Tips on using BNFC effectively – e-newsletter July 2009

How can I identify the licensed status of a drug in BNFC?

• BNFC includes advice on the use of unlicensed medicines or of licensed medicines for unlicensed applications (`off-label’ use). Such advice reflects careful consideration of the options available to manage a given condition and the weight of evidence and experience of the unlicensed intervention. Limitations of the marketing authorisation should not preclude unlicensed use where clinically appropriate.
• The Licensed Use statement in a drug monograph is used to indicate that:
  • a drug is not licensed in the UK e.g. pyrazinamide
    
    
  • a drug is licensed in the UK but not for use in children e.g. lansoprazole
    
    
  • BNFC advice for certain indications, age groups of children, routes of administration, or preparations falls outside a drug's marketing authorisation e.g. naproxen
    
    
• The absence of the Licensed Use statement in a drug monograph indicates that the drug is licensed for all the indications given in the monograph e.g. zanamivir
  
  
• Prescribing unlicensed medicines or medicines outside their marketing authorisation alters (and probably increases) the prescriber's professional responsibility and potential liability. The prescriber should be able to justify and feel competent in using such medicines.