Hazardous non‐cytotoxic medicines: uncertainty around safe handling? A new workplace guideline for hospital staff

Hazardous medicines have the potential to cause harm via occupational exposure. We describe the development of a guideline to clarify the risks of occupational handling of non‐cytotoxic hazardous medicines, and provide practical advice for frontline staff in the hospital setting. Nurses and pharmacists in Victorian hospitals were surveyed to capture their experience, whilst a literature review located 14 national or jurisdictional guidance documents. Nurses and pharmacists reported variance in practices when handling an example medicine (mycophenolate). Many found existing guidance around hazardous non‐cytotoxic medicines unclear or confusing. Medicines were categorised into four groups: cytotoxic medicines; hazardous non‐cytotoxic medicines; medicines that primarily pose a risk to men and women actively trying to conceive and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding; and medicines that are irritants to mucous membranes or airways. An institutional guideline was developed, with recommendations synthesised into a single‐page chart for quick reference at the point of care.