The guide omits interactions involving anesthesia, the specialist use of multiple antiretrovirals and multiple
antineoplastics or intravenous
antineoplastics, and non-interactions.
One prior study reported a lower prevalence, with only 1% to 3% of veterinary workers in the Netherlands exposed to
antineoplastics. (11) However this study appeared to examine all workers in veterinary workplaces while ours focused on workers likely to be handling the drugs.
All of the above
antineoplastics are contraindicated in pregnancy because their mechanisms suggest the potential for embryo-fetal harm.
Interactions involving anesthesia, the specialist use of multiple antiretrovirals, the specialist use of multiple
antineoplastics or intravenous
antineoplastics, and non-interactions are mostly omitted.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are regulatory agencies that establish regulations regarding the management of
antineoplastics that must be obeyed by law.
In June 2005, the CMS directed that Part D formularies include nearly all drugs in six classes: antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, antiretrovirals, and
antineoplastics. A new CMS rule notified Part D plans that they must continue to provide coverage of these drugs through 2010, consistent with the policy already in place.
Largely used to treat cancer,
antineoplastics represented the fourth-leading specialty-drug therapy class in 2005.
But
antineoplastics would be best prescribed on "a fixeddose-per-adult basis unless our scientific studies show otherwise."
In addition to the drugs noted above, the list includes
antineoplastics, beta-blockers, bronchodilators, lipid regulators, hypnotics, antibiotics, antiseptics, X-ray contrast agents, sunscreen agents, caffeine, and fragrances such as synthetic musks.
Drug-induced skin changes: Some drugs used to treat lupus, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressives, and
antineoplastics, can affect the skin.