Medipost Pharmacy
Media release
Health careers: A day in the life of a chemotherapy mixing pharmacist
Oncology pharmacists’ crucial role in supporting cancer care
Tuesday, 21 January 2025, Meticulous care, concentration, and full personal protective equipment (PPE) are all in a day’s work when mixing potent chemotherapy medicines. Oncology pharmacist Gustaph Nwandula of Medipost Pharmacy shares his experience of this demanding yet fulfilling career.
“A cancer diagnosis can be truly frightening, as many perceive it as a terminal illness – however, everyone is affected differently as there are over a thousand types of cancer, and treatments are advancing to become more effective all the time,” says Nwandula, who is based at Netcare Pinehaven Hospital.
“Being part of the healthcare team that supports people with cancer is incredibly meaningful. Today’s oncology treatments offer hope by extending lives, and while not all cancers are curable, chemotherapy can effectively target and reduce cancerous cells. This approach not only improves patients’ quality of life and wellbeing but often allows them to spend more precious time with their families.”
He explains that, together with the treating oncologists, oncology pharmacists discuss the entire treatment journey with patients in advance to empower them with important information about how their treatment works, the length of the prescribed course of chemotherapy and what potential side effects can be expected.
“A multidisciplinary team is dedicated to supporting the physical and emotional aspects of the person’s wellbeing at every stage of their journey. As pharmacists, we have the opportunity to assist by recommending non-prescription medications that can alleviate common side effects, such as nausea, without interacting with the cancer treatment,” he explains.
Once the oncologist prescribes specific medication to target the exact type of cancer, the oncology pharmacist prepares the combination of chemotherapy medications in the precise doses required under controlled conditions.
Medipost Pharmacy dispenses and delivers oncology treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and checkpoint inhibitors, and immune system modulators, among many other specialised and chronic medicines.
“Certain chemotherapy medications must be kept in specialised conditions to preserve their effectiveness, for example, cold-chain items must be stored and maintained at low temperatures, between 2°C and 8°C, while others must be protected from light until they reach the patient,” he explains.
Chemotherapy medications are cytotoxic, which means oncology pharmacy staff who work with these compounds must practise strict safety protocols, including observing gowning procedures. “Full protective gear for chemotherapy compounding includes a hat, N95 mask, goggles, gown, special protective examination gloves and shoe coverings to protect us from exposure when working with these powerful medicines daily.”
Most chemotherapy is administered intravenously (IV) through a vein directly into the patient’s bloodstream. However, other types must be administered either by mouth, into the cerebrospinal fluid, under the skin, or into muscle.
“After mixing the prescribed chemotherapy, I hand it over to the nurses who run the medication through IV administration lines using a special system to set the rate of infusion, which determines how long the patient’s chemotherapy session will be.”
Amanda Busch, oncology manager for Medipost Pharmacy, adds that oncology pharmacists and all staff members involved in packaging, labelling, checking, and delivering patient-ready medicines required for cancer care play a crucial role in ensuring that oncologists and patients can focus on the treatment plan.
“From the safe handling of the chemotherapy and other specialised medicines in our facility to the special precautions we use to make sure that these medicines reach the oncology practice or the patient’s home address with their pharmacological integrity intact, each member of the team is dedicated to ensuring when patients arrive at the treatment room, all of their medicines are there, correct and in optimal condition, and ready for use,” she says.
Throughout the treatment journey, Medipost Pharmacy’s oncology pharmacists support patients with counselling regarding their medication and related lifestyle adjustments that may be needed to get the most out of their treatment.
“Our courier pharmacy service also strives to make it convenient for patients to receive their medication, hormonal oncology treatments, oral chemotherapy and pain management without the effort of visiting a pharmacy, so patients can focus on their recovery and the things that matter most in life.”
In addition, Medipost Pharmacy works with patients’ medical schemes to ensure medicines are claimed from the correct benefit category, which means there is often no need for co-payments, or at least out-of-pocket payments are minimised.
Nwandula, who worked in a retail community pharmacy before starting chemotherapy mixing three years ago, says he is even more passionate about the contribution he is making in his current role.
“Here, I feel closer to our patients when we are really needed. Whether a person is feeling at their best or worst in the fight against cancer, we are here to support them, and it is gratifying when we can brighten someone’s day and assist them with professional pharmacy services that can make a difference in their lives.”
For more information, please visit https://medipost.co.za/.
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Issued by: Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Medipost Pharmacy
For media enquiries contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, or Estene Lotriet-Vorster
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: connect@mnapr.co.za, martina@mnapr.co.za, meggan@mnapr.co.za or
estene@mnapr.co.za