How to dispose of Xeloda (capecitabine)?

From the Guidelines

To dispose of Xeloda (capecitabine) safely, take the unused medication to a drug take-back program, which many pharmacies, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies offer, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. If a take-back program is not available, mix the pills with an unpalatable substance like dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds, place the mixture in a sealed container, and throw it in your household trash. Remove any personal information from prescription labels before discarding the empty containers. Proper disposal prevents accidental ingestion by children or pets, misuse by others, and environmental contamination. Xeloda is a chemotherapy drug that can be harmful if handled improperly, so wearing gloves when handling damaged pills is recommended. Check with your local pharmacy or healthcare provider for specific disposal guidelines in your area, as they may have additional recommendations or resources available 1. Some key points to consider when disposing of Xeloda include:

• Do not flush the medication down the toilet or pour it down a drain
• Use a sealed container to prevent leakage or spillage
• Remove personal information from prescription labels to prevent identity theft
• Check with local authorities for any specific regulations or guidelines for disposing of hazardous waste, including chemotherapy medications like Xeloda. It's also important to note that while some studies may provide guidance on disposing of medical waste in general 1, the most recent and relevant guidelines for disposing of Xeloda specifically recommend using a drug take-back program or sealed container disposal method 1.

From the Research

Disposal of Xeloda

There are no specific studies on the disposal of Xeloda. However, some general guidelines on the handling and disposal of cytotoxic drugs can be found:

• The safe handling of cytotoxics, including oral cytotoxics like Xeloda, is crucial to minimize exposure to healthcare workers and the environment 2.
• Guidelines for the safe handling of cytotoxics recommend procedures for the entire chain of cytotoxics handling, from the time the agents enter the institution until they leave in the patient or as waste 2.
• The disposal of unused vaccines, such as the oral polio vaccine, provides a framework for the disposal of other pharmaceuticals, including Xeloda 3.
• Steps for the appropriate disposal of pharmaceuticals may include removal from the cold chain, placement in appropriate bags or containers, and disposal using a recommended approach, such as autoclaving, boiling, chemical inactivation, incineration, or encapsulation, followed by burial or transportation to a designated waste facility 3.

Key Considerations

• Xeloda is a cytotoxic drug that requires careful handling and disposal to minimize exposure to healthcare workers and the environment.
• There are no specific guidelines for the disposal of Xeloda, but general guidelines for the safe handling of cytotoxics and the disposal of unused vaccines can be applied.
• The disposal of Xeloda should be carried out in accordance with national regulations, capacities, and resources.

Disposal Methods

• Autoclaving: a method of disposal that uses high-pressure steam to kill microorganisms and break down pharmaceuticals.
• Boiling: a method of disposal that uses high temperatures to break down pharmaceuticals.
• Chemical inactivation: a method of disposal that uses chemicals to break down pharmaceuticals.
• Incineration: a method of disposal that uses high temperatures to burn pharmaceuticals.
• Encapsulation: a method of disposal that involves sealing pharmaceuticals in a container to prevent leakage or spillage.