Hydroxycarbamide - why the need to wash hands?

[Ovingite]

I'm sure I'm not the only one to wonder about this, but why do we need to wear gloves or wash hands after handling hydroxy? It seem illogical that it's safe to swallow but not safe to touch, but I guess there must be a reason???? Any thoughts welcome😊

John

[Scottishterrier]

It is okay for you to handle hydroxcarbamide as you are taking it without gloves it is only meant for members of your family to wear gloves as it gets absorbed into the skin

best wishes Scottishterrier

[Ovingite in reply to Scottishterrier]

Thanks - that sounds sensible. Wouldn't it be nice if they actually said what they mean on the info sheet 🙁 Probably asking too much though!

Much appreciate your reply

John

[WileyFrench]

I wondered the same thing. The instructions talk about wearing rubber gloves etc. I take the pill out of the bottle by hand, big drink of water before and after, wash hands and put the bottle away. I think Scottishterrier has it right.

[piggie50]

I’ve taken it for 6 years, never washed my hands after or worried about touching it. It’s in a capsule!

[francesb]

Hi, I have never been told this and it is not in the patient leaflet I get with my capsules so I have never done it. I agree it sounds totally illogical. I just take them like any other medication. Best wishes Frances.

[Hidden]

I have always been told the same and as it’s been going in my mouth ignored it.

[MCW22]

I don't get a patient leaflet with mine, I get a month's supply at a time in a plain white box. I mentioned this to the consultant once and she printed one off for me. I handle it the same as any other medication, wash hands before and after

Carol.

[Sallush]

It’s a warning for everyone else. My tablets come in a box with a warning label ‘cytotoxic’.

Here’s what the Health and Safety Executive say:

The toxicity of cytotoxic drugs means that they can present significant risks to those who handle them. Occupational exposure can occur when control measures are inadequate. Exposure may be through skin contact, skin absorption, inhalation of aerosols and drug particles and ingestion.

So think drug manufacturers, pharmacists, nurses etc etc

[Ebot]

Yeah. I started off dealing with it as if was a bacterial war agent but quickly reverted to normal life. As Piggie50 says, it’s in a capsule. And in any event if it is so toxic to handle why do they suggest that if necessary people open the capsule and take the contents in a glass of water????

[rjw1]

I believe the reason to wash hands after handling is if you open the capsule and mix the powder with water to drink...this is for those that can't swallow a capsule

[Ovingite]

Many thanks to all who responded. It is quite interesting that the patient information leaflets seem to vary between manufacturers, with some not mentioning the need for protection when handling hydroxy. My own supplier (Medac Germany) - dispensed in UK - states "the capsules must be handled with care. You should use gloves or wash hands thoroughly after handling them....."

But common sense - as always - prevails in this forum, which suggests these instructions are OTT. So I'll continue to handle them as before - with respect but not apprehension. If I manage to find a technical / authoritative explanation of why these measures are necessary I will post an update, but meanwhile I think we can all rest easy😉

John