South Australian Medicines Formulary

The South Australian Medicines Formulary (SAMF) is a list of core medicines approved for initiation within SA public hospitals and health services. Through a statewide approach to the availability of medicines, SA Health aims to optimise the quality use of medicines, improve and promote equity of access to medicines for patients and enhance the cost-effectiveness of medicine use across SA Health.

The initial compilation of the formulary was completed in 2018. A process of regular reviews and updates was established to ensure its ongoing maintenance.

For information on available strengths, products and any restrictions on any of the formulary medicines, refer to the South Australian Medicines Formulary list.

Formulary Maintenance

The South Australian Formulary Committee (SAFC) will maintain the SAMF in accordance with the principles outlined in the Framework (PDF 238KB). Medicines will be evaluated within therapeutic classes according to therapeutic usage, taking into consideration a range of factors including clinical practice, regulatory and access considerations, comparative safety and efficacy, and cost effectiveness.

The SAFC will undertake consultation with key clinical stakeholders including Local Health Network Drug and Therapeutic Committees (DTCs), and key SA Health specialists or experts in the field.

Formulary listings may provide multiple alternatives in each therapeutic class and restrictions for the use of some drugs.

High-cost medicines will continue to be evaluated by SA Medicines Evaluation Panel (SAMEP).

Changing the formulary

SA Health clinicians seeking to add a new medicine or request a change to the formulary must complete a Medicines Formulary Request Form (PDF 610KB) and submit it, along with supporting information, to their hospital's Drug and Therapeutic Committee for endorsement. The endorsed application can then be considered by SAFC.

The Fast-Track Cancer Medicines Formulary Request Form (PDF 380KB) can be used for formulary requests which meet the following conditions and, completed forms can be submitted directly to the South Australian Formulary Committee:

  • The requested medicine and indication are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) AND
  • There are no formulary alternatives e.g. specific target, last-line therapy AND
  • The medication will be initiated in the outpatient or discharge setting only AND
  • A SAHCDC-approved protocol relating to this medicine exists or an application is pending submission.

If any of the above criteria is not met, completion of the Medicines Formulary Request Form is required.

Non-formulary medicines

In situations where a formulary medicine is not suitable, non-formulary medicines may be initiated following an approval process. Prescribers are required to complete an IPU Medicine Request (DOCX 240KB) and submit to the Local Health Network Drug and Therapeutic Committee for approval.

The Streamline Non-Formulary Approval Request process allows for pre-approved use of a limited number of non-formulary medicines under specified criteria. Prescribers are required to complete the Medicine Specific Streamlined Non-Formulary Approval Request form and provide it to pharmacy prior to the initial supply.

Ongoing review may result in the rationalisation of previously listed medicines. There will be provision for continuation of patients on non-formulary medicines, if appropriate. In some situations, the treating doctor may elect to switch patients to the formulary listed medicine.

Forms

Streamline non-formulary approval request

Fact sheets

Further information

For further information or any enquiries relating to formulary applications or processes please contact the SAFC Executive Officer by e-mail Health.SAFC@sa.gov.au or phone (08) 7133 9422.