Thalidomide (CAS 50-35-1): storage and disposal
Few medicines carry as much history as thalidomide, and the classification reflects it: may damage fertility or the unborn child, and harmful if swallowed. In a hospital pharmacy it is held as capsules in a locked cupboard, with a tight stock record. Because the reproductive statement applies to anyone who opens a pack, unwanted capsules need careful handling and an accurate description.
- CAS number
- 50-35-1
- 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
The pregnancy risk decides who handles it as much as where it sits. Keep capsules in a locked, labelled cabinet with a stock record, in their original blister packs and cartons, apart from incompatible chemicals, including oxidising chemicals, in accordance with the medicinal product's storage requirements. Anyone who is or may be pregnant should ask occupational health before counting or moving packs. Returned and expired packs should be kept on a separate shelf from dispensable stock, with a clear label, so the two cannot be confused during a busy dispensing day.
How to tell it has deteriorated
Capsules are the thing to look at. Shells that have softened, stuck to the foil, become dented or turned cloudy show exposure to warmth or damp, and a pack with split or lifted foil has lost its protection. Powder inside the blister or carton shows a capsule has leaked, and the pack should not be handled bare-handed. Few other signs can be stated for this substance, so a missing batch detail, a faded label or no stock record is the practical marker of expired stock. Returned packs are always treated as unwanted.
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.
Healthcare sites normally use 18 01 08* for this stock, while 16 05 06* is the base listing for laboratory chemicals. UN 2811 is associated with certain toxic solids, but its applicability to finished thalidomide capsules must not be assumed from the classification of the substance. The collection supplier confirms the transport classification and appropriate packaging for the actual medicinal product. Capsules must not be opened, emptied or crushed, and they never go in a sink, a drain or ordinary pharmaceutical returns. Keep blister packs intact inside an outer sealed container. Record counts, whether packs are sealed or opened, and any with powder visible.
| EWC code, laboratory chemicals | 16 05 06* |
|---|---|
| Discarded organic chemical, not a laboratory pack | 16 05 08* |
| Human healthcare setting | 18 01 08* |
| 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: capsules.
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.
- H360 May damage fertility or the unborn child.
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
Who should handle expired thalidomide capsules?
The classification includes possible damage to fertility or the unborn child, so staff who are or may be pregnant should ask occupational health before handling packs. Gloves are standard, and local pharmacy procedures decide who counts and packs expired stock.
A capsule has leaked powder into the blister. What do we do?
Do not open or disturb the blister or spilled powder. Keep the affected pack out of use and report it to the pharmacy safety lead. Trained personnel should follow the site's hazardous medicines procedure for containment and labelling before specialist collection. Do not wipe, sweep or rinse the powder away.
Can returned thalidomide packs be re-dispensed?
No. Returned packs have an unknown storage history and are treated as unwanted stock. Keep them on a separate, labelled shelf and include them in the specialist collection request.
Which waste code applies to a hospital pharmacy?
Human healthcare sites normally use 18 01 08* for this kind of medicine. A discarded chemical code applies elsewhere, so state your setting when you ask for a collection.
