What should be eliminated from pharmacies handling hazardous drugs to reduce risk?

In pharmacies that handle hazardous drugs, it is crucial to minimize the risk of exposure to these substances. Eliminating food and drink items from these environments directly addresses the potential for accidental contamination. Hazardous drugs can present serious health risks if they inadvertently come into contact with food or beverages, which can then be ingested.

By removing food and drink items from the pharmacy, the risk of accidental exposure is significantly reduced. This practice aligns with USP <800> standards, which emphasize the importance of maintaining a clean and safe area when handling hazardous materials.

While personal protective equipment is essential for worker safety, medication samples might not pose the same immediate risk as food and drink, and computer workstations are necessary for the operation of pharmacy activities. Therefore, eliminating food and drink items is a targeted measure to ensure that the handling of hazardous drugs is conducted in a safe environment.