Gary Hodgson, one of the medicines advice pharmacists at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 16th and 22nd May.  

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:    

Have your say: biosimilar and patent resources

We are reviewing Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS) resources on biosimilars and patents to ensure they meet the needs of NHS services.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/have-your-say-biosimilars-and-patents-resources/

Vaccines and immunisation: resources to support clinical decisions

Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information regarding medicines and vaccines.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/vaccines-and-immunisation-resources-for-answering-questions/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences           

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

Join our WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates     

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i     

 

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, quality assurance specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 9th and 15th May.  

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:    

Switching doxazosin XL tablets to doxazosin standard tablets

Doxazosin XL tablets should not routinely be prescribed. Guidance is provided on switching doxazosin XL tablets to standard release tablets.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/switching-doxazosin-xl-tablets-to-doxazosin-standard-tablets/

Children’s medicines: resources to support clinical decisions

Suggested resources to help primary care healthcare professionals find information on medicines use in children

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/childrens-medicines-resources-to-support-clinical-decisions/

Clozapine use in adults with swallowing difficulties

Guidance on clozapine administration including crushing tablets, importance of not missing doses and practical considerations regarding switching formulations

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/clozapine-use-in-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/

SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: case-based discussions

Recordings of case-based discussions about structured medication reviews (SMRs) in problematic polypharmacy, each focussing on a different condition.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/smrs-in-problematic-polypharmacy-case-based-discussions/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences           

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

Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates     

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i     

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'.

Dav Manku, Associate Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 2nd and 8th May.  

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:    

Embedding the safer use of insulin

Implementation of national safety standards, alerts and guidance can help reduce preventable harm from insulin use.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/embedding-the-safer-use-of-insulin/

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/

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/

National PGD, protocol and written instruction templates

National templates are developed with experts for clinical specialties. They reduce duplication and variation, and improve consistency of care.

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

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences           

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

Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates     

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i     

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'.

5 May: Embedding medication safety, Benztropine, & Medication compliance aid stability tool guidance

Penny Daynes, Associate Regional Pharmacy procurement specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 25th and 1st May.

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:   

Embedding medication safety improvement within an organisation

The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) can support effective prioritisation and delivery of medication safety improvements.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/embedding-medication-safety-improvement-within-an-organisation/

Benztropine injection for acute dystonic reactions

SPS has developed this resource to support healthcare professionals in managing the discontinuation of procyclidine injection.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/benztropine-injection-for-acute-dystonic-reactions/

Using the Medicines Compliance Aid Stability Tool

Guidance to support using information in the Medicines Compliance Aid (MCA) Stability Tool

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-the-medicines-compliance-aid-stability-tool/

Spotlight, April 2026

A digest of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service support for professionals working in all areas of the healthcare system for April 2026.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/spotlight-april-2026/

Gowning in pharmacy aseptic services

A short video about gowning in pharmacy aseptic services.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/gowning-in-aseptic-services/

The role of the sponsor pharmacy in clinical trials of investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs)

A full review and update in line with amendments to trials regulations.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/the-role-of-the-sponsor-pharmacy-in-clinical-trials-of-investigational-medicinal-products-ctimps/

Assessing risks when reconstituting injectable medicines

Assess risks of error and contamination when choosing the appropriate location for aseptic manipulation of injectable medicines. Updated version of the preparation risk assessment uploaded.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-risks-when-reconstituting-injectable-medicines/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences          

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

Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates    

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i    

 

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'.

Gary Hodgson, Medicines Advice pharmacist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 18th and 24th April.

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:   

Preparing to use omalizumab biosimilar

Adcomfo, a second omalizumab biosimilar alongside Omlyclo, is now licensed. We offer general information and implementation advice.

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

The licence and supporting evidence for omalizumab biosimilar

Adcomfo, a second omalizumab biosimilar alongside Omlyclo, is now licensed. Review its indications, evidence, and main differences.

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

The licence and supporting evidence for denosumab 60mg biosimilars

Denosumab 60mg biosimilars are licensed. Learn about indications, formulations, supporting evidence and differences.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/the-licence-and-supporting-evidence-for-denosumab-60mg-biosimilars/

Managing pharmaceutical waste

Guidance and principles for managing waste generated from the use of medicines.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-pharmaceutical-waste/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences          

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

Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates    

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i    

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, one of the quality assurance specialists at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 11th and 17th April.

