title: A unique drug distribution process for radium Ra 223 dichloride injection and its implication for product quality, patient privacy, and delineation of professional responsibilities.
abstract: On May 15, 2013, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals announced that it had received marketing approval for the therapeutic radioactive medication radium Ra 223 dichloride injection (Xofigo; Ra 223). The product acquisition and distribution process for hospital-based nuclear pharmacies and nuclear medicine services is unlike any other. The product is distributed as a low-risk compounded sterile preparation through a single compounding nuclear pharmacy located in Denver, Colorado, pursuant to a prescription. This model for drug distribution and delivery to the user institution has implications for product quality, patient privacy, and delineation of professional responsibilities.
authors.affiliation: Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany, NY, USA danserr@mail.amc.edu.
authors.forename: Raymond N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Dansereau
mesh_terms: D003219:Confidentiality; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital; D011868:Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D011883:Radium
chemical_list: D011868:Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; C581106:radium Ra 223 dichloride; D011883:Radium
keywords: distribution model; patient privacy; product quality; professional relationships; radium 223