Doxorubicin (CAS 23214-92-8): storage and disposal
Doxorubicin is the red anthracycline anticancer drug, held as infusion vials in hospital pharmacies, veterinary oncology practices and some university stores. The classification names harm if swallowed and a statement that it may cause cancer. Its red colour can make spills and seepage visible. Staining on shelves, gloves or labels should be treated as possible cytotoxic contamination.
- CAS number
- 23214-92-8
- Form
- Solid
- Storage class
- Toxic
- Signal word
- Danger
- Usual EWC code
- 16 05 06*
Harmful or irritant
Serious health hazard
What to do this week
- Check the label is readable and write down the opened date if it is not already there.
- Check it is stored as toxic stock and apart from the items listed under "Do not store with".
- If you no longer need it, add it to your disposal list so it goes on the next collection.
Safe storage in a school or lab
Because the solution is red, a leak shows immediately on cartons and trays, so a quick look for pink or red marks is the first shelf check. Store vials in the designated anticancer medicines storage area, following the specific product storage requirements, including any refrigeration the label states. Keep them in their cartons, since the product is known to be light sensitive. In a university store, keep any powder in a labelled secondary container away from general reagents and away from food and drink areas.
How to tell it has deteriorated
Red staining on a carton, around a stopper, on a shelf or inside a tray indicates possible leakage, breakage or external contamination. Treat affected stock as potentially contaminated and refer it to the pharmacy or laboratory safety lead. The solution should be a clear red, so a darker, browner or cloudy liquid, or visible particles, means the vial is past use. Check crimps for corrosion and labels for fading. Powder that has clumped or taken on a different colour should be recorded. A pack with missing batch details or no reliable stock record cannot have its expiry status confirmed from those records and should be referred to the pharmacy or laboratory safety lead for assessment.
How it must be disposed of
By specialist collection only. It never goes down the drain or into general waste. It is normally packed in a toxic laboratory pack with compatible chemicals.
Grouping is the first question: sealed vials, part-used vials and any stained packaging are kept apart, and each is described on its own line of the request. Emptying, rinsing or wiping up into a sink or drain is not acceptable, and a red stain should be contained, not washed. Healthcare uses 18 01 08*, veterinary practices use 18 02 07*, and a university clearing powder uses 16 05 06*. Record vial counts, packaging condition and any suspected leakage for the collector. Intact vials should be kept upright in appropriate secondary containment. Where leakage or contamination is suspected, trained personnel should assess safe containment and packaging before specialist collection.
| EWC code, laboratory chemicals | 16 05 06* |
|---|---|
| Discarded organic chemical, not a laboratory pack | 16 05 08* |
| Human healthcare setting | 18 01 08* |
| Veterinary setting | 18 02 07* |
| Hazardous waste | Yes |
The code depends on where the waste came from and what it is mixed with. Use the waste code finder to see why.
Do not store with
- OxidiserToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- AcidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
Named chemicals to keep apart
- Acetic acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
- Calcium hypochloriteToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Hydrochloric acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
- Hydrogen peroxideToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Nitric acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
- Potassium nitrateToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Potassium permanganateToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Sulfuric acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
Common quantities we collect
Usually held as: infusion.
Part-used bottles and full containers are both fine. Tell us the size and how many, and an estimate is enough for a first price.
Where it is commonly held
Hazard statements
- H302 Harmful if swallowed.
- H350 May cause cancer.
Precautionary statements
- P203 Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
- P264 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
- P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
- P301+P317 IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help.
- P318 If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
- P330 Rinse mouth.
- P405 Store locked up.
- P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.
Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.
Questions
What does red staining on a doxorubicin carton mean?
The staining suggests possible leakage, breakage or contamination, but its source cannot be confirmed from the stain alone. Do not handle the stained carton or vial as routine stock. Report the suspected cytotoxic leak to the pharmacy or laboratory safety lead and follow the site's cytotoxic spill procedure. Trained personnel should assess containment and packaging before specialist collection.
Does doxorubicin need protecting from light?
It is known to be light sensitive, so keep vials in their cartons inside a closed cabinet. Stock left in a bright prep area or on a window sill should be recorded and treated as suspect.
Can we wash out an empty doxorubicin vial before disposal?
No. Rinsing is ruled out because it would send a cancer-classified substance towards a drain, which must never happen. Empty vials are kept sealed with the rest of the stock and described accurately for specialist collection.
Which waste code do we quote for a veterinary oncology practice?
Veterinary practices normally use 18 02 07* for these medicines and human healthcare uses 18 01 08*. A university laboratory clears powder under a discarded chemical code, so state your setting.
