Question About The HelloPharmacist 'Do Not Crush List'
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses some details regarding the HelloPharmacist 'Do Not Crush' list.
How often is the Do Not Crush List updated, and where is the information sourced from since the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) stopped publishing it? Thank you!
Feb 23, 2023- HelloPharmacist created their own do-not-crush list because the ISMP removed theirs from their website and there was a need for a free, comprehensive resource. The list is reviewed monthly and sources information from FDA prescribing information, NIOSH, drug compendia, and drug manufacturers. You should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist about whether a specific medication can be crushed rather than relying solely on any list.
Answer
Thanks so much for reaching out to us about our 'Do Not Crush List'.
One of the reasons we created the 'Do Not Crush List' was specifically for the reason you mentioned in your question and that is ISMP removing the list from their website.
Their reasoning was that they do not own, maintain or review the list for accuracy (it is owned by Thomas Land Publishers). Since it was such a popular resource, and due to the fact we receive multiple questions a day regarding whether or not a certain med can be crushed, we went ahead and made our own.
As far as I'm aware, I believe it is the most comprehensive list that is available free of charge.
To clarify how often we update our list and where we get information from, we've added a section at the bottom of the list to clarify where the information comes from:
Where Does Our Information Come From?
Guidance regarding medications that should not be crushed comes from various sources, including:
- The FDA-approved prescribing information for the individual drugs
- NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health)
- Drug Compendia (e.g., UpToDate, Elsevier Clinical Key, Micromedex)
If you need a specific reference for a drug contained on the list and it isn't noted, please contact us directly and we'll be sure to provide that information for you.
Additionally, some of the information is directly provided by the drug manufacturer upon inquiry.
In regard to how often the list is updated, we review it monthly and will make adjustments throughout the month as new information becomes available or if one of our readers provides feedback on appropriate adjustments.
It is important to note that while we have compiled a list of over 500 medications that should not be crushed, it is crucial to understand that it does not include every single drug that cannot be crushed available on the market.
Our list is intended to be a useful guide for individuals who may require such information. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional such as a doctor, pharmacist, or health organization for specific guidance as they can provide personalized advice and help you make informed decisions regarding your medication.
Final Words
Thanks for reaching out to us and asking about one of our resources. Reach back out anytime!
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- ISMP
- The Institute for Safe Medication Practices, an organization that previously maintained a popular list of medications that should not be crushed.
- FDA-approved prescribing information
- Official guidance from the Food and Drug Administration about how a medication should be used, including whether it can be safely crushed.
- NIOSH
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a government agency that provides guidance on workplace safety, including handling of certain medications.
- Drug Compendia
- Comprehensive reference databases that contain detailed information about medications and their properties.
- UpToDate
- A medical reference database that healthcare professionals use to look up current information about medications and treatments.
- Micromedex
- A drug information system that provides detailed data about medications, interactions, and safety information.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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