PrEP
What is PrEP?
PrEP is short for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a preventive medication to protect against HIV transmission. People who are HIV-negative can take PrEP to reduce their risk of getting HIV. Many studies have confirmed that PrEP is more than 99% effective at preventing HIV transmission when taken as directed. However, PrEP doesn’t protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To help prevent STIs, use condoms. PrEP does not affect someone’s hormones and from this perspective is safe for someone who is choosing hormonal affirmation.
Who’s eligible?
People at risk of HIV are eligible for PrEP. This includes sexually active folks with sexual connections of unknown HIV status and those who have sexual connections from countries with a high incidence of HIV.
@messyvoices – Trans man, gay, 27.
When I first approached a GP about having PrEP prescribed, they were hesitant to prescribe it to me. It seemed that they made a lot of assumptions about the type of sex I was having and who I was having it with. In time, after explaining and advocating for my health care needs, I was able to get a prescription. I believe that the trans and gender diverse community are deserving of safe and informed healthcare providers that make less assumptions and ask more questions.
How do I use PrEP?
There are two methods to take PrEP, which both involve the same pills taken in different ways. Both options, when used correctly, provide equally high levels of protection from HIV. Chat with your doctor to find out which option for PrEP suits you best.
- Daily PrEP: Involves taking one pill every day.
- On-demand PrEP**: Involves taking two tablets 2 to 24 hours before sex, one tablet 24 hours after the double dose, and then another single pill 48 hours after the double dose. If you have sex over several days, keep taking one tablet per day until you have two days without sex, still covered by PrEP. Sticking to this dosing regimen is crucial if you’re taking PrEP on-demand. This provides HIV protection for a short-term, such a weekend or a short holiday.
**The Australian PrEP Guidelines currently only recommend on-demand PrEP for cis-gender men who have sex with men. To find out if this is appropriate for you and your sexual practices, talk to your healthcare provider or local sexual health clinic.
How Can I Get PrEP?
PrEP is available in Australia with a prescription. That prescription needs to come from a General Practitioner (GP) or at a sexual health clinic after a full sexual health screening. You need to get a full sexual health test (testing for HIV and STIs) every three months to get a script for PrEP. PrEP is available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This means anyone in Australia with a Medicare card can get PrEP with a prescription from a doctor for the standard PBS co-payment price per month – currently $41 for a 30-day supply or $6.60 with a concession card.
If you don’t have a Medicare card, you can personally import PrEP from an online pharmacy with a prescription from your doctor. The same generic medication can be cheaper. You can find out more by visiting the PAN website.
Getting access to PrEP isn’t easy for everyone. Meridian can support your access to the Green Cross Pharmacy PrEP Coupon Program. If you find the cost of importing your own PrEP or filling a prescription in Australia prohibitive for any reason, this program can provide a coupon for free supply of PrEP for 3 months upon application.
This program might be for you if:
- you are not eligible for Medicare,
- you are an overseas student,
- you are experiencing some financial stress.
To access this program, you will need a current prescription from your doctor or clinic. Then take a photo or scan your script and email it to contact@meridianact.org.au. If you have a student card, copy or scan that too. In the email write briefly why you need support to access PrEP.
If you have any questions, contact Meridian on 02 6257 2855 or contact@meridianact.org.au.
