9 September: DOACs monitoring, New Medicines News, & upcoming events
Nicola Wake, Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 30th August and 5th September.
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:
Medicine Monitoring Tool
Update to the entry for Direct Oral Anticoagulants.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/tools/drug-monitoring/
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/
The licence and supporting evidence for tocilizumab biosimilar
One licensed tocilizumab biosimilar is available: Tyenne. Learn about the licensed indications, supporting evidence and key differences.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/the-licence-and-supporting-evidence-for-tocilizumab-biosimilar/
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'.
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2 September: Understanding and using food supplements, shortages, & events
John Oliver, a Quality Assurance Specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 23rd August and 29th August.
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:
Understanding food supplements
Food supplements are manufactured and regulated differently to medicines. Understanding the differences informs safe and appropriate treatment decisions.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-food-supplements/
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.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-food-supplements/
Spotlight Digest
A digest of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service support for professionals working in all areas of the healthcare system for August 2025.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/spotlight-august-2025/
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.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-hrt-products/
Prescribing and switching between modified-release methylphenidate
Modified-release methylphenidate capsules and tablets differ. Ensure patients receive appropriate treatment, particularly during periods of supply disruption.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-and-switching-between-modified-release-methylphenidate/
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'.
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26 August: PGD medicine labelling and updates, new product evaluations, and upcoming events
Penny Daynes, Associate Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 16th August and 22nd August.
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:
Labelling of 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.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/labelling-medicines-supplied-without-a-prescription/
New product evaluations
This now contains the full July update of published and anticipated technology appraisals and evidence reviews.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sps.nhs.uk%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F11%2FNew-Product-Evaluations-July-25.xlsx%23%3A%7E%3Atext%3DNew+product+evaluations+
PGD resources
We have updated our PGDs relating to reproductive health and contraception and also updated a PGD for the contrast agent gadopiclenol.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/patient-group-directions-and-legal-mechanisms/national-pgd-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'.
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19 August: Safe use of Medicines in Palliative and End of life care, Denosumab biosimilar, & IV Iron
Penny Daynes Associate Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist NEY at SPS presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 9th August and 15th August.
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:
Understanding safe use of medicines challenges in palliative and end of life care
Discussion of medication safety challenges within palliative and end of life care; inspiring partnership across the system.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/msats-safe-use-of-medicines-in-palliative-and-end-of-life-care/
Switching between branded 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.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/switching-brand-and-generic-anti-seizure-medicines-for-epilepsy/
Managing the risk of confusion between injectable iron products
Minimising the risk of confusion between different injectable iron products may prevent inadvertent harm.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-the-risk-of-confusion-between-injectable-iron-products/
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.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/minimising-risks-associated-with-administration-of-injectable-iron/
Understanding iQAAPS
An introduction to the iQAAPS system, with information on how to access the system, find training resources and support contacts
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-iqaaps/
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.
https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/submitting-iqaaps-quality-indicators-qis/
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'.
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Understanding safe use of medicines challenges in palliative and end of life care
Jo Clarke (Advanced Specialist Pharmacist - Palliative and End of Life Care, Medicines Use and Safety in SPS) explores some of the known issues which challenges the safe use of medicines in services and, the impact these have for patient, carers and loved ones. Gaining a better understanding of these challenges can support the implementation of safety initiatives to address some of these issues.
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'.
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