Endorsement Requirements for Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone Analogues

Following the new restrictions surrounding the prescribing of puberty blockers, there is now a requirement for the prescribing endorsement ‘SLS’ to be included on both private and NHS prescriptions for Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone analogues (GnRH analogues).

NHS Prescriptions

From July 2024 GnRH analogues have been added to part XVIIIB DRUGS, MEDICINES AND OTHER SUBSTANCES THAT MAY BE ORDERED ONLY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES in the England and Wales Drug Tariff: 

Endorsement Reequirements for Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone Analogues Tariff Tip

 

From October 2024 the 'SLS' requirement for prescribing GnRH analogues has been added to part 12 of the Scottish Drug Tariff.

The legislation does not apply to Northern Ireland 

The implications of this for dispensing NHS prescriptions in community pharmacies means that any prescription received, written either generically or branded, for GnRH analogues need to have the prescriber endorsement of ‘SLS’ regardless of the indication to be passed for payment by the NHS BSA. The drugs included are listed in the table below for reference:

DrugLicensed usesBrands
Buserelin
  • Endometriosis
  • Prostate cancer

Suprefact

Suprecur

Gonadorelin
  • Assessment of pituitary function
 
Goserelin
  • Prostate cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Endometriosis
  • Pre surgery for uterine fibroids or endometrial thinning
  • Pituitary desensitisation before Induction of ovulation in IVF
Zoladex
Leuprorelin acetate
  • Prostate cancer
  • Endometriosis
  • Breast cancer
  • Pre surgery for uterine fibroids or endometrial thinning
  • Reservation of ovarian function

Prostap

Staladex

Nafarelin
  • Endometriosis
  • Pituitary desensitisation before Induction of ovulation in IVF
Synarel
Triptorelin
  • Prostate cancer
  • Endometriosis
  • Reduction of uterine fibroids
  • Breast cancer
  • Male hypersexuality

Decapeptyl

Gonapeptyl

Salvacyl

 

Private Prescriptions

Private prescriptions issued after 3rd June 2024 for continuation of existing treatment marked ‘SLS’ and including the patient’s age may be dispensed. Existing prescriptions, issued before 3rd June 2024, that do not have ‘SLS’ included can only be supplied if proof of age and identity is produced.

For more Information on the legal restrictions of puberty blocker prescribing