Methadone

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I am currently working as dosing nurse in a methadone clinic. I wanted by dispensing methadone would you test positive for drug screaming? The nurse I oriented with did not wear gloves or a mask. Nor does any nurse that works there were PPE. I started wearing and a mask. The dust from the methadone was flying in face and had begin and my lips had nasty taste on them. My co-workers workers think that I am over exaggerating.

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.
drug screaming?

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Right?

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

LOL, I'm having a horrible day and your response just actually made me smile. Thanks!

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I absolutely would wear PPE. You're not over-reacting at all. xx

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I would contact the manufacturer and the pharmacist and ask them the same questions and what their recommendations are for PPE, and what the risks are. then you have it documented. There is cutoff for drug levels to be reported positive. i would think the exposue level is very low, but doing it day after day, it could build up as it has such a long half-life. This could be an interesting nursing research topic. I would also ask the manufacturer if that has ever been studied. here is their customer service number, let us know what you find out. Roxane Customer Service Number - 1.800.962.8364

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Coincidence, I just came across this article, If you can get this effect from Fentanyl, I am sure repeated exposure to Methadone can have a similar effect Fentanyl Isn’t Just Deadly for Drug Users: Police Are Getting Sickened - WSJ

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