DBL Vincristine Sulfate Caution For Usage

Handling Precautions: As with all antineoplastic agents, trained personnel should prepare DBL Vincristine Sulfate Injection. This should be performed in a designated area (preferably a cytotoxic laminar flow cabinet). Protective gown, mask, gloves and appropriate eye protection should be worn when handling vincristine sulfate. Where solution accidentally contacts skin or mucosa, the affected area should be immediately washed thoroughly with soap and water. It is recommended that pregnant personnel not handle cytotoxic agents such as vincristine sulfate.
Luer-Lock fitting syringes are recommended. Large bore needles are recommended to minimise pressure and possible formation of aerosols. Aerosols may also be reduced by using a venting needle during preparation.
Do not add extra fluid to the vial prior to removal of the dose. Withdraw the solution of vincristine sulfate into an accurate syringe, measuring the dose carefully. Do not add extra fluid to the vial in an attempt to empty it completely.
Items used to prepare DBL Vincristine Sulfate Injection, or articles associated with body waste should be disposed of by placing in a double sealed polythene bag and incinerated at 1100°C.
When handling urine and faeces from patients receiving vincristine, protective clothing should be worn for up to 4 to 7 days respectively after therapy (see Special precautions for disposal under Cautions for Usage).
Incompatibilities: Vincristine sulfate should not be diluted in solutions that raise or lower the pH outside the range of 3.5 to 5.5. It should not be mixed with anything other than 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% glucose injection.
Special precautions for disposal: If spill occurs, restrict access to the affected area. Wear two pairs of latex rubber gloves, a suitable mask, a protective gown and safety glasses. Limit the spread of the spill by covering with a suitable material such as absorbent towels or adsorbent granules. Spills may also be treated with 5% sodium hypochlorite. Collect the absorbent/adsorbent and other debris from the spill and place in a leakproof plastic container and label accordingly. Cytotoxic waste should be regarded as toxic and hazardous and clearly labelled 'CYTOTOXIC WASTE FOR INCINERATION AT 1100°C'. Waste material should be incinerated at 1100°C for at least 1 second. Clean the remaining spill area with copious amounts of water.