SAFE USE OF RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS

To affirm that radiopharmaceuticals require the same standards for safe medication use as other medications, including but not limited to standards for procurement, storage and control, prescribing, preparation, dispensing, administration, documentation, clinical and regulatory monitoring, disposal, and formulary consideration; further,

To advocate that pharmacy departments, in cooperation with departments of nuclear medicine, radiology, and radiation safety, provide oversight of radiopharmaceuticals to assure safe use; further,

To advocate for incorporation of information on radiopharmaceuticals into college of pharmacy curricula and increased pharmacy continuing education on radiopharmaceuticals.

Rationale

Many hospitals utilize radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging tests or for treatment. Hospitals and pharmacy departments need to comply with applicable standards, such as U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) General Chapter 825 Radiopharmaceuticals, to ensure patient and health worker safety with their use. USP 825 outlines minimum standards for the preparation, compounding, dispensing, and repackaging of sterile and nonsterile radiopharmaceuticals. The chapter provides information on facilities and engineering controls, personnel training and qualifications, and procedural standards for healthcare settings that utilize radiopharmaceuticals.

Pharmacy departments need to have oversight and engagement in the acquisition, safe handling, and disposal of radiopharmaceuticals, including and especially those outsourced from external suppliers. Reports of improper handling, storage, and disposal suggest that these products should have similar oversight as other drug products used in hospitals, and that pharmacists, pharmacy students, and pharmacy technicians require education regarding their safe use.