Having trouble getting PrEP at your regular pharmacy?
A temporary PrEP supply problem in Australia may mean some local chemists are out of stock. This is likely to be resolved soon. But for now, here’s what you can do.
Is there a shortage of PrEP in Australia?
As of November 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised that some of Australia’s PrEP suppliers are experiencing problems. This means that some local chemists may be temporarily out of stock.
Suppliers expect inventory to be available again between mid-October and early November 2024.
What can I do while PrEP is out of stock?
Here are some tips to make sure you stay protected from HIV during a PrEP shortage:
1. Plan ahead
While supplies are low, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. When you reach your last bottle (a month’s supply), allow enough time to see your doctor for a sexual health test and pick up your next script.
If your local chemist is out of stock, you may need to try other chemists or consider ordering PrEP from an online supplier. The medication may take several weeks to arrive in the mail.
2. Check other chemists or pharmacies
You may find that your regular chemist is out of PrEP. Not all chemists use the same suppliers, so if your usual is out of stock, try a different chemist.
3. Order PrEP online
If you have trouble finding PrEP at local chemists, another option is to order it online.
You can buy PrEP online for in-person admission with or without Medicare. Delivery times may vary — between 5 and 10 business days or more. Be sure to order well in advance so you don’t run out of PrEP.
If you have an electronic prescription (eScript), ask your doctor for a paper copy. To import PrEP, you need a scanned copy of a paper prescription, as overseas pharmacies do not accept eScripts. Without proper documentation, customs officials may delay your package.
When buying PrEP from an online pharmacy abroad for in-person administration, there are some rules you should be aware of. It is also important to be sure that you are ordering the correct product. Check out our guide to what you need to know: How to buy PrEP online for personal introduction.
Some options for purchasing PrEP online include:
- PrEPped Smart & Healthy — An Australian-based pharmacy group that provides PrEP by mail order to people with or without Medicare. PrEP stocks may be affected by recent supply issues.
- Green Cross Pharmacy — An overseas online pharmacy that provides PrEP by mail order. Please plan ahead for international delivery times.
- DYNAMIX International — An overseas online pharmacy that provides PrEP by mail order. Please plan ahead for international delivery times.
- Pulse Pharmacy — An overseas online pharmacy that provides PrEP by mail order. Please plan ahead for international delivery times.
- PAN (PrEPaccessNOW) — An Australian-based organization that helps people navigate the PrEP market online. PAN also offers a free PrEP voucher program for people who cannot afford it through their partnership with Green Cross Pharmacy. Available to people with or without Medicare.
4. Change the way you use PrEP
Switching to on-demand PrEP can help you stay protected against HIV without using a pill every day.
When used as directed, on-demand PrEP is as effective as daily PrEP in protecting against HIV.
On-demand PrEP is only suitable for cisgender men who have sex with men. It could be a useful option if you have sex less than twice a week. Read more about on-demand PrEP and how to use it here: On-demand PrEP – Powerful HIV protection when you decide to.
5. Consider other methods of HIV prevention
PrEP is only one method of HIV prevention. If you finish PrEP, use other forms of protection, including:
- Condoms: They are cheap, readily available and easy to use.
- Undetectable Viral Load (UVL) / Undetectable: People living with HIV who use drugs to treat HIV can stay healthy and eliminate the possibility of transmitting the virus. Maintaining an undetectable viral load means there is zero chance of someone passing on HIV through sex — even when condoms or PrEP are not used. Therefore, if your partner is undetectable, it means that you are already protected from HIV.
Whatever HIV prevention strategy works for you, it’s important to get tested for STDs and HIV regularly. Our interactive map can help you find a service near you.
6. Use PEP in an emergency
If you run out of PrEP and think you have been exposed to HIV, PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is available in an emergency. It is a 28-day course of medication that you can take to prevent the transmission of HIV after a potential exposure.
To find out where you can find a PEP near you, click on your state or territory:
Where can I find support?
Support is available Australia wide. For questions about getting or using PrEP, see this guide to options near you.
Is this lack of PrEP affecting people using HIV treatment?
For people living with HIV, the current shortage only affects TD*/FTC combinations (tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine), which are mainly used for PrEP and PEP.
This shortage is unlikely to affect people living with HIV, as most people previously on TD*/FTC-based therapies have switched to newer versions such as TAF (tenofovir alafenamide). At the time of publication, no supply issues were reported with these newer combinations.
The TGAs Database of Drug Shortage Reports provides details of all known drug shortages in Australia.
