Occupational risks evaluation in a centralized antineoplastic agent preparation unit.

Objective: The global professional risk assessment applied to the central unit of antineoplastic agent preparations is part of a mandatory approach required by the European legislation for workers. This study identified the hazardous situations related to the staff activity and then enabled the preparation of a formal plan of occupational prevention.

Methods: The nature of study approved by a working group constituted by experts was the global risk analysis.

A virtual centralized cytotoxic preparation unit simulation to evaluate the pharmacy staff knowledge.

Background: The risk of medication errors related to drug preparation unit cannot be totally avoided because of human interference. The aim of this study is to investigate the background and knowledge of the pharmacy staff by replicating the cytotoxic preparation unit with potential errors.

Methods: A 10-m room was provided to duplicate the centralized chemotherapy unit with three areas reproducing virtually the equipment preparation bench, the isolator, and the dispensing bench.

Physicochemical and microbiological stabilities of hydrocortisone in InOrpha suspending agent studied under various conditions.

Hydrocortisone is principally used as replacement therapy in adrenocortical deficiency states. In pediatric practice, posology ranges from 10 to 20 mg/m2 per day, divided in three doses, for the purpose of mimicking the nycthemeral cycle. Hydrocortisone is marketed in France in tablet form that contains 10 mg of the active ingredient.