RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS

DISPENSING OF A RADIO PHARMACEU TICAL

• Radiopharmaceuticals are provided to trained health care professionals at the hospital or clinic.

• They are dispensed in unit doses and injectibles

• Dispensing pharmacist must ensure that the ordered dose is safe for the patient.

• It is subject to special labelling requirements

DISTR IBUTION O F RADIOPHARM ACEUTICALS

• A lead-lined syringe container shipped in Department of Transportation-approved and tested cases are used with appropriate identifying information.

• Nuclear pharmacies converting from lead to tungsten containers.

• Requirements related to packaging, labelling, shipping papers, record keeping, shipper amd carrier and licensing, and personnel training.

HEALTH AND SAFETY • The NRC estab;ishes and enforces radiation ssafety

standards• Hazardous chemicals must be stored appropriately,

handed safely and disposed properly. • Personal monitoring devices must be used to monitor

and track radiation exposure (ex. Film badges) and extremity exposure (ex. Ring badges)

PROVISION OF DRUG INFORMATION AND

CONSULTATION• Very important for nuclear pharmacist to possess

oral and written communication skills• Types of information whch the pharmacist can

answer: Biologic effects of radiation Radiation physics and protection Radiopharmaceutical chemistry Diagnostic and therapeutic application of

radiopharmaceuticals Regulatory requirements affecting the use of

radiopharmaceuticals

MONITORING PATIENT OUTCOME

• Patient safety and optimal outcomes are the goal pof the nuclear pharmacy and a central tenent of pharmaceutical care.

• The nuclear pharmacist can do things like: Develop instutional standards for the rationle

and appropriate use of radiopharmaceuticals Prospectively screen and review patient data

to ensure appropriate use of radiopharmaceuticals and ancillary medicines.

Evaluate the safety and effectiveness of radiopharmaceuticals

Prevent, minimize/ rectify clinical problems associated with radiopharmaceuticals

Ensure that patient with special needs are given appropriate consideration before, during and after radiopharmaceutical administration.

Perform and enhance the effectiveness of nuclear pharmacy procedures.