Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Material Name: Fluorouracil Injection
Trade Name: Fluoroblastin;Fluroblastin;Adrucil
Chemical Family: Mixture
Intended use: Antineoplastic

Health Risks: The health risks associated with this chemotherapy drug include both long term and short term. In the short term, if this drug is absorbed through the skin or if swallowed it can cause systemic effects. In the long term, repeat-dose studies in animals have shown a potential to cause adverse effects on blood and blood forming organs.

Known clinical effects: GI disturbances such as nausea, dyspepsia, and vomiting and gastrointestinal irritation. Effects on blood forming organs are also noted.

Statement of hazard: May impair fertility. May cause harm to the unborn child. May cause heritable genetic damage.

Exposure Control: The material safety data sheet recommends four different kinds of Personal Protective Equipment or PPE. To protect the hands, disposable gloves (double suggested) are recommended if skin contact with drug product is possible and for bulk processing operations. To protect the eyes, safety glasses or goggles are recommended. To protect the skin, the MSDS recommends wearing impervious disposable protective clothing. Finally, if airborne exposures exceed the occupational exposure band range, respirators are recommended.

Training: I have received extensive training on the proper handling of chemotherapy. I have had the opportunity to work in seven different organizations and each time I have gone through orientation, I have received training about proper safety measures when handling chemo drugs. It is well known that chemo drugs are unsafe for pregnant women so nurses who are pregnant or could be pregnant are not given patients receiving chemo just to be extra cautious.

ToxNet Findings: I did not find any discrepancies between what was reported on the MSDS and ToxNet. ToxNet reported some studies that showed less potential for poor outcomes when exposed. However, I did find an interesting section that was not included on the MSDS. ToxNet included a section on signs and symptoms of exposure to fluoroblastin. Toxicity could lead to short term and long term neurotoxicity. Typically, acute neurotoxicity presents itself as an encephalopathy. The good news is that acute toxicity is generally self-limiting and should resolve. Delayed neurotoxicity is immune mediated and typically responds to treatment with corticosteroids. This is important for clinicians to be aware of potential sign/symptoms of toxicity if a patient receiving this drug presents with neurologic problems.

MSDS Tool: I think this is an adequate tool for helping nurses understand proper techniques to reduce their risk of exposure to chemotherapuetic agents. I think a good quality improvement project for local hospitals would be to analyze and update their MSDS tools to include signs and symptoms of toxicity.