John Oliver, a quality assurance specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 6th and 12th September.

To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.

Quick links to highlighted resources:    

Ensuring time critical use of rasburicase

Timely use of rasburicase for treatment of tumour lysis syndrome is essential. Mitigation strategies can minimise harm associated with delayed therapy.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/ensuring-time-critical-use-of-rasburicase/

Preparing to use denosumab 60mg biosimilar

Biosimilars of denosumab 60mg (Prolia) are expected soon. We offer general information and implementation advice.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/preparing-to-use-denosumab-60mg-biosimilar-for-osteoporosis/

Understanding biosimilar and generic market entry – explainer video

New medicines have several protections against competition. Other factors influence availability of biosimilars or generics after loss of exclusivity.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-biosimilar-and-generic-market-entry/

SPS Vacancies:

Senior Specialist Pharmacist Medicines Advice & Medicines Use and Safety (closing date 24 September)

https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/C9287-25-1466?keyword=pharmacist&location=Liverpool&distance=5&language=en&page=2

Senior Specialist Pharmacist, Medicines Use and Safety (closing date 24 September)

https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/C9287-25-1470

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/    

Podcast description:   

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.

Nicola Wake, Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 30th August and 5th September.

To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.

Quick links to highlighted resources:    

Medicine Monitoring Tool

Update to the entry for Direct Oral Anticoagulants.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/tools/drug-monitoring/

New Medicines News

New Medicines News is produced by the SPS Horizon Scanning Service. It highlights recent new product launches and significant medicines regulatory changes.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/new-medicines-news/

The licence and supporting evidence for tocilizumab biosimilar

One licensed tocilizumab biosimilar is available: Tyenne. Learn about the licensed indications, supporting evidence and key differences.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/the-licence-and-supporting-evidence-for-tocilizumab-biosimilar/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/    

Podcast description:   

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.

John Oliver, a Quality Assurance Specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 23rd August and 29th August.

To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.

Quick links to highlighted resources:    

Understanding food supplements

Food supplements are manufactured and regulated differently to medicines. Understanding the differences informs safe and appropriate treatment decisions.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-food-supplements/

Using food supplements

Food supplements have a place in therapy. We explain when using a food supplement may be appropriate and how to assess the risks.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-food-supplements/

Spotlight Digest

A digest of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service support for professionals working in all areas of the healthcare system for August 2025.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/spotlight-august-2025/

Prescribing available HRT products

Hormone Replacement Therapy availability varies currently. Check for available products and keep up-to-date. Supply content is maintained regularly by DHSC.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-hrt-products/

Prescribing and switching between modified-release methylphenidate

Modified-release methylphenidate capsules and tablets differ. Ensure patients receive appropriate treatment, particularly during periods of supply disruption.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-and-switching-between-modified-release-methylphenidate/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/    

Podcast description:   

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.

Penny Daynes, Associate Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 16th August and 22nd August.

To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.

Quick links to highlighted resources:

Labelling of medicines supplied without a prescription

Advice on the legal labelling requirements for Prescription Only Medicines and Pharmacy medicines supplied under a patient group direction or legal exemption.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/labelling-medicines-supplied-without-a-prescription/

New product evaluations

This now contains the full July update of published and anticipated technology appraisals and evidence reviews.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sps.nhs.uk%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F11%2FNew-Product-Evaluations-July-25.xlsx%23%3A%7E%3Atext%3DNew+product+evaluations+

PGD resources

We have updated our PGDs relating to reproductive health and contraception and also updated a PGD for the contrast agent gadopiclenol.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/patient-group-directions-and-legal-mechanisms/national-pgd-templates/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/

Podcast description:

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.

Jo Clarke (Advanced Specialist Pharmacist - Palliative and End of Life Care, Medicines Use and Safety in SPS) explores some of the known issues which challenges the safe use of medicines in services and, the impact these have for patient, carers and loved ones. Gaining a better understanding of these challenges can support the implementation of safety initiatives to address some of these issues.

Madeleine Foster, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellow at SPS presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 2nd August and 8th August.

To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.

Quick links to highlighted resources:    

Amikacin: informing intrathecal risk assessment

Amikacin products vary in their licensed status and other characteristics which affects their suitability for intrathecal administration

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/amikacin-informing-intrathecal-risk-assessment/

Tocilizumab biosimilar resources

Introducing biosimilar tocilizumab needs planning. Work with the multidisciplinary team to ensure familiarity with the area and develop an implementation plan

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/preparing-to-use-tocilizumab-biosimilar/

New Medicines News

Highlighting recent new product launches and any significant medicines regulatory changes

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/New-Medicines-News-July-2025.docx#:~:text=New%20Medicines%20News

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences     

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/    

Podcast description:   

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.

John Oliver, a quality assurance specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 26th July and 1st August.

To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.

Quick links to highlighted resources:     

Monthly spotlight digest

A digest of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service support for professionals working in all areas of the healthcare system for July 2025.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/spotlight-july-2025/

Retaining and storing pharmacy records in England

Information on legal requirements and national guidance for retention of pharmacy records to support pharmacy professionals with local decision making.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/retaining-and-storing-pharmacy-records-in-england/

Addressing medication safety inequalities across the system

Strategies and signposting to support actions to address medication safety inequalities.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/addressing-medication-safety-inequalities-across-the-system/

Medication Safety Update

A resource collating the latest medication safety communications and publications to inform, support and inspire medication safety improvements.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medication-safety-update/

Choosing vitamin D products for vegetarians or vegans

This article advises on choosing a vitamin D, or calcium and vitamin D, product for vegetarian or vegan patients.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/choosing-vitamin-d-products-for-vegetarians-or-vegans/

Resources to support the choice of ustekinumab biosimilar within organisations

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/?s=&orderby=&order=DESC&cat%5B%5D=2873

Understanding biological and biosimilar medicines

Biosimilar medicines are a type of biological medicine that offer the NHS opportunities to deliver better value for certain conditions

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-biological-and-biosimilar-medicines/

Safe use of medicines in palliative and end of life care – SPS want to hear from you

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service announce the start of a new focus on medication safety in palliative and end of life care

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/safe-use-of-medicines-in-palliative-and-end-of-life-care/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences     

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/    

Podcast description:   

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.

