous pharmaceuticals
  • Develop an inventory of hazardous drugs according to the drug list issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH)
  • Training all staff on the documentation requirements and specific hazards of hazardous drugs
  • Controlled dispensing and administration of medications to patients
  • Ensuring the safe storage and disposal of all pharmaceuticals
  • Maintaining medical and prescription surveillance practices
  • Ensuring the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is in use in all required roles

Pharmaceutical companies that adhere to the practices outlined in USP General Chapter <800> is a great start to a fully compliant drug management and disposal system. All facilities must adhere to their local, state, tribal and all federal regulations for the safe handling and disposal of pharmaceuticals including controlled substances.

Rx Destroyer™ is an Important Part of Safe Drug Disposal Practices

Rx Destroyer™ is a safe and easy to use product that provides convenient disposal of drugs and liquid medications with chemical digestion, a method of drug destruction approved by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Rx Destroyer™ provides quick drug disposal solutions that help to prevent drug diversion by making drugs non-retrievable on contact.

C2R Global offers Rx Destroyer™ in a variety of sizes for any facility, assistance with waste haulers, mail back programs and DEA consulting.

C2R Global is the exclusive manufacturer of Rx Destroyer™, an important part of many compliant drug disposal systems.  You can find Rx Destroyer in hospitals, healthcare facilities, dental offices, veterinary clinics and more providing safe and convenient drug disposal.  Contact us to learn more about implementing Rx Destroyer into your facility’s drug handling and disposal system.