According to the CDC, about 8 million U.S. healthcare workers are potentially exposed to hazardous medications. Exposure can occur through all healthcare settings such as in the pharmacy, clinics, wards, logistics (shipping and receiving), research and environmental services. In addition, these exposures can occur by being exposed to these medications via air, on work surfaces, clothing, medical equipment and patient excrement or urine. Most HCPs may only consider antineoplastics, chemotherapy and nuclear medicine as hazardous medications; however it is not totally inclusive of potentially harmful medications. These medications may be either carcinogenic, tetratogenic, or genotoxic.
The harms experienced by healthcare workers exposed to hazardous medications can be devastating- these medications often can cause skin rashes, infertility, miscarriages, birth defects and malignancy. These risks increase based upon on the amount of exposure experienced by the healthcare worker and the toxicity level of the offending agent. …show more content…
Review the most recent WAMC Department of Pharmacy’s List of Hazardous Medications.
2. Know the location of your department’s Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and policies in handling these medications
3. Wear the proper protective equipment (PPE) and utilize appropriate work surfaces for all aspects of handling these medications from receiving, storing, compounding, dispensing and disposal of these medications.
4. Properly dispose of materials exposed to hazardous medications and immediately clean drug spills according to
The harms experienced by healthcare workers exposed to hazardous medications can be devastating- these medications often can cause skin rashes, infertility, miscarriages, birth defects and malignancy. These risks increase based upon on the amount of exposure experienced by the healthcare worker and the toxicity level of the offending agent. …show more content…
Review the most recent WAMC Department of Pharmacy’s List of Hazardous Medications.
2. Know the location of your department’s Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and policies in handling these medications
3. Wear the proper protective equipment (PPE) and utilize appropriate work surfaces for all aspects of handling these medications from receiving, storing, compounding, dispensing and disposal of these medications.
4. Properly dispose of materials exposed to hazardous medications and immediately clean drug spills according to