Where must hazardous drugs (HDs) be stored according to USP 797?

Hazardous drugs (HDs) must be stored in a separate area to prevent contamination, as specified by USP 797. This regulation is designed to ensure the safety of personnel, patients, and other medications. HDs can pose significant risks due to their potential toxic effects, and improper storage can lead to contamination of non-hazardous drugs and the surrounding environment, which could affect patient safety.

The separate storage area typically includes designated cabinets or rooms that provide security and ensure that any spills or exposure risk is minimized. This segregation is crucial to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of all medications handled within a pharmacy or healthcare setting. Additionally, a separate storage area aids in compliance with safety standards and facilitates proper waste management of hazardous materials.

While other choices might suggest different storage scenarios, they do not fulfill the regulatory requirements set forth by USP 797 for the management and handling of hazardous drugs. For instance, storing HDs alongside other pharmaceuticals would compromise those drugs' safety, while using any cleanroom environment could lead to unintended exposure risks. Cold storage is specific to certain medications but is not a requirement for all hazardous drugs.