Which types of radioactive medications can be dispensed by a nuclear pharmacy?

The correct response indicates that a nuclear pharmacy can dispense both radioactive medications that are FDA approved and investigational radioactive drugs that have either an Investigational New Drug (IND) application or a New Drug Application (NDA) submitted to the FDA.

In general, the practice of nuclear pharmacy is highly regulated due to the specific safety and handling requirements of radioactive materials. FDA approval is essential for any drug intended for commercial use, ensuring both the safety and efficacy of the drug is established through rigorous clinical trials. This includes radioactive medications that have successfully completed the approval process.

On the other hand, investigational drugs that have received an IND or NDA designation are also permissible for dispensing. The IND process allows for the investigation and development of new drugs for potential approval, providing a pathway for nuclear pharmacies to access emerging therapies that are still being evaluated for efficacy and safety.

Therefore, the selection of both FDA approved radioactive medications and those under investigational status reflects the nuclear pharmacy's ability to dispense a wider array of products within the confines of regulatory compliance and patient safety. This broad scope aligns with the unique needs and applications of nuclear pharmacy in medical treatment, especially in areas of imaging and targeted radiation therapies.