Name Changes of Medicines

Why have the names of some medicines changed?

For many years the UK had it's own naming system. Each medicine had a British Approved Name (BAN). However, European law now says that medicines should be called the same in all EEC countries. So, the name of each medicine is now the recommended International Non-Proprietary Name (rINN). As medicines will now be named the same all over Europe, it should reduce the risk of medication errors.

Note: the substance in your medication will not change - it is only the name on the medicine packet that may change.

How will it affect my medication?

• The names of most medicines will not change. This is because the old British Approved Name was already the same as the new International Non-proprietary Name.
• For some medicines, the name change is very minor. This is because the old British Approved Name was very similar to the new International Non-proprietary Name. For example, amoxycillin (a commonly used antibiotic) will change to amoxicillin.
• For some medicines, the new name is quite different to the old name. These ones are listed below.

Further information

You can find further information on the website of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) www.mhra.gov.uk

A full list of medicines which have a new name can be found on their website at
http://medicines.mhra.gov.uk/inforesources/productinfo/banrinn.htm

© EMIS and PIP 2005   Updated: February 2005   Review Date: July 2006   CHIQ Accredited   PRODIGY Validated