Filters should be used during the administration of Parenteral Nutrition for patients in all care settings

In plain English, for the pharmacy team

Why is this relevant to community pharmacy

Parenteral nutrition is a feed given directly into the bloodstream. This notice matters because using it without a filter has been linked to serious harm, including one death. It affects pharmacists and pharmacy staff who supply, prepare, dispense, or support home use of parenteral nutrition.

What to tell patients

Use your professional judgement for each patient.

• Filters should be used when parenteral nutrition is given, to help stop unwanted particles entering the bloodstream.
• An integrated filter may already be part of the giving set. If not, an add-on filter will be needed.
• If you or your family member give parenteral nutrition at home and an add-on filter is needed, you should be given the right training.
• Speak to your healthcare professional if you have concerns about the use of filters with your parenteral nutrition.
• Report suspected side effects to parenteral nutrition on a Yellow Card.

What needs to be done

• Make sure any parenteral nutrition supplied or supported by the pharmacy is given with a filter with a pore size no larger than 1.2 micrometres.
• If the parenteral nutrition is aqueous or lipid-free, use a 0.2 micrometre filter where available.
• Pharmacists: check that local procedures for parenteral nutrition mention filter use as standard practice.
• Pharmacists: if the pharmacy supports home parenteral nutrition, make sure patients and carers are trained if integrated filters are not provided.
• Report suspected adverse reactions to parenteral nutrition on a Yellow Card.
• Read and act on the official GOV.UK notice.

Pharmshark summary, checked and approved by Chris Dotchin on 2 Nov 2026. It is not the official notice: always read and act on the GOV.UK notice.