Disposing of cytotoxic drugs and where to put them

cytotoxic drugs

For paramedics in west Norfolk carrying a drug called syntometrine, used in post-partum haemorrhage, and emergency care practitioners carrying chloramphenicol antibiotic eye drops, please remember that these drugs are classed as cytotoxic.

As such, both of these drugs need to be disposed of with any contaminated needles, syringes or vials differently from other pharmaceuticals. Cytotoxic drugs and associated vials, needles etc. need to be incinerated at a much higher temperature to render them harmless.

All cytotoxic drugs and associated needles, vials and syringes need to put into the disposal container with a yellow body and purple top. All staff who use either syntometrine and chloramphenicol eye drops need to ensure they have the correct disposal container, which are available from our Norwich stores.

This piece is the first of a series of articles around clinical waste disposal.  Keep your eyes peeled for more on Need to Know.

If you have any queries, please contact the estates team at waste@eastamb.nhs.uk.

Published 25th November, 2016

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