Where To Get PrEP In South Africa
What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a daily drug that can be taken by people who don’t have HIV to prevent them from being infected with the virus. It can prevent HIV infection even if the virus enters the body through an exchange of sexual fluids or from an injection.
Where To Get PrEP In South Africa
As of 2017, PrEP is approved for HIV prevention by an increasing number of countries, including South Africa (the first country in Africa to do so). If you are in South Africa and interested in PrEP, phone the national AIDS helpline free of charge at: 0800 012 322.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Can I get PrEP at the chemist in South Africa?
PrEP was approved by South Africa’s Medicines Control Council, so yes, yes. Prescriptions for PrEP must be provided by the pharmacist if you want it over the counter. You would need to be tested for HIV and made sure there is no HIV present before visiting your GP.
Can you buy PrEP over the counter in South Africa?
Yes, because PrEP has been approved by South Africa’s Medicines Control Council. You can’t go to the chemist and request PrEP over the counter without a doctor’s prescription. Your GP would first have to test you for HIV and make sure you’re HIV negative.
Is PrEP available in pharmacy?
PrEP is available at any retail pharmacy in the country. It requires a script from a GP and you will need an HIV test and kidney function test first. HIV negative people who believe they are at res for acquiring HIV and access healthcare in the private sector can access PrEP from an educated GP.
Where can I buy PEP pills in South Africa?
“PEP is available at any local government or private clinic and hospital, and any other primary healthcare facility such as Thuthuzela Care Centres,” explained clinical associate Kutlwano Leotlela.
How much does PrEP pill cost in South Africa?
South Africa approved the use of PrEP in 2015 — it is available in the private health sector at a monthly cost of about R250 and the health department provides it for free at demonstration sites to high risk groups such as sex workers, men who have sex with men and young women.
Can I get PrEP from my GP?
You will not be able to get it from your GP or a community pharmacy at present. To obtain free PrEP, please contact your local or usual sexual health clinic(s) who will be able to assist you.
Do pharmacies sell PEP?
Pharmacies have the PEP medications in stock; Pharmacists are trained, caring people who can help you in a confidential way; If you are concerned about confidentiality, you can ask to speak to the pharmacist privately.
Is PEP available in South Africa?
The treatment, which can be accessed from clinics and health centres in South Africa can prevent the virus from becoming established in the body of someone who has been exposed.
How quickly does PrEP work?
Daily adherence is essential to maintaining PrEP’s effectiveness. How long does it take for PrEP to start working? For anal sex, it takes at least seven days of daily use for PrEP to reach full effectiveness. For vaginal sex, it takes at least twenty days of daily use.
Is PEP treatment 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 get PrEP at clinic?
Some clinics and health care providers offer self-testing kits so that you can safely take HIV tests at home as part of your ongoing PrEP care. Others offer telehealth appointments or 90-day prescriptions of PrEP medication to help you minimize your trips to the pharmacy.