Key Insights: Monographs for omission

Published 7 April 2026

In this month’s Key Insights, we will explore what happens to a British Pharmacopoeia (BP) monograph at the end of its life cycle and is considered for omission.

We will cover: 

  • why a monograph is omitted 
  • what the process is 
  • what happens after omission

When is a monograph considered for omission?

Monographs are omitted to ensure that the BP remains relevant and comprehensive. A monograph may be considered for omission when the following criteria are met:

  • it no longer holds a UK marketing authorisation
  • it is no longer in widespread use


Before any omission, the BP undertakes a thorough consultation process involving its Expert Advisory Groups (EAGs), the British Pharmacopoeia Commission (BPC), and international authorities, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess any potential impact on our users both in the UK and around the world.

Monographs proposed for omission are also listed on the BP website for public consultation. In addition, the EAG for Unlicensed Medicines (ULM) is consulted to determine whether the monograph is used in an unlicensed capacity. If this is the case, the standard becomes a monograph for an unlicensed formulation, and may remain in the BP. Monographs for unlicensed formulations are clearly indicated in the BP and will also reference the general monograph for Unlicensed Medicines.

Monographs being considered for omission from the BP 2027 edition were subject to consultation earlier in the year. We appreciate your contributions and would encourage you to review and provide feedback for future consultations.

What happens when a monograph is omitted?

The last published version of monographs which were omitted from the BP will:

continue to be legally in force under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012
remain in the BP Archive
For example, the monograph for Standardised Senna Granules was omitted from the BP 2026 due to an absence of UK marketing authorisations. The previously published BP 2025 monograph for Standardised Senna Granules remains in force and can be accessed in the BP Archive.

A list of omitted monographs and texts is available in the Introduction section of the BP, while a selection of omitted texts and a list of pre-2014 omitted texts is available on our website.

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