RE: monoclonal antibodies

[Fritz, Donna]

This is what is in the 2005 ONS Chemo and Bio guidelines.  They do not distinguish mabs from other biotherapy agents.   p. 53   3.    Potential occupational health risks associated with biotherapy agents         a.  Limited data are available regarding the effects of handling biologic agents         b.  Most biologic agents do not affect DNA and do not cause genetic changes         c.  Interferon is considered a hazardous drug because of its reproductive toxicity   p. 56   b)    Safe handling while mixing biotherapy drugs         (1)  Use safe handling precautions for biotherapy agents that are considered hazardous (e.g. interferon)         (2)  Wear gloves when mixing biotherapy agents that are irritating to skin (e.g. rituximab)         (3)  A nuclear pharmacist prepares radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies for infusion . . .   As for folinic acid (Leucovorin), here's from Micromedex:   "Leucovorin (folinic acid) is the formyl derivative and active form of folic acid. Leucovorin calcium is useful clinically in circumventing the action of folic acid antagonists (Prod Info Wellcovorin(R), 1997)." That is a vitamin.  It is pregnancy category C.   I posed the issues about biotherapy to our oncology nurses several years ago and let them decide about not wearing with mabs or most biotherapy.  Their perspective was that they didn't want to have to think too hard about PPE and nitpick about which drugs to wear it.  Most mabs/biotherapy don't need, but what about Mylotarg?  That is an mab with a cytotoxin attached.  So it was just easier to have them wear for all anti-neoplastic agents.    Donna Fritz, MN, RN, OCN Oncology/Pain Clinical Nurse Specialist Cancer Center St. Mary-Corwin Medical  Center 719.560-5215 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2006 8:50 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: monoclonal antibodies I can only speak to Remicade as we give a boat load of it system wide. There are no requirements for any particular PPE when mixing or administering Remicade in the package inserts or any literature I have read.   Tony West, RN, CRNI Healix, Inc. Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] SMS: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cell: 214-674-4848   In a message dated 2/28/2006 2:34:36 P.M. Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What are the guidelines for protective equipment (PPE) when administering monoclonal antibodies e.g. Remicade, herceptin???  Also what PPE are people wearing when giving Leucovorin? We have always gowned, gloved and masked.  But staff are asking if it is necessary. Jan Hull, BSN CRNI ADM SDC / Emenhiser Center Lebanon Community Hospital 541-451-7851 fax 451-7520 Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.   Tony West, RN, CRNI Healix, Inc. Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] SMS: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cell: 214-674-4848 ***************************************************************************** This communication is for the use of the intended recipient only. It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, any disclosure, copying, further distribution or use thereof is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please advise me by return e-mail or by telephone and delete/destroy it. *****************************************************************************