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Michigan State University

USP-NF Guide

This guide explains how to access the MSU subscription to the USP–NF. USP-NF is a combination of two compendia, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the National Formulary (NF). It also includes the Food Chemicals Codex.

What is USP-NF?

USP–NF is an online platform that combines the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the National Formulary (NF). Monographs for drug substances, dosage forms, and compounded preparations are featured in the USP. Monographs for dietary supplements and ingredients appear in a separate section of the USP. Excipient monographs are in the NF. It also includes the Food Chemicals Codex.

MSU has free academic access for faculty and students through USP Academic Connection.

Registration and Logging In

USP-NF requires users to create individual accounts using their msu.edu email address.

Create a USP Access Point account using your MSU email by filling out an online form from the USP. An activation email will be sent to your msu.edu email after completing and submitting the form.

Once your account is activated you can access USP-NF for all future visits at the USP-NF/PF Access Point website.

How to Get Started & Troubleshooting

Go to USP–NF/PF Online Help for more troubleshooting tips.

How to Get Started

  1. How do students and faculty access USP-NF and Food Chemical Codex?
  2. I’m having trouble navigating Access Point, is there a tutorial?
  3. The Access Point registration page is asking for “subscription key”. What do I enter?
    • Leave this blank. USP Academic Connection subscriptions do not require a subscription key.
  4. What are the password guidelines for an Access Point account?
    • Please use the following guidelines for creating your Access Point account password:
      • Must not include part of your name or username.
      • Must not include a common word or commonly used sequence of characters.
      • Must be at least 8 characters long and include at least one of each of the following:
      •  Uppercase (A-Z) and lowercase (a-z) letters. Passwords are case sensitive.
      • Numbers(0-9)
      • Symbols (!, #, $, etc.) are optional but recommended
  5. What do I do if I’ve forgotten or need to reset my password?
    • The “Forgot password?” link on the login page allows you to reset your password. To reset your password, enter the following:
      • Enter the email address you used in creating the USP account.
      • Select “I’m not a robot” checkbox in reCAPTCHA and then take the verification challenge.
      • After completing the prompt, an activation link will be sent to your registered email. Click on this link to reset your password.
      • Using the password guidelines, enter your new password.
      •  After the confirmation message displays on the page, click “Continue” to be re-directed to the login page.
  6. I am unable to login, what do I do?
    • Web browsers save old information. This can be fixed by clearing the browser’s cache and cookies, restarting the browser, and signing in again.
  7. My account is locked, what do I do?
    • After 5 incorrect password entries, your account will be locked. Use the “Forgot password” link to reset your password. After a successful password reset, your account will be unlocked. If you’re still unable to login after clearing your cache and resetting your password, please contact support@usp.org.

Contact Us

If you have questions about using this resource please find your subject liaison on the MSU Libraries Subject Librarian webpage and contact them for further assistance.