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:   

Contraception: resources to support clinical decisions

Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information on medicines for contraception and reproductive health

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/contraception-resources-to-support-answering-questions/

SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: case based discussions

Recordings of case-based discussions about structured medication reviews (SMRs) in problematic polypharmacy, each focussing on a different condition.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/smrs-in-problematic-polypharmacy-case-based-discussions/

Shelf lives of aseptically prepared medicines in NRFit syringes

Provision of intrathecal and epidural injections in NRFit syringes may involve extrapolation of stability data from luer lock systems

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/shelf-lives-of-aseptically-prepared-medicines-in-nrfit-syringes/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences          

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

Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates    

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i    

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 at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 28th March and 10th April.

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:   

Spotlight March 2026

A digest of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service support for professionals working in all areas of the healthcare system for March 2026.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/spotlight-march-2026/

New Medicines News March 2026

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/

Example medicines to prescribe by brand name

Prescribe certain medicines by brand to ensure supply of the same product. Examples are grouped by therapeutic area. The list of products is not exhaustive.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/example-medicines-to-prescribe-by-brand-name/

Advising on medicines during breastfeeding

Most medicines can be used during breastfeeding. Risks can be reduced further by choice of therapy and infant monitoring

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/advising-on-medicines-during-breastfeeding/

Amendments to HMR 2012 supporting vaccine supply and deployment

Video outlining the April 2026 amendments to the Human Medicines Regulations (HMR) 2012 to support the supply and deployment of vaccines across the UK

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/amendments-to-hmr-2012-supporting-vaccine-supply-and-deployment/

Patient Group Directions and legal mechanisms

All our resources on Patient Group Directions (PGDs) and other legal mechanisms for the supply or administration of medicines.

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

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences          

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

Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates    

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i    

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'.

Gary Hodgson, Medicines Advice Pharmacist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 21st and 27th March.

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:   

Parkinson’s disease medicines in swallowing difficulties

Information on administration of Parkinson’s disease medicines, including crushing tablets, to reduce the risk of missed doses in swallowing difficulties.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/parkinsons-disease-medicines-in-swallowing-difficulties/

Amendments to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012

Sodium content in medicines can be a concern, especially for those on salt-restricted diets. Awareness is important for safe prescribing and patient management

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-the-clinical-impact-of-sodium-content-in-medicines/

Supporting lithium safety across the system

Healthcare professionals (HCP) in all settings who interact with patients prescribed lithium should be aware of safety considerations related to its use.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/supporting-lithium-safety-across-the-system/

Choosing an antidepressant for people with epilepsy

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the preferred antidepressant in people with epilepsy. We give considerations when selecting antidepressants.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-antidepressants-for-treating-depression-in-people-with-epilepsy/

Contact details

Get in touch with one of our teams to ask a question or raise an issue. Different teams can help you with different topics.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/about-sps/get-in-touch/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences          

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

Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates    

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i    

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'.

Gary Hodgson, Medicines Advice Pharmacist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 14th and 20th March.

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:   

Managing controlled drugs for dental teams

This series of articles covers prescribing, governance, storage and record keeping, stock management and disposal of controlled drugs for dental teams.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-controlled-drugs-for-dental-teams/

Assessing the clinical impact of sodium content in medicines

Sodium content in medicines can be a concern, especially for those on salt-restricted diets. Awareness is important for safe prescribing and patient management

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-the-clinical-impact-of-sodium-content-in-medicines/

Contact details

Get in touch with one of our teams to ask a question or raise an issue. Different teams can help you with different topics.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/about-sps/get-in-touch/

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences          

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

Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates    

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i    

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 at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 7th and 13th March.

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:   

Phenytoin monitoring

Updated monitoring guidance

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/monitorings/phenytoin-monitoring/

Palliative care: useful resources to support clinical decisions

Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information on medicines in palliative care

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/palliative-care-useful-resources-to-support-clinical-decisions/

SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: case based discussions – CVD focus

Recordings of case-based discussions about structured medication reviews (SMRs) in problematic polypharmacy, each focussing on a different condition.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/smrs-in-problematic-polypharmacy-case-based-discussions/

National PGD, protocol and written instruction templates

National templates are developed with experts for clinical specialties. They reduce duplication and variation, and improve consistency of care.

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

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences          

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

Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates    

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i    

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'.