STABILITY OF THE PRINCIPAL CYTOSTATIC AGENTS DURING STORAGE AT UNUSUAL TEMPERATURES

The aim of our study was to determine the stability of ten antineoplas tic drugs stored in their initial package, in conditions of temperatur e which may be encountered during transport to hospital pharmacy or st orage. Stability was determined by high-performance liquid chromatogra phy after storage at cold temperature (+4 degrees C) and warm temperat ure (+33 degrees C) for 6 or 12 months comparatively to room temperatu re (+21 degrees/+23 degrees C) as recommended by the manufacturers. No change in color was observed in any sample throughout the study excep t for a yellow hue in fluorouracil vials stored at +33 degrees C. With the exception of melphalan, all the drugs were stable when stored at both temperatures for 6 and 12 months. Melphalan concentration decreas ed to less than 90% of theoretical concentration from 6 months storage at +4 degrees C. In spite of the yellow hue which developed in the fl uorouracil vials stored at +33 degrees C, this drug was found at great er than 90% of the theoretical concentration. Among the ten drugs assa yed for stability at unusual temperatures, eight were found to be stab le. Two displayed temperature sensitivity as shown by change of color or loss of drug. Temperature should be controlled during storage and t ransport of drugs, particularly for fluorouracil and melphalan. (C) 19 97 Elsevier Science B.V.