South African Medicines Formulary - SAMF

04/03/2026

📣 NDoH circular - availability and roll out of pALD

We are very excited about the availability of the new paediatric antiretroviral formulation (pALD) in both the public and private sectors in South Africa. See attached the circular about the roll out in the public sector.

Download the SAMF to access information on treatment of HIV and monographs on abacavir, lamivudine and dolutegravir - the active ingredients in pALD.

📱From your phone, click here to download: https://onelink.to/vpgfa8
💻From your PC, go to https://samf-app.com
Access the circular here: /sites/default/files/media/documents/mic_uct_ac_za/2157/circular-pald-feb-2026-v-2-0.pdf

27/02/2026

Today we are highlighting a timely article by Burman and colleagues on the association between depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and meningiomas, with a particular focus on its relevance in the South African context.

The authors summarise the current international data, discuss how these findings might inform public health guidance and contraceptive counselling, and identify gaps in local epidemiological data that need to be addressed for a rational national strategy. They emphasise the need for local prospective studies and strengthening of electronic data collection systems. In the interim they advise cautious use of dMPA for more than two years, prompt review of symptoms suggestive of meningioma such as new-onset headaches and shared decision-making regarding contraceptive choices.

Read more here: https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/4529/1702

15/02/2026

‼️ No nevirapine syrup for VTP?

The Western Cape Government has issued interim guidance on Vertical Transmission Prevention (VTP) in light of the current unavailability of NVP syrup.

Further updates will be shared as soon as national guidance becomes available.

Download the circular here:https://mic.uct.ac.za/sites/default/files/media/documents/mic_uct_ac_za/2157/circular-h09-2026-interim-therapeutic-alternative-for-nevirapine-suspension-for-prevention-of-vertical-transmission.pdf

12/02/2026

🤰 Paracetamol and pregnancy:

D’Antonio and colleagues published their systematic review and meta-analysis in one of the Lancet journals recently. Eligible studies were required to have adjusted risk estimates to minimise residual confounding due to illness and fever in the mother as well as genetic and environmental factors. Sibling studies were also prioritised.

The study concluded that appropriate use of paracetamol in pregnancy was safe, supporting the findings of two large sibling-controlled studies from Sweden (2024) and Japan (2025) and aligning with the advice issued by numerous professional and regulatory organisations.

Read more here:

Current evidence does not indicate a clinically important increase in the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children of pregnant individuals who use paracetamol as directed, supporting existing recommendations on its safety.

13/01/2026

🌟 We love hearing feedback from clinicians who use the SAMF mobile app and website!

Namhla shares how the SAMF makes daily practice easier.

📲 Whether on the go or at your desk, the SAMF is designed to keep evidence-based guidance at your fingertips.

➡️ Have you tried the app yet? Download it today and experience the difference for yourself.

From your phone, click here to download: https://onelink.to/vpgfa8
From your PC, go to https://samf-app.com for more info

06/01/2026

💊 Did you know?

The South African Medicines Formulary (SAMF), 16th Edition offers clear, practical guidance on managing the important interaction between dolutegravir (DTG) and metformin.

Dolutegravir can increase metformin concentrations, raising the risk of adverse effects if doses aren’t adjusted - the maximum daily dose of metformin when used with DTG is 2 g.

🩺 Whether you're prescribing, reviewing ART regimens, or supporting patients with diabetes, the SAMF gives you the concise, evidence-based information you need at the point of care.

📘 Your essential clinical companion — helping you make safer, informed prescribing decisions.

Download the SAMF today:
📲 From your phone, download the SAMF app now:
https://onelink.to/vpgfa8
🖥️ From your PC, go to https://samf-app.com

02/01/2026

✨ Happy New Year! ✨

As we step into 2026, here’s to renewed energy, better healthcare outcomes, and continued learning. 🩺📚

Make the SAMF part of 2026 — your go-to companion for safer, informed clinical decisions and improved patient care.

Here’s to a year of growth, knowledge, and healthier communities! 🎉💙

Download the SAMF today:
📲 From your phone, download the SAMF app now: https://onelink.to/vpgfa8
🖥️ From your PC, go to https://samf-app.com

23/12/2025

🌟 From the SAMF — Did You Know? 🌟
As clinical knowledge evolves, so does our understanding of everyday conditions. The latest insights highlight how something as common as diet may influence acne. Stay informed with evidence-based updates like these in the SAMF — your trusted companion for practice.

Download the SAMF today:
📲 From your phone, download the SAMF app now: https://onelink.to/vpgfa8
🖥️ From your PC, go to https://samf-app.com

17/12/2025

💊 Upadacitinib is one of the new medicine profiles featured in the 16th edition of the South African Medicines Formulary (SAMF)!

It is an oral Janus kinase 1-selective inhibitor used to help control symptoms in various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

The SAMF medicine profiles include indications, pharmacokinetics, contra-indications, cautions, pregnancy and lacatation, major drug interactions, dosing, adverse effects and special prescriber’s points.

Download the SAMF 16th edition now:
📲 From your phone, download the SAMF app now: https://onelink.to/vpgfa8
🖥️ From your PC, go to https://samf-app.com

09/12/2025

📝Test your knowledge:

What is the indication of lemborexant?
a) Antihistamine for allergic rhinitis
b) Competitive antagonist of both orexin receptors to treat insomnia
c) A topical retinoid indicated for tratment of acne vulgaris

Comment below 👇

For accurate, up-to-date, and South Africa–specific medicines information, download the SAMF today:
📲 From your phone, download the SAMF app now: https://onelink.to/vpgfa8
🖥️ From your PC, go to https://samf-app.com

05/12/2025

📘 Introducing the 16th Edition of the South African Medicines Formulary (SAMF)

The newest SAMF is here — refreshed, clinically relevant, and designed to support safe and effective prescribing across South Africa.

✨ What’s new?
This edition includes a number of updated and newly added monographs — including bilastine, lacosamide, lurasidone, and lemborexant, to name just a few. These additions reflect evolving practice, emerging therapies, and a continued commitment to providing trusted, practical guidance to healthcare professionals.

💡 Over the coming weeks, we’ll be showcasing some of these key updates — highlighting how they enhance clinical decision-making and patient care. Keep an eye on our page for weekly insights!

Download the SAMF today:
📲 From your phone, download the SAMF app now: https://onelink.to/vpgfa8
🖥️ From your PC, go to https://samf-app.com

30/11/2025

☀️🏖️ Summer is almost here — and we’re all dreaming of beach days!
Before you pack your umbrella and sunscreen, here are three essential tips from the SAMF on how to manage bluebottle sting safely and effectively:

💙 1. Stop further stinging
Gently remove any visible stinging cells and rinse with seawater — never freshwater, as freshwater can trigger more nematocysts to fire. Vinegar and other substances are not recommended for bluebottle stings.

💙 2. Remove tentacles correctly
Use a towel, stick, knife, or similar object to lift off any remaining tentacles. Avoid dragging them across the skin — this can cause more venom release.

💙 3. Soothe the pain
Hot water immersion can ease pain and help deactivate nematocysts. If hot water isn’t available, ice packs or 20% aluminium sulphate solution (Stingose®) can also be effective.

🌊 Stay safe, enjoy the surf, and remember — the SAMF remains your trusted, up-to-date source of reliable medicines information.

Download the SAMF today:
📲 From your phone, download the SAMF app now: https://onelink.to/vpgfa8
🖥️ From your PC, go to https://samf-app.com