10 Steps to Develop and Implement a Pharmaceutical Waste Management Program

Step 3 Considering Best Management Practices for Non-Regulated Pharmaceutical Wastes

Pharmaceuticals that are not technically RCRA [Resource Conservation and Recovery Act] hazardous waste when discarded should be analyzed for their potential to cause harm to humans or the environment. The criteria outlined in this step are guidelines for making best management practice determinations. Drugs meeting any of these criteria are sufficiently hazardous to warrant being treated in the same manner as drugs that are identified as RCRA hazardous waste. Incineration is to be used rather than drain disposal and landfilling.

1. Formulations With a Listed Active Ingredient That is Not the Sole Active Ingredient
2. All Chemotherapeutic Agents
3. Drugs Meeting NIOSH Hazardous Drug Criteria
4. Drugs Listed in Appendix VI of OSHA Technical Manual
5. Carcinogenic Drugs
6. Drugs with LD50s Less Than or Equal to 50 mg/kg
7. Combination Vitamin/Mineral Preparations with Heavy Metals
8. Endocrine Disruptors (Estrogens, testosterone, progesterone, etc.)
9. All Other Drugs
   1. Incinerate
   2. Eliminate Drain Disposal
   3. Avoid Landfilling

It should be noted the guidelines also state that:

"Contaminated PPE should also be managed as hazardous waste under best management practices. This includes gloves and gowns, drip pads, other materials overtly contaminated in the preparation or administration of chemotherapy drugs, and other hazardous materials that are known or suspected of having been overtly contaminated with a drug that is being managed as a best management practice hazardous waste. 'Trace' contaminated chemotherapy materials should be incinerated as regulated medical waste."

http://www.hercenter.org/hazmat/tenstepblueprint.pdf

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News

The Unwitting Coronavirus Spreaders
As many as 1 in 4 people who are infected with COVID-19 may not have symptoms, according to CDC director Robert Redfield, MD. The high rate of asymptomatic cases is prompting the agency to consider expanding its guidelines on who should wear masks. "This helps explain how rapidly this virus continues to spread across the country," Redfield said. Although CDC has said that the public does not need to wear masks unless they are feeling sick, with the new data on people who may be infected without showing any symptoms, Redfield said the guidance was "being critically re-reviewed." Because people may be spreading the virus to others even when they feel healthy, asking only sick people to stay home is not likely to be sufficient—which is why many experts are now encouraging everyone to wear masks, to prevent those who do not know they are infected from spreading it.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/health/coronavirus-asymptomatic-transmission.html

NABP Supports Emergency Licensure for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
NABP is assisting its member boards of pharmacy in expediting emergency and temporary licensure requests for licensed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians through its new program, NABP Passport. Developed in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), NABP Passport facilitates temporary authorization for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to practice in another state. Available at no cost to individuals and boards of pharmacy, the program reduces the burden on those who are being relied upon to provide an increased level of patient care during the pandemic.
https://www.nabp.pharmacy/passport

Did You Know ...

...that Will Rogers said the following?

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock."

Tip of the Week

I've heard it said during my life that one must "bide one's time." What does that mean? It's illustrated by Will Rogers quote above and means to wait patiently and quietly for the right moment to arrive. The word "bide" means to remain or stay and usually has the connotation of being something one must endure.

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Looking Back

If a gift,
You must choose,
Give him one,
That he can use!
     Burma-Shave