• Handling/preparation PPE Requirements: Single CX glove, Wash hands after handling
• Receiving from Distributor: Standard
• Pharmacy Storage Area: Carousel
• Packaging/Reconstitution Location: Repackaging area
• Compounding (Non-Sterile/Sterile) Location: n/a
• Omnicell Load: Yes
Transport
• Transport (dose is placed inside a plastic sealable bag): Standard
Nursing: Storage / Administration
Exposure Risk: low
• Handling/administration PPE Requirements: Single pair of CX approved gloves. Wash hands after handling
• Storage of Finished dose in Nursing Area/Procedural Area: Omnicell
• Signage on Patient Door Required: No
• Manipulation of Dosage Form: Standard
• Special Manipulation for Administration: n/a
Disposal / Spills
• Disposal of Drug Waste: Full- blue bin Trace/packaging- trash
• Disposol of Used PPE: trash bin (inside plastic bag)
• Spill management: n/a
NIOSH Supplemental Information: BBW for malignant neoplasms; increased risk of endometrial, ovarian and breast cancer; in laboratory studies, increased frequency of carcinomas of breast, uterus, cervix, vagina, testis, and liver; present in breast milk
2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria® for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults.
Medication:
estradiol (Alora, Climara, Estrace, Vivelle-Dot)
Criteria 1: Potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults. (Table 2)
Drug(s)
estrogens with or without progestins (includes natural and synthetic estrogen preparations)
Rationale
Evidence of carcinogenic potential (breast and endometrium); lack of cardioprotective effect and cognitive protection in older women. For women who start HRT at age 60 and older, the risks of HRT are greater than the benefits, as HRT is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and dementia. Evidence indicates that vaginal estrogens for the treatment of vaginal dryness are safe and effective; women with a history of breast cancer who do not respond to nonhormonal therapies are advised to discuss the risks and benefits of low-dose vaginal estrogen (e.g., dosages of estradiol <25 mcg twice weekly) with their healthcare provider.
Recommendation
Do not initiate systemic estrogen (e.g., oral tablets or transdermal patches). Consider deprescribing among older women already using this medication. Vaginal cream or vaginal tablets: acceptable to use low-dose intravaginal estrogen for the management of dyspareunia, recurrent lower urinary tract infections, and other vaginal symptoms.
Quality of evidence: Oral and patch: high Vaginal cream or vaginal tablets: moderate, Strength of Recommendation: Oral and patch: strong Topical vaginal cream or tablets: weak
Criteria 2: Potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults due to drug–disease or drug–syndrome interactions that may exacerbate the disease or syndrome. (Table 3)
Drug(s) ⇆ disease or syndrome
estrogen, oral and transdermal (excludes intravaginal estrogen) ⇄ Urinary incontinence (all types) in women
Rationale
Lack of efficacy.
Recommendation
Avoid in women. See also recommendation on estrogen (Table 2)
Quality of evidence: High, Strength of Recommendation: Strong
Last updated: Sep. 19, 2025
Hazard.Drug Handling(USP 800) USP<800> Hazardous Drug / Assessment of Risk
The following outlines must be followed.
[Packaging: Manufacturer ⇒ Dispense]
[Bulk ⇒ Packager]
NIOSH Table 2↑
Receiving / Storage / Preparation
Storage / Administration
Trace/packaging- trash
For women who start HRT at age 60 and older, the risks of HRT are greater than the benefits, as HRT is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and dementia.
Evidence indicates that vaginal estrogens for the treatment of vaginal dryness are safe and effective; women with a history of breast cancer who do not respond to nonhormonal therapies are advised to discuss the risks and benefits of low-dose vaginal estrogen (e.g., dosages of estradiol <25 mcg twice weekly) with their healthcare provider.
Vaginal cream or vaginal tablets: acceptable to use low-dose intravaginal estrogen for the management of dyspareunia, recurrent lower urinary tract infections, and other vaginal symptoms.
Vaginal cream or vaginal tablets: moderate, Strength of Recommendation: Oral and patch: strong
Topical vaginal cream or tablets: weak