John Oliver, a quality assurance specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 8th and 14th 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:   

Preparing for audits and inspections of aseptic services

Careful planning ensures maximum benefit for both the auditee and auditor

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/preparing-for-audits-and-inspections-of-aseptic-services/#:~:text=Preparing%20for%20audits%20and%20inspections%20of%20aseptic%20services

Individually labelled medicines in residential custodial settings

Advice on using individually labelled medicines rather than stock medication for residential custodial settings.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/individually-labelled-medicines-in-residential-custodial-settings/#:~:text=Individually%20labelled%20medicines%20in%20residential%20custodial%20settings

Using amphotericin B Injections

3 formulations exist: 1 conventional; 2 liposomal. Conventional and liposomal formulations are not interchangeable; liposomal formulations are interchangeable.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-amphotericin-b injections/#:~:text=Using%20amphotericin%20B

New Product Evaluations

A list of new product evaluations that are freely available to NHS staff

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/new-product-evaluations/#:~:text=New%20Product%20Evaluations

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/

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 1st and 7th 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:   

Lipid management & newer therapies podcast

Rakhi Aggarwal talks to Antonio Ochoa-Ferraro about newer therapies for lipid management, incliseran and bemepdoic acid. They discuss their place in therapy and how they may be initiated in primary care.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/primary-care-discussions-lipid-management/

Advising on missed or delayed doses of medicines

Guidance on advising people who occasionally miss a scheduled dose of a regular medicine, including information sources and advice for high-risk medicines.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/advising-on-missed-or-delayed-doses-of-medicines/

Vitamin D deficiency: treatment during pregnancy

Use oral vitamin D therapy to manage vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy. It is important to prescribe an appropriate formulation and dose.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/vitamin-d-deficiency-treatment-during-pregnancy/

Haemorrhoids: treatment during pregnancy

Use non-pharmacological treatment for the management of haemorrhoids during pregnancy. If insufficient use a topical haemorrhoidal preparation.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/haemorrhoids-treatment-during-pregnancy/

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/

SPS Patient Group Direction template updates

National PGD 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/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'.

Sheetal Ladva, Senior Medicines Advice Pharmacist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 22th and 28th February.

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:  

SGLT2 inhibitor and DPP-4 inhibitor formulations

A range of SGLT2 inhibitor ('flozin') formulations are suitable for use in adults with swallowing difficulties

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/flozin-suggestions-for-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/#:~:text=SGLT2%20inhibitor%20and%20DPP-4%20swallowing

A range of DPP-4 inhibitor ('gliptin') formulations are suitable for use in adults with swallowing difficulties

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/gliptin-suggestions-for-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/#:~:text=SGLT2%20inhibitor%20and%20DPP-4%20swallowing

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor recommendation for adults with swallowing difficulties.

A range of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/acei-suggestions-for-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/#:~:text=ACEI%20suggestions%20for%20adults%20with%20swallowing%20difficulties%20%E2%80%93%20SPS%20-%20Specialist%20Pharmacy%20Service%20%E2%80%93%20The%20first%20stop%20for%20professional%20medicines%20advice

Choosing calcium and vitamin D products for vegetarians or vegans

This article explains how the source of vitamin D or inactive ingredients (excipients) may make some products unsuitable for vegetarians or vegans.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/acei-suggestions-for-adults-with-swallowing-difficulties/#:~:text=ACEI%20suggestions%20for%20adults%20with%20swallowing%20difficulties%20%E2%80%93%20SPS%20-%20Specialist%20Pharmacy%20Service%20%E2%80%93%20The%20first%20stop%20for%20professional%20medicines%20advice

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences  

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

In this episode John Oliver speaks to expert guests about the information and assurance needed to support the use of unlicensed medicines. We discuss the procurement process in different care settings, and explore considerations for quality assurance, packaging and labelling and formulation. (20m:05s)

Speakers:

John Oliver, Quality Assurance Specialist; NHS SPS

Penny Daynes, Associate Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist; NHS SPS, North East and Yorkshire

Sharon Jackson, Quality Assurance Specialist; NHS SPS

Linda Hardy, Regional Quality Assurance Pharmacist, NHS SPS, North East and Yorkshire

Dr. Andrew Lowey, Lead Clinician, Pharmacy Preparative Services Leeds Teaching Hospitals, and chair of the NHS Pharmacy Production Committee

Useful links:

MHRA guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supply-unlicensed-medicinal-products-specials (MHRA guidance on unlicensed medicinal products – specials, including Guidance Note 14)

SPS guidance

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/unlicensed-medicines/

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-excipients-in-medicines/

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/searching-for-presence-or-absence-of-an-excipient-in-medicines/

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/navigating-a-potential-supply-issue/ (SPS log-in required)

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-complexities-of-medication-use-across-care-boundaries/ (Medication Safety across the System providing resources that include valuable real-world examples of safely managing unlicensed liquid medicines)

Sheetal Ladva, Senior Medicines Advice Pharmacist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 15th and 21st February.

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:  

Auditing cell therapy laboratories

A guide to performing audits of cell therapy laboratories where receipt, storage and handling of cell-based ATMPs has been outsourced by the Pharmacy department

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/how-to-undertake-an-audit-of-a-cell-therapy-laboratory/#:~:text=auditing%20cell%20therapy%20laboratories

Medicines Supply Notification Survey 

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) are conducting a survey to gather insights on how healthcare organisations receive and address MSNs.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medicine-supply-notifications-survey/

Furosemide monitoring 

Reviewed furosemide monitoring page adding further information on the management of abnormal results for sodium.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/monitorings/furosemide-monitoring/#:~:text=furosemide%20monitoring

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences  

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

Twitter Alt Text  

Alt text: A birds eye view picture of white headphones around a mug of coffee and a mobile phone sitting on a pale green wooden surface.  

