What is the Origin of Hazardous Drugs?

The classification and term arose from occupational health and safety efforts, specifically to protect personnel involved in the preparation and administration of potent medications, particularly antineoplastic and certain hormonal agents. Regulatory guidelines define the strict criteria for this critical safety designation.

What is the Mechanism of Hazardous Drugs?

The hazardous nature of these drugs stems from their potent pharmacological activity and their mechanism of action, which often involves interfering with fundamental cellular processes like DNA replication or hormone signaling. For instance, some hormonal therapies are classified as hazardous because they mimic or antagonize endogenous hormones, posing a reproductive risk to exposed personnel. Exposure through inhalation, absorption, or ingestion can lead to unintended systemic effects in non-patients.

Hazardous Drugs

Meaning

Hazardous Drugs are pharmaceutical agents identified by regulatory bodies, such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), as posing a risk of adverse health effects to healthcare workers who handle them. These drugs typically exhibit characteristics like genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, or reproductive toxicity. In a clinical setting, safe handling and disposal protocols are mandatory to mitigate occupational exposure risk to personnel.