Which of the following is considered hazardous waste in the pharmacy?

• A. Expired over-the-counter medications
• B. Vitamins and supplements
• C. Chemotherapy drugs
• D. Unopened prescription medications

Answer: (C)

Chemotherapy drugs are considered hazardous waste in the pharmacy due to their potential to cause harm to humans and the environment. These drugs often possess toxic properties that can affect cancer patients as well as healthcare workers who handle them. The regulations surrounding hazardous waste, particularly those enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state-level regulations, classify these substances as hazardous because they can pose significant risks if they are improperly disposed of.

According to guidelines, hazardous waste includes substances that are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. Chemotherapy agents frequently fall into the toxic category due to their ability to cause severe health issues, including organ damage or other long-term effects. Therefore, special handling and disposal procedures must be followed to ensure safety and compliance with laws governing hazardous waste management in pharmacies.

In contrast, while expired over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and unopened prescription medications may require careful disposal, they do not typically exhibit the same level of toxicity as chemotherapy drugs and are not classified as hazardous waste under standard regulations. These items are often managed through different disposal methods rather than designated hazardous waste protocols.