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'.

John Oliver, a quality assurance specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 28th June and 4th 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:     

Liver disease podcast series

Pharmacy colleagues and expert clinical speakers talk about liver disease and drugs in liver impairment.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/liver-disease-podcast-series/

Influenza vaccine written instruction templates for adoption

Two influenza written instruction templates are published annually; one for NHS bodies and Local Authorities and one for independent/other providers.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/influenza-vaccine-written-instruction-templates-for-adoption/

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/

Managing interactions with methotrexate

Guidance on frequently asked questions on medicine interactions with low dose methotrexate.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-interactions-with-methotrexate/

When not to use a PGD page

Understanding when PGDs are an unsuitable mechanism for the supply and/or administration of medicines ensures an alternative legal framework is applied.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/when-not-to-use-a-pgd/

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/

Oral benzodiazepines and choosing equivalent doses

Equivalent doses of oral benzodiazepines to diazepam are not exact. Consider these factors before switching.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/oral-benzodiazepines-and-choosing-equivalent-doses/

Switching between aminophylline and theophylline in adults

Intravenous (IV) aminophylline is used in emergency respiratory conditions. We provide guidance on switching between oral theophylline and IV aminophylline.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/switching-between-aminophylline-and-theophylline-in-adults/

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'.

Kieran Reynolds talks to Yun Jung Kim, Senior Specialist Pharmacist in Hepatology about primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Discussion includes what PBC is, symptoms (and symptom control), diagnosis, treatment and how pharmacy professionals can contribute to the management of patients with PBC.

Yun Jung Kim - Senior Specialist Pharmacist in Hepatology University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Vice-Chair, BHPG

Kieran Reynolds - Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS

Useful links:

The British Liver Trust’s information on primary biliary cholangitis

https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/

The British Liver Trust’s information on diagnosing primary biliary cholangitis

https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/diagnosis/

The British Liver Trust’s information on treating primary biliary cholangitis

https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/diagnosis/

PBC Foundation website

https://www.pbcfoundation.international/

The British Society of Gastroenterology primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) care bundle

https://www.bsg.org.uk/clinical-resource/primary-biliary-cholangitis-(pbc)-care-bundle

Kieran Reynolds talks to Sonal Patel, Lead Hepatology Pharmacist about autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Discussion includes what AIH is, prevalence, diagnosis, treatment and how pharmacy professionals can contribute to the management of patients with AIH.

Sonal Patel - Lead Hepatology Pharmacist, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Trust and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellow 2024/25 at the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

Kieran Reynolds - Advanced Specialist Pharmacist (Medicines Governance), SPS

Useful links:

SPS article on assessing liver function and interpreting liver blood tests

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-liver-function-and-interpreting-liver-blood-tests/

NHS website information on prednisolone

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/prednisolone/

NHS website information on budesonide

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/budesonide-tablets-capsules-and-granules/about-budesonide-tablets-capsules-and-granules/

NHS website information on azathioprine

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/azathioprine/

The Society of Endocrinology information on adrenal crisis

https://www.endocrinology.org/clinical-practice/clinical-guidance/adrenal-crisis/

SPS Medicines Monitoring tool

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

The Green Book: information on vaccines for vaccine preventable diseases

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immunisation-against-infectious-disease-the-green-book#the-green-book

AIH support website

https://aihsupport.org.uk/

The British Liver Trust’s information on autoimmune hepatitis

https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/autoimmune-hepatitis/