Which reference must a pharmacy have when compounding cytotoxic products?

When compounding cytotoxic products, it is essential for a pharmacy to refer to a comprehensive and regulatory text that provides specific guidance on the safe handling and preparation of such hazardous drugs. The Technical manual section VI: chapter 2 is specifically designed to address the requirements and best practices related to the compounding of cytotoxic agents. This resource outlines the necessary precautions to safeguard both the pharmacy staff and the patients, as well as the precise techniques to minimize exposure to hazardous substances.

While the FDA guidelines for safety provide overall regulatory guidance and are valuable for understanding broader safety protocols, they may not offer the detailed, procedural framework required for the specific task of compounding cytotoxic products. Similarly, although the National Formulary and the United States Pharmacopeia are critical reference texts for drug standards and compounding practices, they do not provide the same level of specialized, focused information as the Technical manual's section relating to cytotoxic drugs. Therefore, possessing the technical manual ensures that pharmacies are compliant with the standards of practice for handling and compounding hazardous drugs effectively.