Events
Understanding the new pharmacy procurement induction programme
Launch of the SPS pharmacy procurement induction programme, its purpose, use, and a demonstration. For procurement staff and education & senior pharmacy leads.
Primary care discussions: biosimilar insulin
Discussion about the considerations of implementing biosimilar insulin in primary care. Hints and tips for systems considering a move to biosimilar insulin.
MSATS – Safe use of medicines in palliative and end of life care
Discussion of medication safety challenges within palliative and end of life care; inspiring partnership across the system.
Supervising pharmacy aseptic services clean rooms
An SPS Quality Assurance (QA) bite size learning event on clean room supervision.
Biosimilar and key generic medicines – September 2025 update
An update about biosimilar and key generic medicines to support system mobilisation.
Spotlight, August 2025
A digest of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service support for professionals working in all areas of the healthcare system for August 2025.
Spotlight, August 2025
A digest of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service support for professionals working in all areas of the healthcare system for August 2025.
Past Events
Search our library of past events for recordings, presentations, and interviews with speakers, all to inform your practice.
New Guidance
New articles published to the website during August 2025.
Biosimilars
Preparing to use denosumab 60mg biosimilar
Biosimilars of denosumab 60mg (Prolia) are expected soon. We offer general information and implementation advice.
Preparing to use denosumab 120mg biosimilar
Biosimilars of denosumab 120mg (Xgeva) are expected soon. We offer general information and implementation advice.
Food supplements
Understanding food supplements
Food supplements are manufactured and regulated differently to medicines. Understanding the differences informs safe and appropriate treatment decisions.
Using food supplements
Food supplements have a place in therapy. We explain when using a food supplement may be appropriate and how to assess the risks.
Medication Safety
Minimising risks associated with administration of injectable iron
Administration of injectable iron has a risk of hypersensitivity and skin staining. Mitigation strategies can help minimise harm.
Managing the risk of confusion between injectable iron products
Minimising the risk of confusion between different injectable iron products may prevent inadvertent harm.
Addressing medication safety inequalities across the system
Strategies and signposting to support actions to address medication safety inequalities.
Switching
Switching brand and generic anti-seizure medicines for epilepsy
Switching between different manufacturers' anti-seizure medicines requires individual assessments and careful consideration about whether it will be suitable.
Updated Guidance
Articles updated for August 2025
Aseptic Services
Understanding iQAAPS
An introduction to the iQAAPS system, with information on how to access the system, find training resources and support contacts
Submitting iQAAPS Quality Indicators (QIs)
Guidance for Accountable Pharmacists on submission of quality indicators (QI) for NHS Section 10 aseptic preparation activities using the iQAAPS system.
Intrathecal administration
Amikacin: informing intrathecal risk assessment
Amikacin products vary in their licensed status and other characteristics which affects their suitability for intrathecal administration
Cytarabine: informing intrathecal risk assessment
Cytarabine products vary in their licensed status and other characteristics which affects their suitability for intrathecal administration
PGDs
Labelling medicines supplied without a prescription
Advice on the legal labelling requirements for Prescription Only Medicines and Pharmacy medicines supplied under a patient group direction or legal exemption.
Biosimilars
Understanding biological and biosimilar medicines
Biosimilar medicines are a type of biological medicine that offer the NHS opportunities to deliver better value for certain conditions
Shortages
Prescribing available HRT products
Hormone Replacement Therapy availability varies currently. Check for available products and keep up-to-date. 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.