Etoposide intravenous solution is associated with leaching of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) from bags and tubings made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Recent evidence suggests that this may be more substantial than previously found. Since DEHP is potentially hepatotoxic and carcinogenic, it is preferable to prepare and administer etopo-side bags and tubings made from non-PVC materials.
Demore D, Vigneron A, Perrin A, et al.Leaching of diethylhexyl phthalate from polyvinyl chloride bags into intravenous etoposide solution. J Clin Pharm Ther2002; 27: 139-142.
2.
Bagel-Boithias S, Satou-Miranda V, Bourdeaux D, et al.Leaching of diethylhexyl phthalate from multilayer tubing into infusion solutions. Am J Health Syst Pharm2005; 62(2): 182-188.
3.
Government of Canada. Priority substances list assessment report. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. 1994.
4.
Pearson SD, Trissel LA.Leaching of diethylhexyl phthalate from polyvinyl chloride containers by selected drugs and formulation components. Am J Hosp Pharm1993; 50(7): 1405-1409.
5.
Barthes DM, Rochard EB, Pouliquen IJ, et al.Stability and compatibility of etoposide in 0.9% sodium chloride injection in three containers. Am J Hosp Pharm1994; 51(21): 2706-2709.
Kinda K. Personal communication. Associate, Medical Information and Drug Safety, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada, 2005.
9.
Bagel-Boithias S, Sautou-Miranda V, Bourdeaux D, et al.Leaching of diethylhexyl phthalate from multilayer tubing into etoposide infusion solutions. Am J Health Syst Pharm2005; 62(2): 182-188.
10.
Douchet L. Personal communication. Staff Pharmacist, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, 2005.
11.
Kagoma S. Personal communication. Pharmacy Manager, Hamilton Regional Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Ont., 2005.
12.
The Ottawa Hospital. Parenteral drug therapy manual, 2005.
13.
Ng P. Personal communication. Drug Information Pharmacist, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ont., 2005.
14.
Sims-McCallum R. Personal communication. PharmD Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, 2005.
15.
Karpinski J. Personal communication. Clinical Specialist Drug Information, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2005.
16.
Leather H. Personal communication. BPharm, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist BMT/Leukemia, 2005.
17.
Blake D. Personal communication. Lead Pharmacist, North London Cancer Network, 2005.
18.
Sautou-Miranda V. Personal communication. Pharmacist, Montpied Hospital Complex, University City: Clermont-Ferrand, France, 2005.
19.
Demoré B. Personal communication. Pharmacie Brabois Adultes - Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, 30 April, 2005.
20.
Lees J. Personal communication. PharmD, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia, 2005.