Labelling of cytotoxic medicines
Guidance on the correct labels and product information to use on cytotoxic medicine and waste products.
Figure 1 shows the universally recognised symbol for cytotoxic medicines and their waste products. This symbol represents a cell in the final stage of cell division (telophase).
This symbol is commonly used to identify where cytotoxic precautions are required. It is present on:
- medication packaging
- commercially available cytotoxic waste disposal products such as purple bins and bags.
Figure 2 shows the pictogram the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) uses for health hazards. This includes cytotoxic medicines.
The manufacturer or importing supplier of cytotoxic medicines to the workplace must use this image when labelling a container of cytotoxic medicine.