Events
SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: insomnia focus
Expert pharmacists used a case study to illustrate a patient centred and holistic approach to SMRs for patients prescribed medicines for insomnia.
SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: antimicrobial focus
Expert pharmacists will use case studies to illustrate a patient centred approach to SMRs for patients on antimicrobials.
Gowning in aseptic services
An SPS Quality Assurance (QA) bite size learning event about gowning in aseptic services.
New Guidance
New articles published to the website during March 2026.
Procurement
Procurement
Search our training and development materials on pharmacy procurement to find resources that can support your practice.
Vaccines
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
Understanding Vaccine Group Directions (VGDs)
Understand what a Vaccine Group Direction (VGD) is, and how it is used to support vaccine administration.
Medication Safety
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.
Updated Guidance
Articles updated and reviewed in March 2026.
Biosimilars
Preparing to use tocilizumab biosimilar
Two tocilizumab biosimilars are now available. We offer general information and implementation advice.
The licence and supporting evidence for tocilizumab biosimilar
Two licensed tocilizumab biosimilars are available: Tyenne and Avtozma. Learn about the licensed indications, supporting evidence and key differences.
Breastfeeding
Advising on medicines during breastfeeding
Most medicines can be used during breastfeeding. Risks can be reduced further by choice of therapy and infant monitoring
Questions to ask when giving advice on medicines and breastfeeding
Information should be gathered on both the mother and the infant. Questions are provided to help determine clinical details
Using codeine, dihydrocodeine or tramadol during breastfeeding
Tramadol or dihydrocodeine can be used short term while breastfeeding. Codeine should not be used. Advice applies to full term, healthy infants.
Medication Safety
The Medication Safety Officer (MSO) role
Understanding the role and responsibilities of the MSO in practice will help organisations deliver their medication safety agenda.
Practice support for the Medication Safety Officer (MSO)
An infrastructure of support opportunities exists that MSOs should utilise to deliver their role most effectively
Learning from medication safety events
Practical guidance to ensure learning from local safety events is translated into shared local and national learning.
Reporting and management of medication safety events
High quality reporting and management of medication safety events ensures opportunities for learning and improving medication safety.
Collaboration opportunities to improve medication safety
Practical guidance on effective collaboration opportunities to promote medication safety improvements
Resources to support answering questions
Pharmacogenomics: resources to support answering questions
Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information to answer questions about pharmacogenomics.
Travel health: resources to support clinical decisions
Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information regarding medicines and travel
Palliative care: useful resources to support clinical decisions
Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information on medicines in palliative care
Other
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
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.
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
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.
Updated PGDs
Updated versions of the following PGDs have been published to allow organisations to undertake local governance processes in a timely manner (valid from July 2026).
Sodium chloride 0.9% in multi injector devices
SPS PGD template for administering sodium chloride 0.9% intravenously for imaging investigations and procedures by registered Radiographers.
Metronidazole (oral) for use within sexual health services
SPS PGD template for supply of metronidazole (oral) for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas vaginalis.
Ceftriaxone intramuscular injection for Neisseria gonorrhoeae
SPS PGD template for administering ceftriaxone injection (with lidocaine) by IM injection for treating uncomplicated Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection.
Publications
Medication Safety Update
A resource collating the latest medication safety communications and publications to inform, support and inspire medication safety improvements.
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.
Shortages
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.