Using the Tayside Area Formulary (TAF)

The Tayside Area Formulary is designed to be used in conjunction with the British National Formulary (BNF), for this reason the sections have been numbered in the same way to allow easy cross-reference. In general, prescribing guidance notes follow the relevant formulary section. 

With the exception of adrenaline and noradrenaline, British Approved Names (BAN) for drugs are being replaced by the recommended International Non-proprietary Name (rINN) where these differ. In this edition of the guide, the former BAN of an affected drug is printed after the new name.  The new name should now be used in preference to the former old BAN.  The full list of substances affected can be found on the website of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) at: www.mhra.gov.uk.

Throughout the core formulary and accompanying prescribing guidelines, good practice points are identified with the symbolP

Newly licensed “black triangle” drugs are identified with the symbol ▼. Doctors and pharmacists are asked to report all suspected reactions to these drugs (i.e. any adverse or unexpected event that could be attributed to the drug) to the CSM.

Within core formulary sections the following symbols:  and  may prefix some medicines. These symbols identify medicines as specialist formulary medicines and refer to the following categories:

For example, ‘ ’ or ‘ ’ medicines on the Cardiology Specialist list are approved for prescribing by or on the recommendation of a cardiologist or a member of their team.

Prescribers outwith the speciality should not initiate prescribing of these specialist medicines without prior communication from the relevant specialist.

Unlicensed medicines or medicines used outwith their marketing authorisation (‘off-label’) use will be annotated in the specialist formulary lists next to the medicine name or indication. For unlicensed medicines or medicines used ‘off-label’ the quality, safety and efficacy will not have been evaluated and the risk of use rests with the prescriber. Click here for further information.

Available specialist formulary lists can be accessed either from within the section ‘Specialist formulary lists and formulary development’ on the left hand menu bar of the Formulary website, or from the Formulary ‘Appendices’ at the bottom of the left hand menu bar, alternatively, click here. 

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© 2010 NHS Tayside