Safe handling of cytostatics

The document by Health Service Rioja (Rioja Salud) provides guidance on the safe handling of cytostatics to: 

• establish safe working procedures for workers in the Health Care Sector related to the handling of cytostatic drugs, including the use of personal protective equipment, to reduce risks and minimise exposure as much as possible;
• disseminate up-to-date information on the risk to workers of handling cytostatic drugs and their waste in all areas and jobs that are affected;
• ensure safety for the worker, the work environment, the medical staff and the patient.

Cytostatics are cytotoxic substances that are designed and used to cause cellular dysfunction, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells by altering their metabolism and blocking cell division and reproduction. Therefore, they are typically (but not exclusively) used in the pharmacological treatment of neoplastic diseases (chemotherapy). Owing to their mechanism of action at the cellular level, they can cause mutagenic, carcinogenic or teratogenic effects.