Since launching the new BNF structure, we have had a number of queries about how the prices in current BNF Publications align with the prices in BNF legacy products.

Print

For branded preparations, prices are derived from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (DM+D). This policy has not changed in the move to the new BNF structure.

Due to space constraints in print publications, we are not able to list all available generic preparations cited in the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (DM+D). Instead, we have editorial processes that allow us to create a preparation entry that is representative of all generic preparations, including a representative price. This price is based on the NHS indicative price for all related generics in DM+D. This policy has not changed in the move from the legacy BNF structure.

Digital

For branded preparations, the situation is the same described under Print, above.

In digital versions of the new BNF Publications there are no space constraints and so for generic preparations, prices for all available preparations are included. This has changed in the move to the new BNF structure – in the past, only a representative generic preparation was listed, as described under Print, above.

Drug tariff

BNF Publications based on the new structure also list the Drug Tariff price, where available.  This is an enhancement added to the new structure based on user feedback and is not included in BNF legacy products.

Updating

The new BNF Publications have been built to allow a more seamless updating of the price information and the price can more rapidly be updated than was possible with the legacy system, which required a laborious manual process.

Legacy versions are due for retirement and therefore there is minimal support for non-clinical content i.e. product information such as prices. We advise that the new BNF Publications should be used in preference to the legacy BNF Publications, but this is particularly true when considering price, where the content will be more up-to-date.