ANSWERS

1. List criteria pertaining to the premises in which drugs are stored.
   • The pharmacy or dispensary must be housed in a building or part of a building of a permanent nature.
   • The area must be secure to prevent unlawful access.
   • The area must be clean, dry, vermin proof and in a good state of repair.
   • Local rules are to be clearly displayed.
   • Warning notices are to be displayed where appropriate.
   • Areas to which the public is not permitted must be clearly designated.
   • Good ventilation is essential.
2. Drugs must be stored according to the manufacturer's instructions. Can you list some common culprits that might decrease the efficacy of certain preparations?
   • Heat.
   • Light.
   • Extreme cold.
   • Moisture.
   • Dust.
3. Why should drugs such as injectables and tablets only ever be stored in their original containers in the dispensary?
   • To establish the expiry date of the preparation.
   • To establish the correct name and strength of the medicine dispensed.
   • To ensure good stock rotation (i.e. Not decanting preparations into existing open containers).
   • To ensure that unused containers are airtight, light-proof and moisture-proof.
   • To allow easy access to data sheets should they be required.
4. List 2 drug groups that are stored in the refrigerator.
   • Insulins.
   • Vaccines.
5. The veterinary surgeon has asked you to dispense 50 tablets. There are 2 containers of this medication in stock; 1 in use, 1 full. You have finished up the existing stock and open the new batch. In order to ensure good stock rotation, what would you do to the new container?
   Before opening the new container, check the expiry date. If this is in order, clearly mark the lid or cardboard outer with a cross or symbol known to all personnel at the practice that this denotes "in use". Mark the container with your initial and the date the product was opened. Always try to keep the product within its outer, and ensure that the data sheet is kept within the packaging. Remember to inform the member of staff responsible for the stock ordering if you have completely depleted a drug supply.
6. Describe the disposal of the following waste: used syringes, used needles, empty vaccination vials, returned cytotoxic tablets.
   • Used syringes = clinical waste - yellow bag with biohazard seal - clinical waste bin when full.
   • Used needles = sharp safe - IMMEDIATELY!!
   • Empty vaccination vials = green DOOP pharmaceutical waste container.
   • Returned cytotoxic tablets = yellow DOOP cytotoxic waste container.
7. Why must returned drugs never be replaced to stock for resale?
   Once a drug has left the premises, it cannot be guaranteed that the preparation has been stored according to the manufacturer's instructions. Therefore it poses a significant risk if these drugs are re-dispensed to other animals.
8. How should Controlled drugs be stored?
   Controlled drugs must be stored in compliance with the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1985.They are required to be contained within a locked wall mounted receptacle, and purchases and dispenses are to be recorded in a bound Controlled drugs register. NB. Refer to Module Four of this chapter for further information about Controlled drugs.
9. How should cytotoxic drugs be stored?
   Cytotoxic drugs are carcinogenic and teratogenic. Therefore they pose a significant risk to veterinary personnel and clients alike. It is therefore essential that they be contained within a strong impenetrable box with the contents clearly displayed along with a warning sticker. This should be placed in the refrigerator in cases such as Vincristine, or for non-refrigerated drugs, in a suitable safe place in an area inaccessible to the general public.