Dispensing Biotechnology Products: Handling, Professional Education, and Product Information

Dispensing Biotechnology Products: Handling, Professional Education, and Product Information

INTRODUCTION

Preparation and/or dispensing of pharmaceuticals are primarily the responsibility of the pharmacist. Traditionally, parenteral products have been available in ready-to-use containers or required dilution with water or saline prior to use with no other special handling requirements. Hospital pharmacists, in particular, have prepared and dispensed parenteral products for individual patients for many years. While many pharmacists are skilled in handling parenteral products, biotechnology products may present additional challenges since they are proteins subject to denaturation and thus require special handling techniques. These challenges will be explained in greater detail in this chapter.