From 1 October 2025, generically written prescriptions for Tadalafil and Vardenafil preparations will no longer require the prescriber ‘SLS’ endorsement. However, the SLS endorsement requirements will continue to apply to the following branded versions – Cialis® and Levitra® which may only be ordered on NHS prescriptions issued for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in restricted circumstances.
The change would of be most benefit to those patients who do not tolerate Sildenafil (which is available for treatment of erectile dysfunction without restrictions) and are currently not eligible for Tadalafil or Vardenafil according to Selected List Scheme (SLS) criteria.
The ‘SLS’ endorsement confirms the product has been prescribed in accordance with the SLS criteria outlined in Part XVIIIB of the Drug Tariff. If the prescriber ‘SLS’ endorsement is missing on NHS prescriptions for Cialis® and Levitra®, the prescription should be returned to the prescriber to have the endorsement added. Pharmacy staff cannot add the ‘SLS’ endorsement to a prescription; only the prescriber can do this.
For EPS prescriptions, the prescriber must use the SLS endorsement function available on their prescribing system. Prescribers must not add ‘SLS’ as free text into any other fields for example dosage instructions or ‘additional instructions’ field also known as medication specific information or notes to pharmacy as this information is not read by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).
On FP10 paper prescriptions for Cialis® and Levitra®, the prescriber must endorse ‘SLS’ against the item.
The full list of ‘SLS’ products and prescribing criteria found in Part XVIIIB of the October 2025 Drug Tariff.
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