NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service

• 2 December: Safe use of amphotericin B injection, PGD template updates, & New Product Evaluations

  Dav Manku, Associate Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist, at SPS presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 22nd and 28th November.   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:   November Spotlight A digest of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service support for professionals working in all areas of the healthcare system for November 2025. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/spotlight-november-2025/ Ensuring the safe use of amphotericin B injection liposomal products and Fungizone are not interchangeable. Take action to prevent death caused by inadvertent mis-selection. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/ensuring-the-safe-use-of-amphotericin-b-injection/ The license 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). https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/the-licence-and-supporting-evidence-for-golimumab-biosimilar/ Combined oral hormonal contraceptive (COC) in reproductive health New versions of existing Reproductive health PGDs (valid from Feb/March 2026) have been published in the reproductive health section of the templates page. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/combined-oral-hormonal-contraceptive-coc-in-reproductive-health/ Malathion for scabies SPS PGD template for supply of malathion for the treatment of scabies in specified patient groups. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/malathion-for-scabies/ Permethrin for scabies SPS PGD template for supply of permethrin for the treatment of scabies in specified patient groups. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/permethrin-for-scabies/ 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 https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/doxycycline-and-metronidazole-for-human-and-animal-bites/ 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. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/co-amoxiclav-for-human-and-animal-bites/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences          https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/         Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates    https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i    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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• 25 November: Medicines governance opportunity, denosumab biosimilar, & upcoming events

  See Mun Wong, Digital and Quality Improvement Specialist, at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 15th and 21st November.   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:      Medicines Governance Do Once (MGDO) programme opportunity   Contact [email protected] for more information. Closing date for applications 30 November 2025.   Preparing to use denosumab 60mg biosimilar   Biosimilars of denosumab 60mg (Prolia) are expected soon. We offer general information and implementation advice.  https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/preparing-to-use-denosumab-60mg-biosimilar-for-osteoporosis/  Assessing suitability of medicines in a ketogenic diet We advise on how to establish the carbohydrate content of a medicine and assess its suitability for a person on a medical ketogenic diet. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-suitability-of-medicines-in-a-ketogenic-diet/ Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences         https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/        Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates   https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i  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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• 18 November: Denosumab Biosimilar, PGD Templates & Upcoming Events

  Nicola Wake, Associate Director, Medicines Use and Safety, at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 8th and 14th November.  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:     Preparing to use denosumab 60mg biosimilar Biosimilars of denosumab 60mg (Prolia) are expected soon. We offer general information and implementation advice. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/preparing-to-use-denosumab-60mg-biosimilar-for-osteoporosis/ Preparing to use denosumab 120mg biosimilar Biosimilars of denosumab 120mg (Xgeva) are expected soon. We offer general information and implementation advice https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/preparing-to-use-denosumab-120mg-biosimilar/ Three national PGD templates Ulipristal acetate 30mg tablets for emergency contraception SPS PGD template for the supply and/or administration of ulipristal acetate 30mg tablet for emergency contraception. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/ulipristal-acetate-30mg-tablets-for-emergency-contraception/ Ceftriaxone intramuscular injection for Neisseria gonorrhoeae SPS PGD template for administering ceftriaxone injection (with lidocaine) by IM injection for treating uncomplicated Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/ceftriaxone-intramuscular-injection-for-neisseria-gonorrhoeae/ Folic acid 5mg tablets for use during pregnancy SPS PGD template for the supply of folic acid 5mg tablets to reduce risk of neural tube defect or compensate for increased folate demand during pregnancy. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/folic-acid-5mg-tablets-for-use-during-pregnancy/ Medicines Governance Do Once (MGDO) programme opportunity  Contact [email protected] for more information. Closing date for applications 30 November 2025.  Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences        https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/         Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates  https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i   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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• 11 November: Ophthalmology biosimilars, medicines governance opportunity, & New Medicines News

  Penny Daynes, Associate Regional Pharmacy procurement specialist at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 1st and 7th November.  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:    The licence and supporting evidence for ranibizumab biosimilars Four licensed ranibizumab biosimilars are available: Byooviz, Ongavia, Rimmyrah and Ximluci. Learn about the licensed indications and supporting evidence https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/the-licence-and-supporting-evidence-for-ranibizumab-biosimilar/ Preparing to use ranibizumab biosimilar Ranibizumab biosimilar needs planning. Ensure you are familiar with the area and then develop an implementation plan working with the multidisciplinary team https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/preparing-to-use-ranibizumab-biosimilar/ Restricted to NHS: The licence and supporting evidence for aflibercept biosimilars (log in required) Aflibercept 2mg biosimilars Afqlir, Eydenzelt, Yesafili and Vgenfli are expected in December 2025 for NHS use. Learn about supporting evidence and differences. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/the-licence-and-supporting-evidence-for-aflibercept-biosimilars/ 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/ Medicines Governance Do Once (MGDO) programme opportunity Contact [email protected] for more information. Closing date for applications 30 November 2025. Next events Forthcoming webinars and conferences       https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/      Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i 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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• 04 November: Account check, SMR explainer videos & Gene therapy guidance

  See Mun Wong, Digital and Quality Improvement Specialist, at SPS, presents a summary of the resources published by SPS between 25th and 31st October.  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:    Polypharmacy and Structured Medication Review Explainer Videos These animated videos explain the 7 steps of structured medication review, using a person-centred approach to managing polypharmacy https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/polypharmacy-and-structured-medication-review-explainer-videos/ Ex-Vivo and In-Vivo Non-GMO Gene Therapy Medicinal Products This document outlines key areas for focus of pharmacy expertise prior to an organisation implementing Ex-Vivo Non-Genetically Modified Organism Gene Therapies. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/ex-vivo-non-gmo-gene-therapy-medicinal-products-pharmacy-institutional-readiness-guidance/ Prescribing Outlook Our annual medicines planning publication, Prescribing Outlook was updated on October 30th. Please note that Sacubitril-valsartan has been added to the patent expiries tab. To view the correction in the spreadsheet, pleas log in to the website https://www.sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Prescribing_Outlook_2025_amended_October_2025_v2.xlsx#:~:text=Prescribing_Outlook_2025_(amended_October_2025)_v2 New Spotlight Digest A digest of NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service support for professionals working in all areas of the healthcare system for October 2025. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/spotlight-october-2025/ National PGD template updates Updated PGD templates for Doxycycline, oral Azithromycin in sexual health services, and Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil for PrEP use. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Azithromycin-chlamydia-National-PGD-template-V3.0.docx#:~:text=National%20PGD%20template%20updates https://www.sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Doxycycline-chlamydia-National-PGD-template-V3.0.docx#:~:text=National%20PGD%20template%20updates TD-FTC Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis PrEP National PGD template V3.0 · 85.93 KB Six intrathecal risk assessments have also been reviewed and updated, including those for Diamorphine, Etoposide, Methotrexate, gentamicin, rituximab and thiotepa. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/thiotepa-informing-intrathecal-risk-assessment/#:~:text=%20six%20intrathecal%20risk%20assessments Etoposide: informing intrathecal risk assessment – SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service – The first stop for professional medicines advice Rituximab: informing intrathecal risk assessment – SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service – The first stop for professional medicines advice Methotrexate: informing intrathecal risk assessment – SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service – The first stop for professional medicines advice Gentamicin: informing intrathecal risk assessment – SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service – The first stop for professional medicines advice Diamorphine hydrochloride: informing intrathecal risk assessment – SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service – The first stop for professional medicines advice Next events – forthcoming webinars and conferences       https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/events/next-events/      Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with our latest news and updates https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBslvuJpe8aH3n7Zu1i 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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