Events
SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: respiratory focus
Consultant pharmacists will use a case study to illustrate a patient centred approach to SMRs for patients with respiratory conditions.
Understanding objectionable microorganisms
An SPS Quality Assurance (QA) bite size learning event on understanding objectionable microorganisms in Pharmacy Technical Services.
Managing medicines inventory in hospital pharmacy
Tools and user guides for NHS Trusts to optimally manage medicines inventory.
SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: diabetes focus
Consultant pharmacists will use a case study to illustrate a patient centred approach to SMRs for patients with diabetes.
New Guidance
New articles published to the website during December 2025.
Biosimilars
The licence and supporting evidence for golimumab biosimilar
We highlight evidence for licensed golimumab biosimilar(s) and differences between the biosimilar(s) and the reference product (Simponi).
The licence and supporting evidence for denosumab 120mg biosimilars
Denosumab 120mg biosimilars are licensed. Learn about indications, formulations, supporting evidence and differences.
Medication Safety
Preventing errors on the medicine journey
A series of articles on preventing medicine errors arising from incorrect selection or handling during a medicine’s journey from purchasing to the patient.
Understanding design for safety in medicines packaging and labels
Understanding principles and limitations of good design can support the safer use of medicines. Consideration of these principles in practice can reduce harms.
Purchasing for safety
Understanding principles of purchasing for safety can support the safer use of medicines. Consideration of these principles in practice can minimise harms.
Managing medicines safely in pharmacy
Processes for ordering, storage, selection and labelling of medicines in pharmacy must be designed to minimise the risk of medication errors and patient harm.
Managing medicines safely in clinical areas
Medicines-related processes in clinical areas must be designed to minimise the risk of medication errors and patient harm.
Time critical medicines
Understanding time critical medicines to support improvement
Understanding time critical medicines can support improvement initiatives and promote engagement.
Improving the safe use of time critical medicines
A resource to support healthcare professionals in taking action to improve the safe use of time critical medicines.
Defining time critical medicines
A resource to support healthcare professionals in defining time critical medicines to support safety improvements.
Other
Advising on complementary products and conventional medicines
Decision making when advising on interactions with supplements and complementary, herbal and alternative products, including homeopathy, Chinese and Ayurvedic.
New Podcasts
Five moments to tackle problematic polypharmacy podcasts
In these podcasts we discuss 5 moments to tackle problematic polypharmacy, using examples from community pharmacy practice and expert advice.
Liver disease podcast series
Pharmacy colleagues and expert clinical speakers talk about liver disease and drugs in liver impairment.
Updated Guidance
Articles updated in December 2025.
Biosimilars
The licence and supporting evidence for denosumab 60mg biosimilars
Denosumab 60mg biosimilars are licensed. Learn about indications, formulations, supporting evidence and differences.
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.
Pharmaceutical waste
Managing pharmaceutical waste
Guidance and principles for managing waste generated from the use of medicines.
Identifying types of pharmaceutical waste and disposal containers
Guidance on the appropriate container to use when disposing pharmaceutical waste.
Managing sharps contaminated with pharmaceutical waste
Classification of sharps contaminated with pharmaceutical waste and guidance on the appropriate disposal containers to use.
Managing Controlled Drugs (CD) waste
Legislation and regulation governing the waste management of controlled drugs (CDs).
Other
Using solid oral dosage form antibiotics in children
Information for off-label crushing, dispersing or opening solid oral antibiotics in children when licensed suspension formulations aren’t available.
Using mesalazine tablets appropriately
An overview of differences between mesalazine tablet preparations and clinical considerations when switching between preparations.
PPI suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties
A range of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) formulations are suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties.
Switching between pyridostigmine and neostigmine
Switching between pyridostigmine and neostigmine in myasthenia gravis requires care and application of a stepped process.
Publications
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.
Restricted to NHS: New Product Evaluations
A list of new product evaluations that are freely available to NHS staff.
New PGDs
Newly developed PGD templates
Malathion for scabies
SPS PGD template for supply of malathion for the treatment of scabies in specified patient groups.
Permethrin for scabies
SPS PGD template for supply of permethrin for the treatment of scabies in specified patient groups.
Doxycycline and metronidazole for human and animal bites
SPS PGD templates for supply of doxycycline and metronidazole for the prophylaxis of human and animal bites in specified patient groups
Co-amoxiclav for human and animal bites
SPS PGD template for supply of co-amoxiclav for the prophylaxis of human and animal bites in specified patient groups.
Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) tablets as PrEP
SPS PGD template for the supply of emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) tablets as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV infection.
Updated PGDs
Version 3.0 of the following reproductive health PGD templates have been published (valid from March or April 2026)
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.
Combined hormonal contraceptive transdermal patch
SPS PGD template for the supply of combined hormonal transdermal patch for contraception.
Combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring
SPS PGD template for the supply of combined hormonal vaginal ring for contraception.
Progestogen only pill (POP) for contraception
SPS PGD template for the supply of a progestogen only pill (POP) for contraception.
Levonorgestrel 1500 microgram tablets for emergency contraception
SPS PGD template for the supply and/or administration of levonorgestrel 1500 microgram tablets for emergency contraception.
Shortages
Restricted to NHS: Prescribing available epidural infusion bags
The availability of epidural bags will fluctuate over the coming weeks and months. See the current list of available products which will be updated regularly.
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.
Medicines Supply Tool
Latest information on supply issues, actions to take, alternatives to use, and expected resolution dates. Content provided by DHSC and MVA team, NHS England.