Where To Get ARVS In South Africa
What are antiretrovirals (ARVs)?
Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are used in the treatment and prevention of HIV infection. They fight HIV by stopping or interfering with the reproduction of the virus in the body.
Where To Get ARVS In South Africa
Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development would like to advise members of the public that the following hospitals and clinics are offering chronic medicines including antiretroviral during the strike.
In Ekurhuleni patients on HIV, TB, psychiatric and other chronic medication can collect their supplies from all municipal clinics. Patients who normally receive their medicines from Natalspruit Hospital are advised to go to Phola Park and J Dumane community health centres. The following hospitals: Tambo Memorial, Tembisa, Far East Rand and Pholosong are able to provide medical treatment.
In Tshwane patients are advised to approach the community health centres:
Soshanguve 3, Stanza Bopape, Laudium, Kgabo and Phedisong. Treatment can be access from the following hospitals in the metro Steve Biko Academic, Tshwane District, Mamelodi and Pretoria West.
In Johannesburg, patients who normally receive treatment from Zola and Mofolo community health centres are advised to go to Lilian Ngoyi community health centre near Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital. Discoverers community health centres, Alexandra and Muldersdrift clinics are also open and providing treatment. The following hospitals can also be approached Chris Hani Baragwanath, Helen Joseph, Charlotte Maxeke, Edenval and Sizwe. Rahima Moosa hospital will provide treatment to mothers and young children.
In the West Rand patients are advised to go to Leratong, Yusuf Dadoo and Carletonville hospitals. All clinics are open and offering services in Metsweding. In Sedibeng patient can go to the following clinics: Sharpeville, Evaton Main, Evaton Hlokomelong and Meyerton. Johan Haynes community health centre is also open as well as the following hospitals, Sebokeng, Kopanong and Heidelberg.
Patients are advised to take along their clinic cards, containers of their medication or anything that will assist the pharmacist to provide them with correct medication.
Pharmacists in all public health facilities in the province have been informed to dispense medication to chronic patients irrespective of which clinic or hospital they normally receive their medication from.
The department would also like to express gratitude to all volunteers who are assisting hospitals to look after patients during this period. A word of appreciation also goes to all companies that have made donations to hospitals. Daphney Nkosi, Thandi and Granny Ndlovu are thanked for donating food for volunteers.
The department is committed to providing quality healthcare and would like to reiterate that no one in need of urgent medical attention will be refused treatment despite of the challenges currently faced by public health facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Can u get ARV in pharmacy in SA?
All countries are supposed to need a prescription to buy HIV drugs. This includes In South Africa. In some countries you might be able to buy some meds over the counter without a prescription (even if it is not legal). If you can do this, please make sure that you buy exactly the same meds that you usually take.
How do I get ARVs in South Africa?
If you are HIV-positive but can’t afford to pay for ARV medicines, you can go to state hospitals and clinics for help. All medicines – the antiretroviral pills and vitamins – are available at government hospitals and clinics.
How much is ARVs at pharmacy?
One month’s supply of a generic first-line dolutegravir-based regimen (the combination most newly diagnosed people will start with) costs around R350 per month in the private sector.
Where can you get ARVs in South Africa?
Your local Planned Parenthood health center can help you get the treatment you need. HIV.gov can also help you find an HIV doctor and other support services in your area.
How much are ARVs in South Africa?
The median cost was modest (R10 – R28), but patients in the top decile at sites 1 and 3 paid R50 or more. Mean transport costs were substantially higher at site 1 (R75) than at site 2 (R18) or Site 3 (R47).
What is the name of the new ARV pill?
Early results from people taking a new antiretroviral medication called lenacapavir are promising. The long-acting drug is still at the research stage, but if the developers are able to pair it effectively with other drugs that also only needs to be taken twice a year, it could revolutionise HIV treatment.
Does Unjani clinic have ARVs?
“Up to now, Unjani Clinics’ main contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS has been providing screening and education, but the organisation hopes to extend this to the provision of free ARV treatment to state patients,” Barton reveals. “There are now 50 Unjani Clinics located in five of South Africa’s nine provinces.
Are ARVs free in SA?
Since 2006 government has provided free antiretroviral treatment at designated facilities in the country, which has an estimated 3.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS.
Is PEP free in South Africa?
Victims can go to any hospital or clinic, without having to report the rape, to access PEP medication and counselling. The treatment is completely free,” says Vetten.
Can I infect someone while on ARVs?
People living with HIV who take antiretroviral medications daily as prescribed and who achieve and then maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting the virus to an HIV-negative partner.
Can you be undetectable without medication?
Is it possible to become undetectable if I am not on HIV meds? Only about 1 in 300 people with HIV keep their viral load suppressed without taking medications. Most people have to take HIV meds to control the virus and become undetectable.
Is antiretroviral therapy free in South Africa?
Abstract. Background: South Africa is providing antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV/AIDS free of charge in order to increase access for poorer patients and promote adherence. However, non-drug costs of obtaining treatment may limit access.
What is the best ARV in South Africa?
Dolutegravir or DTG is the most recommended HIV treatment drug because it has very few side effects and for its ability to reduce the chances of people developing drug resistance. South Africa began its rollout of DTG last December.
Do I need prescription for ARVs?
HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy or ART) involves taking medicine as prescribed by a health care provider. HIV treatment reduces the amount of HIV in your body and helps you stay healthy. There is no cure for HIV, but you can control it with HIV treatment
Can I get ARVs from a private doctor?
If you are receiving your ARVs from a private doctor or private clinic, you will have to pay for them, and your medical aid may cover a portion of these costs, depending on your medical aid plan and agreed coverage.
Can ARV make you gain weight?
Weight gain is a common side effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART). On average, people put on about 4 pounds during the first 2 years of their treatment. Most of that gain happens in the first year.