This was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

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The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has published the 48^th edition of Medicines, Ethics and Practice (MEP).

Reflecting the growing complexity of pharmacy practice, this year’s edition includes essential new content on remote prescribing, pharmacy services at a distance and the safe supply of medicines in specialised and evolving areas of care.

Digital MEP – always up to date

The digital version of the MEP is continuously updated throughout the year, so pharmacists can be confident they’re always working from the latest information and guidance. Changes can be made at a moment’s notice, ensuring the MEP remains a dynamic and reliable resource. While physical copies are available on request, the online MEP is now the primary way to access the most up-to-date information.

New content in MEP 48 includes:

• Guidance on remote prescribing — helping pharmacist prescribers to practice safely and effectively when working remotely;
• Support for new models of care in specialised settings — outlining the RPS position on structured and supported verification of medicines in specialist settings, with links to the BOPA ‘Standards for the pharmacy verification of prescriptions for cancer medicines’;
• Pregnancy Prevention Programme (PPP) updates — details on status categories for isotretinoin to guide monitoring and treatment duration;
• Gender incongruence and dysphoria — new guidance to inform the supply of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues in children and young people;
• Pharmacy services at a distance — a new section with key information on General Pharmaceutical Council guidance for pharmacies providing services online or remotely.

Rakhee Amin, MEP Editor at RPS, said:

“This edition reflects the continuing evolution of pharmacy practice. We’ve worked closely with colleagues and expert contributors to ensure that the MEP remains a valuable, relevant and trusted resource.

“We encourage all members to explore the easy-to-use digital MEP for up-to-date information wherever you practise.”

All RPS members, regardless of membership type, have free access to the digital MEP.

All Foundation Trainee members of the RPS will receive a free print copy of MEP48 as part of their membership.

RPS members who are currently practising GB-based pharmacists (excluding Student, Retired, or International Members) can request a free print copy of the MEP48 by completing a quick 4-question form.

For those not eligible for a free print copy, the MEP48 is available to purchase via the Pharmaceutical Press website. RPS members can benefit from a 30% pre-publication discount before the official publication date of 25 July 2025, after which the price will revert to £52.50 for members and £70 for non-members.

Read more RCPharm news stories.