Events
SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: antimicrobial focus
Expert pharmacists will use case studies to illustrate a patient centred approach to SMRs for patients on antimicrobials.
Evaluating imported unlicensed medicines
An SPS Quality Assurance (QA) bite size learning event on evaluating imported unlicensed medicines.
PGDs, legal mechanisms and governance: what’s new
An update session for those involved in medicines governance including managing PGDs and other legal mechanisms in practice.
Guidance
Articles republished or updated during April 2026.
Biosimilars
Preparing to use omalizumab biosimilar
Adcomfo, a second omalizumab biosimilar alongside Omlyclo, is now licensed. We offer general information and implementation advice.
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.
The licence and supporting evidence for denosumab 60mg biosimilars
Denosumab 60mg biosimilars are licensed. Learn about indications, formulations, supporting evidence and differences.
Prescribing
Prescribing by generic or brand name
Prescribing medicines by generic name is generally preferred but there are some clinical circumstances when brand-name prescribing is warranted.
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.
Other
Contraception: resources to support clinical decisions
Suggested resources to help healthcare professionals find information on medicines for contraception and reproductive health
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
HMR (2012) changes
The following articles have been updated to reflect recent HMR 2012 changes:
Using PGDs in occupational health services (OHS)
PGDs should only be used in an NHS OHS, where they confer additional benefit for service provision. They cannot be used for OHS via private provision.
Using written instructions in occupational health services
Written instructions can be used as part of an occupational health service to supply/administer medicines to staff within the organisation.
Occupational health services (OHS) and medicines mechanisms
Various legal mechanisms can be used to supply and/or administer medicines within OHS. We explain some practical applications within this series.
Options for GP practices providing influenza vaccination to staff
GPs can vaccinate staff using PSDs, written instructions, or via OHS or community pharmacies. Considerations for using each mechanism are explained.
Influenza vaccine written instruction template for adoption
An influenza written instruction template is published annually for adoption by organisations providing flu vaccination to employees
Seasonal influenza vaccination and occupational health services
Advice on medicines mechanisms for the administration of influenza vaccinations to healthcare staff.
Pharmacy technicians working under Patient Group Directions
Useful resources and further information for pharmacy technicians working under PGDs
Retaining legal mechanism documentation
Advice on the retention of all records relating to legal mechanisms, such as PSDs, PGDs, VGDs and Written Instructions
Legal mechanisms to supply and administer medicines to individuals
The main legal mechanisms used to supply and/or administer medicines are explained and considerations suggested for the most appropriate option(s)
Updated PGDs
These new versions of existing PGDs and protocol (valid from autumn 2026), have now been published. This will allow organisations to undertake local governance processes in a timely manner.
Etonogestrel (e.g. Nexplanon®) implant for contraception
SPS PGD template for the insertion of etonogestrel (e.g. Nexplanon®) 68mg subdermal implant for contraception.
Lidocaine injection for subdermal etonogestrel in contraception
SPS PGD template for administering lidocaine injection to facilitate insertion and/or removal of subdermal etonogestrel (e.g. Nexplanon®) implants.
Progestogen-Only Intra-Uterine Device (LNG-IUD) for contraception
SPS PGD template for the insertion of the Progestogen-Only Intra-Uterine Device (LNG-IUD) for contraception.
Copper Intrauterine Device (Cu-IUD)
SPS protocol template for the insertion of the Copper Intra-Uterine Device (Cu-IUD) for contraception
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.
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.