Can an assessment of risk be performed for a group of hazardous drugs rather than individual drugs?

The assertion that an assessment of risk must be specific to each drug and dosage form is rooted in the unique properties and potential hazards associated with individual hazardous drugs. Each drug can exhibit different levels of risk based on its pharmacological profile, toxicity, potential routes of exposure, and how it behaves in various dosage forms.

When assessing risk, factors such as the drug's mechanism of action, its therapeutic use, and even the way it is handled or administered can vary significantly. For example, one chemotherapy agent might release hazardous vapors when compounded, whereas another may pose a risk mainly through skin contact. Therefore, a thorough evaluation requires a specific analysis tailored to each drug’s characteristics, ensuring that all potential risks are identified and adequately managed.

This personalized approach is crucial for establishing appropriate safety protocols and mitigating risks in healthcare environments where hazardous drugs are used, stored, or disposed of. Thus, categorizing drugs together without individual assessments could lead to oversight of significant hazards and inadequate protective measures.