ANSWERS

1. What does COSHH stand for, and explain why every veterinary practice is required by law to possess an up to date COSHH manual?
   
   COSHH is an abbreviation for the Control of Substances Hazardous to health Regulations 1988. The COSHH manual contains details of all preparations used on the premises that may pose a health risk. Potential dangers are listed for each item and the action to be taken in the event of an accident involving that particular substance.
   
2. What must a pharmaceutical company representative present upon visiting a practice to promote the sale of new drugs and why?
   
   A rep must always issue a data sheet with promotional material regarding drugs in order to provide the veterinary personnel with accurate information as to the content of active ingredients and to comply with COSHH regulations. Information sent in the post advertising drugs must also include a data sheet.
   
   
3. In addition to the COSHH Regulations, list the 5 other laws relevant to the subjects of pharmacy and dispensing.
   
   
   • The Medicines Act 1968.
   • The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
   • The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
   • The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1985.
   • The Medicines Regulations 1994.
     
     
4. List items of protective clothing that may be worn in the dispensary to reduce the risk of accidents during the dispensing of medicines.
   
   
   • Non-slip shoes.
   • Aprons.
   • Masks.
   • Goggles.
   • Gloves.
     
     
5. List items in addition to protective clothing that should be present in the dispensary to minimise the risk of an accident.
   
   • Non-slip stool or small sturdy ladder for medicines stored out of reach.
   • Spillage kit to deal promptly with any mishaps.
   • Local rules; these must be displayed prominently and strictly obeyed.
   • Hazard signs displayed on areas where drugs are stored.
6. Describe the main ways in which drugs might get into the body by accident during dispensing; then explain how you could reduce these risks.
   
   • Oral ingestion - never eat, drink or smoke in the dispensary and wear a facemask particularly when dealing with powdered or dusty formulations. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling drugs if gloves are not worn.
   • Self-injection - always dispose of sharps into a sharp-safe container and never leave "loaded" syringes lying around.
   • Inhalation - again, wear a facemask when dealing with powdered or dusty formulations and aerosols.
   • Absorption across the skin - wear gloves.
   • Absorption across the conjunctiva - wear goggles.
7. Which drug groups should not be handled if you are pregnant?
   
   • Steroids (e.g. Prednisolone).
   • Grisolfuvin (e.g. Grisovin).
   • Volatile anaesthetics (e.g. Halothane).
   • Cytotoxic drugs (e.g. Vincristine).
8. Define the following terms: carcinogenic, mutogenic and teratogenic.
   
   • Carcinogenic = produces or predisposes to cancer.
   • Mutogenic = produces chemical change to the genes.
   • Teratogenic = produces physical defects in the developing embryo.
9. List 3 possible health risks associated with the handling of prostaglandins.
   
   • May cause asthma attacks.
   • May have a serious effect on the cardiovascular system.
   • May cause uterine contractions.
10. Which drug may cause a fatal aplastic anaemia in man (thankfully a very rare occurrence)?
    
    • Chloramphenicol.
11. Name the 2 antibiotic groups that may cause hypersensitivity upon exposure in those with an allergy to these drugs?
    
    • Cephalosporins (e.g. Cephalexin - Ceporex).
    • Penicillins (e.g. Amoxycillin - Clamoxyl).
12. Describe the symptoms that may be evident in a person suffering an allergic reaction to penicillin.
    
    • Rash.
    • Facial swelling especially around eyes and lips.
    • Dyspnoea (difficulty breathing).