The text says NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service, New episode available, podcast, NHS SPS Weekly Update, 25 Feb: Auditing cell therapy laboratories, polypharmacy webinars, & aseptics stability tool

Emma Kirk chats to Claire Davies about why the safer use of insulin should be a priority for all healthcare professionals and what to expect in the upcoming MSATS webinar.

Emma Kirk - MSO Network Lead, MUS; NHS SPS

Claire Davies - Advanced Specialist Pharmacist - Project Lead, Insulin Safety, MUS; NHS SPS

You can register to join our live webinar on 26th March 12:30-2pm

Registration Link: https://lpet-nhs.webex.com/weblink/register/r0b6c8cc8ae3a33a0439bc81801bd4910

Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences 

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

Penny Daynes , Associate Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 8th and 17th February.

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: 

New Product Evaluations

A list of new product evaluations that are freely available to NHS staff.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/new-product-evaluations/

Supply and administration of medicines by staff groups

Different staff groups have different permissions with respect to medicines supply and administration and it is important to ensure legislation is followed.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/supply-and-administration-of-medicines-by-staff-group-a-to-g/

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/supply-and-administration-of-medicines-by-staff-group-h-to-o/

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/supply-and-administration-of-medicines-by-staff-group-p-to-z/

Medicines Supply Notification Survey

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) are conducting a survey to gather insights on how healthcare organisations receive and address MSNs.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medicine-supply-notifications-survey/

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/

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, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 1st and 7th February.

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: 

Aseptics Stability Tool – log in required

The aseptic stability tool is designed to help those working in NHS Pharmacy Aseptic Services. It provides a comprehensive library of stability monographs to support users to make informed decisions about the shelf life of products prepared in aseptic facilities.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/tools/stability-information-for-aseptic-services/

Cytisinicline for smoking cessation

SPS PGD template for supply of cytisinicline to support smoking cessation in specified individuals.

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/cytisinicline-for-smoking-cessation/

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/

Amiodarone monitoring

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

Purchasing Specials

Factors to consider when purchasing Specials and imported unlicensed medicines from commercial manufacturers

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/purchasing-specials/

Purchasing for safety

Using principles of purchasing for safety when making purchasing decisions supports the safe clinical use of medicines and can minimise inadvertent harm

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/purchasing-for-safety/

SPS podcasts 

You can access SPS podcasts wherever you normally listen to your podcasts, via the SPS website, or from the SPS SoundCloud  

https://on.soundcloud.com/nhs_sps 

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'.

In this episode John Oliver speaks to expert guests who define unlicensed medicines and explain why we need them. We discuss the shared responsibility for their use and the role of pharmacy in managing them safely. (20m28s)

Speakers:

John Oliver, Quality Assurance Specialist; NHS SPS

Emma Kirk, Medication Safety Officer Network Lead, Medicines Use and Safety Pharmacist; NHS SPS

Linda Hardy, Regional Quality Assurance Pharmacist, NHS SPS, North East and Yorkshire

Nicola Husain, Education and Training Lead for the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacy Group

Tim Root, Specialist Pharmacist (NHS SPS) and a former Chief Pharmacist

Useful links:

MHRA guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supply-unlicensed-medicinal-products-specials (MHRA guidance on unlicensed medicinal products – specials, including Guidance Note 14)

SPS guidance

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/unlicensed-medicines/

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-excipients-in-medicines/

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/searching-for-presence-or-absence-of-an-excipient-in-medicines/

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/navigating-a-potential-supply-issue/ (SPS log-in required)

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-complexities-of-medication-use-across-care-boundaries/ (Medication Safety across the System providing resources that include valuable real-world examples of safely managing unlicensed liquid medicines)

Rakhi talks to Antonio about newer therapies for lipid management, incliseran and bemepdoic acid. They discuss their place in therapy and how they may be initiated in primary care.

This is the final part of our three-part series.

Antonio Ochoa-Ferraro: Consultant Pharmacist, Inherited Metabolic Disorders; University Hospitals of Birmingham

Rakhi Aggarwal: Primary Care Lead, Medicines Use and Safety; NHS SPS

Useful links

Cholesterol and Cholesterol levels

https://www.heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol/overview

NICE guidance

Inclisiran: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/TA733

Bempedopic acid with ezetimibe: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta694

NHS England summary of national guidance for lipid management

https://www.england.nhs.uk/aac/publication/summary-of-national-guidance-for-lipid-management/

NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB procurement & prescribing of inclisiran

https://www.birminghamandsurroundsformulary.nhs.uk/docs/files/Procurement%20and%20Prescribing%20of%20Inclisiran.pdf?UNLID=93161104220252141045

Novartis inclisiran resources

https://www.pro.novartis.com/uk-en/medicines/cardio-metabolic/leqvio/resources

Open Access Articles

Harnessing RNA Interference for Cholesterol Lowering: The Bench-to-Bedside Story of Inclisiran

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38456415/

Inclisiran administration potently and durably lowers LDL-C over an extended-term follow-up: the ORION-8 trial

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38753448/

Bempedoic Acid for Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in People With Obesity: A CLEAR Outcomes Subset Analysis

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39921511/

Familial hypercholesterolaemia is underdiagnosed and undertreated in the general population: guidance for clinicians to prevent coronary heart disease: consensus statement of the European Atherosclerosis Society

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23956253/