22 April 2026
April BNF + BNFC Knowledge Updates
British National Formulary
This update contains 3 significant changes, 1 new monograph, 2 new preparations, and 1 deleted monograph.
Significant changes
Chikungunya vaccine (live) (IXCHIQ®): updates to restrictions of use following safety review [MHRA/CHM advice].
Chronic heart failure: updated guidance on management.
GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists: strengthened warnings on acute pancreatitis, including necrotising and fatal cases [MHRA/CHM advice] (advice in dulaglutide, liraglutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide; see example in dulaglutide).
Immunisation schedule: updated guidance for immunisation against respiratory syncytial virus.
Improving information supplied with Gabapentinoids (pregabalin/gabapentin), Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs [MHRA/CHM advice] (advice in gabapentin, pregabalin, all benzodiazepines, eszopiclone, zolpidem tartrate, zopiclone; see example in diazepam).
Isotretinoin: changes to prescribing guidance and additional risk minimisation measures [MHRA/CHM advice].
Omeprazole: new advice in cautions and renal impairment for oral suspension.
Respiratory syncytial virus immunisation: updated guidance.
Semaglutide (Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus®): risk of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) [MHRA/CHM advice].
Semaglutide (Wegovy®): update to indications and dosing for weight management.
urea (13C): name change to urea (13C).
Vitamins: updated guidance for management of vitamin D deficiency.
Dose changes
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine (Abrysvo®) [update to indications and dose].
Classification changes
Selexipag [primary classification changed to Prostaglandins and related substances].
New monographs
Lyfnua® [gefapixant] for Chronic cough [refractory or unexplained].
Deleted monographs
Exenatide; Insulin glargine with lixisenatide; Lixisenatide
BNF for Children
This update contains 7 significant changes.
Significant changes
GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists: strengthened warnings on acute pancreatitis, including necrotising and fatal cases [MHRA/CHM advice] (advice in dulaglutide, liraglutide, semaglutide; see example in dulaglutide).
Improving information supplied with Gabapentinoids (pregabalin/gabapentin), Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs [MHRA/CHM advice] (advice in gabapentin, all benzodiazepines; see example in diazepam).
Isotretinoin: changes to prescribing guidance and additional risk minimisation measures [MHRA/CHM advice].
Omeprazole: new advice in cautions and renal impairment for oral suspension.
Semaglutide (Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus®): risk of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) [MHRA/CHM advice].
urea (13C): name change to urea (13C).
Vitamins: updated guidance for management of vitamin D deficiency.
