When compounding a non-hazardous drug (non-HD) in a C-PEC where hazardous drugs (HDs) have been prepared, how should the non-HD be treated?

When compounding a non-hazardous drug in a compounding personnel environmental control (C-PEC) where hazardous drugs (HDs) have been prepared, the non-hazardous drug must be treated and labeled as if it were a hazardous drug. This approach is consistent with the guidelines set forth by USP <800>, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining safety standards and minimizing the risk of contamination.

The rationale behind this requirement is rooted in the potential for drug residues or contamination from the hazardous drugs to be present in the C-PEC environment. Even if the drug being compounded is classified as non-hazardous, the potential risk of exposure to harmful substances necessitates strict adherence to safety protocols. By treating the non-hazardous drug as hazardous, it ensures that compounded products are not contaminated and that all personnel involved are protected.

Furthermore, this practice aligns with the principles of good compounding practice where the priority is the safety of both the staff handling the drugs and the patients receiving them. Therefore, labeling and handling the non-hazardous drug as if it were hazardous reinforces these safety measures in a setting where hazardous drugs are also manipulated.