Destruction of CDs returned by patients
Pharmacists are reminded that they may destroy patient-returned
Controlled Drugs without an authorised witness. Pharmacists are strongly
advised to destroy returned CDs regularly to avoid quantities building
up in the Controlled Drugs cupboard.
Problems may arise when a Controlled Drug is not
denatured effectively before disposal. Therefore the procedure detailed
below should be followed to ensure the CD has been rendered irretrievable
before disposal.
Although it is not a legal requirement, it is good
practice to document the destruction and to require a member of staff
to witness it. The record of destruction should be made somewhere other
than the CD register — for example, at the back of the prescription
register.
Liquid dose formulations Liquid dose
formulations should be added to, and absorbed by, an appropriate amount
of cat litter, or similar product.
Solid dose formulations Solid dose
formulations should be crushed and added to a small amount of hot, soapy
water. The resultant mixture should be stirred to ensure that the drug
has been dissolved or dispersed.
Parenteral formulations Ampoules should
be crushed with a pestle inside an empty plastic container. After ensuring
that all ampoules are broken, a small quantity of hot, soapy water or
cat litter should be added.
Fentanyl patches The active ingredient
in Fentanyl patches can be rendered irretrievable by removing the backing
and folding the patch over upon itself.
Once the above procedures have been carried out,
the resultant mixture should be added to the general pharmaceutical waste.
It is advisable, therefore, to keep the liquid content to a minimum. Out-of-date
stocks of CDs should not be destroyed in this manner without an authorised
witness.
Back to Top
|
