The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7290 p311
13 March 2004

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Poster of changes to approved names of drugs (PDF 50K)
BNF information (bnf.org)
Drug names (more)

Latest BNF includes updated information on HRT, approved drug names and malaria prevention

BNF 47, the latest edition of the British National Formulary, contains up-to-date information on hormone replacement therapy, changes to approved drug names and new guidance on preventing malaria.

Updated sections on HRT and osteoporosis arise from a recent review on the risks and benefits of HRT by the Committee on Safety of Medicines. The new edition also reflects CSM advice that most selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors should no longer be used for treating depression in patients aged under 18 years, and that bicalutamide should not be used for the treatment of localised prostate cancer.

Included with the book, is an updated poster which first appeared in The Journal (6 September 2003) setting out the most frequently used medicines affected by changes to make British Approved Names (BANs) accord with recommended International Non-proprietary Names (rINNs). There is also updated advice on preventing malaria when travelling.

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