How to get PrEP in Australia during a supply issue

Had trouble getting PrEP at your regular pharmacy?

A temporary supply issue with PrEP in Australia might 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 PrEP shortage in Australia?

Since November 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised that some of Australia’s PrEP suppliers are experiencing issues. This means that some local chemists may be temporarily out of stock.

Suppliers expect stock to become available again between mid-October and early November 2024.

What can I do while PrEP is out of stock?

Here are a few tips to make sure you remain protected from HIV during a PrEP shortage:

1. Plan ahead

While stocks are low, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. When you’re down to your last bottle (one month’s supply), leave enough time to see your doctor for sexual health tests and to 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 could take several weeks to arrive by post.

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 one is out of stock, try a different chemist.

3. Order PrEP online

If you’re having trouble finding PrEP in local chemists, another option is to order it online.

You can buy PrEP online for personal importation with or without Medicare. Delivery times may vary — between 5 and 10 working days, or longer. Make sure you 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 instead. To import PrEP, you need a scanned copy of a paper prescription, as overseas pharmacies do not accept eScripts. Without the proper documentation, Customs Officers may delay your package.

When buying PrEP from an online overseas pharmacy for personal importation there are some rules to be aware of. It’s also important to be sure you’re ordering the right product. Check out our guide for what you need to know: How to buy PrEP online for personal importation.

Some options for buying PrEP online include:

PrEPped Smart & Healthy — An Australian-based group of pharmacies providing mail-order PrEP to people with or without Medicare. PrEP stocks may be affected by recent supply issues.
Green Cross Pharmacy — An online overseas pharmacy providing PrEP by mail order. Plan ahead for international delivery times.
DYNAMIX International — An online overseas pharmacy providing PrEP by mail order. Plan ahead for international delivery times.
Pulse Pharmacy — An online overseas pharmacy providing PrEP by mail order. Plan ahead for international delivery times.
PAN (PrEPaccessNOW) — An Australian-based organisation that helps people navigate buying PrEP online. PAN also offers a free PrEP coupon scheme for people who cannot afford it via 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 advised, on-demand PrEP is just as effective as daily PrEP for 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’re having 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.

5. Consider other HIV prevention methods

PrEP is just one HIV prevention method. If you run out of PrEP, use other forms of protection, such as:

Condoms: They’re cheap, readily available, and straightforward to use.
Undetectable Viral Load (UVL) / Undetectable: People living with HIV who use HIV treatment medicine can stay healthy and eliminate the possibility of transmitting the virus. Maintaining an undetectable viral load means there’s zero chance of someone transmitting HIV through sex — even when condoms or PrEP aren’t being used. So, if your partner(s) is undetectable that means you’re already protected from HIV.

Whatever HIV prevention strategy works for you, it’s still important to get tested regularly for STIs and HIV. 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’ve been exposed to HIV, PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is available in an emergency. It’s a 28-day course of medication you can take to prevent getting HIV after a possible exposure.

Does this PrEP shortage affect people using HIV treatment?

For people living with HIV, the current shortage only affects TD*/FTC (tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine) combinations, which are primarily used for PrEP and PEP.

This shortage is unlikely to impact people living with HIV, as most people who were previously on TD*/FTC-based treatments have switched to newer versions, such as TAF (tenofovir alafenamide). At the time of publication, there are no reported supply issues with these newer combinations.

The TGA’s Medicine shortage reports database provides details of all known medicine shortages in Australia.

By Oli McAuslan, for Emen8