this case highlights the need of improved and irreproachable therapeutic protocols. Recorded in a database, they must be validated pharmaceutically and medicinally to secure computer-based prescribing, drug handling, dispensing, and administering of the antineoplastic drugs. Even if the pharmaceutical analysis of prescriptions is made easier with computerization, we encourage the training of nurses and the evaluation of their knowledge as well as the necessity for pharmacists to learn to detect new kinds of errors and to verify periodically protocols.

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AbstractHandling of pharmaceutical specialities is required before its distribution or administration. Unpackaging and repackaging solid oral doses (SOD) in pharmacy settings; crushing, pills fragmenting or capsules opening inside care units may expose nurses and pharmacy dispensers to chemical contamination according to three recent North American studies. In the absence of a regulatory framework the application of the “principle of precaution” implies at first an analysis of the medication circuit and then the implementation of protective measures to prevent healthcare workers from contamination. Comparison of professional recommendations published in other countries allowed us to select a group of protective methods. We gathered these technical and organisational methods to compose a matrix of recommendations intended to hospital staff involved in SOD handling. This tool aims to improve the development of good manufacturing practices (GMP). It combines the issue of personal protection with other criteria such as quality, efficiency and safety of a medication.