PREP ON PBS (PHARMACEUTICAL BENEFITS SCHEME)

Is PrEP available on the PBS?

Yes. PrEP is now subsidised by the Australian Government which means you can purchase PrEP in-store at some Australian pharmacies at a reduced cost.

What brand of PrEP is available on the PBS?

From the 1st of April 2020 any PrEP obtained from Australian in-store pharmacies will be generic unbranded PrEP.

These generics include: Apotex, Mylan & Tenofovir EMT GH.

Truvada is no longer available on the PBS.

How do I access PrEP on the PBS?

• Obtain a prescription from your General Practitioner (GP), Nurse Practitioner (NP) or sexual health clinic.

• We strongly recommend choosing a PrEP prescriber from the ComePrepd Directory.

• Your doctor can prescribe a three months’ supply of PrEP through the PBS which you be dispensed at in-store Australian pharmacy.

• Your prescription will contain two repeats.

• You will need an Australian Medicare card to access PrEP on the PBS.

Will all pharmacies stock PrEP?

• Not all pharmacies will stock PrEP.

• Some pharmacies may require 24/48 hour notice. Let the pharmacy know you have a PrEP prescription and would like to pre-order.

How much will PrEP cost on the PBS?

If purchasing from an in-store Australian pharmacy (and Medicare card), PrEP on the PBS will cost:

• $31.60 for 30 PrEP pills.

• $7.70 on Concession Card (Health Care Card or Pensioner Card) for for 30 PrEP pills.

• First Nations people (who are registered for the Close the Gap incentive) can purchase PrEP for $6.60 or free with a concession card. To learn more about accessing PrEP from the Close the Gap incentive click HERE.

Can I access PrEP at an Australian pharmacy without a Medicare card?

Without a Medicare card you can still access PrEP from an in-store Australian Pharmacy however it's an expensive option. The cost is approximately:

• Truvada (branded PrEP) $160-170 (one month supply).

• Generic PrEP brands (GH, Mylan and Apotex) cost is lower and may differ significantly among pharmacies.

• If you are Medicare ineligible it is more cost effective to order PrEP online.

• You can order affordable PrEP with no Medicare card HERE.

Can I can access PrEP online at a cheaper cost?

• Yes, purchasing PrEP from an online pharmacy is cheaper than purchasing PrEP with PBS subsidy.

• Green Cross Pharmacy $AU20/ month supply (when purchasing a three month supply).

• DYNAMIX INTERNATIONAL $AU20/ month (when purchasing a three month supply).

• You are still required to obtain & scan an Australian prescription for online importation.

For more information regarding online importation click HERE.

What if I’m a part of the Close the Gap Program?

First Nations people (who are registered for the Close the Gap incentive) can purchase PrEP for $6.60 or free with a concession card.

To learn more about accessing PrEP from The Close the Gap incentive click HERE.