Oral Anti-Cancer Medication SOP Issued By NPA

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 24 Apr 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Ruth Wakeman, NPA Information Department Manager said: "Oral anti-cancer medicines are increasingly being used in the community. NPSA figures show that during 2006-7, nearly 6 million doses were used in the community and these figures are projected to increase. The NPA's 'Supplying Oral Anti-Cancer Medicines' resource provides details of the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) rapid response report, which will need to be implemented by 22 July 2008 in community pharmacy."

The NPA resource aims to ensure the supply of anti-cancer medicines is carried out in a safe, efficient way which complies with the NPSA recommendations for the supply of oral anti-cancer medicines. The resource consists of a template standard operating procedure (SOP) and guidance notes to help minimise the risks associated with oral anti-cancer medicines.

'Supplying Oral Anti-Cancer Medicines' can be downloaded from the members' area of the website www.npa.co.uk. Although applicable directly to England and Wales, the resource may also be of interest to pharmacy contractors from Scotland and Northern Ireland.

National Pharmacy Association