We welcome constructive feedback from users of the BNF.
Due to the high volume of emails we receive we request that, before submitting a query relating to the clinical content of BNF publications, you check appropriate supporting reference sources.
Please also note that the BNF team is not able to provide background papers, lists of references, and information on areas outside the scope of the BNF; or offer comments and advice on individual treatment.
We request that, when contacting us, you relate the enquiry to the specific scenario encountered and, where appropriate, you provide evidence to support your view. This will help us to prioritise clinical requests and enable us to respond appropriately.
Please direct your enquiries to the relevant correspondence addresses below.
Manufacturers
We ask that manufacturers consult the information below before contacting the BNF team. Please note that we will not discuss content with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry by telephone.
Content creation in the BNF is prioritised by clinical urgency and this means that we cannot guarantee when specific pieces of information will be included. Nevertheless, we appreciate manufacturers supplying information about changes to product information (in particular SPC updates, ‘Dear Healthcare Professional’ letters, etc.).
When providing us with advanced warning of a new product, we initially require the following:
- Copy of the latest SPC (approved version only, NOT draft) or data card;
- Launch date;
- Prescribing status: Prescription-only medicine (POM), Pharmacy (P), General Sales List (GSL) item or a medical device?
- Is the item marketed directly to consumers?
- NHS status: is the item reimbursable through the NHS scheme?
- Black triangle status (subject to CHM post-marketing surveillance?)
- Confirmation of which company will provide medical information for U.K. clinicians, including MI contact number and generic email address.
- Prices in BNF publications are obtained from the NHSBSA Prescription service (formerly the PPD) via the DM+D service (https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-and-appliance-contractors/dictionary-medicines-and-devices-dmd) and represent a ‘snapshot’ in time. To ensure accurate prices are reflected in the BNF, manufacturers must update product prices with the DM+D via the ‘In Demand’ service.
Where to send information:
The email address to send product information or related manufacturer enquiries is manufacturerinfo@bnf.org or by post to: BNF, Royal Pharmaceutical Society, 66-68 East Smithfield, London, E1W 1AW
Information for patients and the public
BNF publications are constructed to support healthcare professionals in making decisions about the effective and safe use of medicines; information in our publications is not designed for use by patients or members of the public. Furthermore, although the BNF aims to give the best possible advice on treatment, there are sometimes special circumstances when a healthcare professional may decide to deviate from this advice.
We regret that we are unable to comment on individual cases and we cannot enter into correspondence with patients (or their relatives). These matters are best dealt with by properly qualified healthcare professionals who are familiar with all the circumstances surrounding the case. If you have questions about medicines, we recommend you refer them to your doctor or local pharmacist.
Requesting copies and distribution of BNF publications
Eligible health professionals will now receive one print copy a year – the September issue – to supplement online access.
In England, if you are entitled to an NHS copy of BNF or BNFC, please call
(0)1268 495 609 or email: bnf@wilmingtonhealthcare.com
In Scotland, email: nss.psd-bnf@nhs.scot
In Wales, email nwssp-primarycareservices@wales.nhs.uk
In Northern Ireland:
Primary care: contact the Business Services Organisation
Secondary care: contact your local Trust pharmacy department
For details of how to purchase print editions of the BNF and BNFC directly from Pharmaceutical Press, please refer to the Pharmaceutical Press website: www.pharmpress.com/BNF
PharmAid
We receive numerous requests from developing countries for copies of the BNF. The Pharmaid scheme of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association will dispatch old BNFs to certain Commonwealth countries. For more information on this scheme see: http://commonwealthpharmacy.org/what-we-do/pharmaid/
Contact us
If your query has not been answered by the above information, please contact us.