Madeleine Foster, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 19th and 25th July.

To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.

Quick links to highlighted resources:     

Key principles on avoiding ingredients in medicines

Spiritual, religious, cultural, and lifestyle factors can affect preferences for excipients and active ingredients in medicines. We cover key principles.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/key-principles-on-avoiding-ingredients-in-medicines/

Avoiding animal contents within medicines

Our guidance on supporting patients avoiding animal products, offers you informed, patient-centred decisions regarding animal containing or derived medicines.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/avoiding-animal-contents-within-medicines/

Benzylpenicillin for Group B Streptococcus for use in neonates

SPS PGD template for the intrapartum administration of benzylpenicillin for prevention of early-onset Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection in neonates.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/benzylpenicillin-for-group-b-streptococcus-for-use-in-neonates/

Terbutaline injection for use in labour within maternity services

SPS PGD template for administering subcutaneous terbutaline sulfate for the reduction of contraction frequency in individuals in labour.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/terbutaline-injection-for-labour-within-maternity-services/

Combined oral hormonal contraceptive (COC) in reproductive health

SPS PGD template for the supply of a combined oral hormonal contraceptive for contraception, or for individuals requiring control of problematic bleeding.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/combined-oral-hormonal-contraceptive-coc-in-reproductive-health/

Progestogen only pill (POP) for contraception

SPS PGD template for the supply of a progestogen only pill (POP) for contraception.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/progestogen-only-pill-pop-for-contraception/

Preparing to use aflibercept 2mg biosimilar

Aflibercept 2mg biosimilars for use in ophthalmology are expected in December 2025 for NHS use. We offer general information and implementation advice.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/preparing-to-use-aflibercept-2mg-biosimilar/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences     

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/    

Podcast description:   

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.

John Oliver, a quality assurance specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 12th and 18th July.

To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.   

Quick links to highlighted resources:     

Using antipsychotics during breastfeeding

Quetiapine is the preferred second-generation, and haloperidol the preferred first-generation antipsychotic when breastfeeding full term, healthy infants.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-antipsychotics-during-breastfeeding/

Mutual aid – understanding best practice principles

Our advice to help NHS procurement teams understand when mutual aid is appropriate and how to request this.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/mutual-aid-understanding-best-practice-principles/

The risks and principles of prescribing in pregnancy

Prescribing in pregnancy requires balancing maternal and fetal risks. This guidance outlines key risks and principles to ensure safe, informed decisions.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/the-risks-and-principles-of-prescribing-in-pregnancy/

Compatibility of nebuliser solution combinations

Guidance on what to consider when mixing nebuliser solutions and advice on which combinations are compatible.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/compatibility-of-nebuliser-solution-combinations/

Prescribing available medicines to treat ADHD

The availability of medicines used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) varies currently. Supply content is maintained regularly by DHSC.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-medicines-to-treat-adhd/

SPS want to hear from you - safe use of medicines in palliative and end of life care

Specialist Pharmacy Service announce the start of a new focus on medication safety in palliative and end of life care

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/safe-use-of-medicines-in-palliative-and-end-of-life-care/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences     

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/    

 

Podcast description:   

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.

Madeleine Foster, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellow at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 5th July and 11th July.

To easily find a list of newly published pages go to sps.nhs.uk, select ‘search’, click in the search bar, and press enter.   

Quick links to highlighted resources:     

Understanding generic and biosimilar market entry

New medicines have several protections against competition. Other factors influence availability of generics or biosimilars after loss of exclusivity.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-generic-and-biosimilar-market-entry/

Understanding data exclusivity and market protection

Data exclusivity and market protection periods prevent generic or biosimilar competition for at least 10 years after the originator medicine is licensed.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-data-exclusivity-and-market-protection/

Understanding patents

Patents allow the inventor a finite period of monopoly in exchange for publicising the idea. We explain how they work with respect to medicines.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-patents/

Using transdermal patches safely in healthcare settings

Practical guidance for safe application, monitoring, removal, disposal, documentation and storage of transdermal patches to reduce risk of medication errors.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-transdermal-patches-safely-in-healthcare-settings/

Prescribing and switching between modified-release methylphenidate

Modified-release methylphenidate capsules and tablets differ. Ensure patients receive appropriate treatment, particularly during periods of supply disruption.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-and-switching-between-modified-release-methylphenidate/

Hydromorphone: informing intrathecal risk assessment

Hydromorphone products vary in their licensed status and other characteristics which affects their suitability for intrathecal administration.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/hydromorphone-informing-intrathecal-risk-assessment/

Anticoagulant suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties

A range of oral anticoagulant formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/anticoagulant-suggestions-for-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences     

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/    

 Podcast description:   

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service serves healthcare professionals across the NHS who are involved in all aspects of buying, making and using medicines. Our motto is 'do once and share'.