Let's start preventing HIV with PrEP
Starting PrEP is as easy as 1, 2, 3
Once you have made the decision that PrEP is the tool for you, all you need to do to get started using PrEP is to see a clinician, get a prescription to buy your PrEP, and start taking it.
1. Start PrEP
with a visit to a prescriber
You need to make an appointment with a PrEP prescriber to start your PrEP journey. Any medical practitioner, like your regular General Practitioner (GP), or a nurse practitioner can prescribe you PrEP in Australia.
If your usual GP needs help with prescribing PrEP, we have a letter for clinicians you can download and take to your appointment.
If you don't have a regular clinician who can prescribe you PrEP, you can find a PrEP-friendly medical or nurse practitioner on our map.
There are also online PrEP prescribers available if you can't make it to a clinic in person.
At your appointment, your prescriber will ask you some questions to assess your suitability for PrEP use. Your prescriber will arrange tests for HIV, kidney function and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You will get your prescription and start PrEP right away. Your prescriber will follow up with you for any STI treatments you may need.
You can also ask your prescriber about vaccinations for sexual health like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and HPV.
If you don't have Medicare, there may options available to help you with the cost of your appointment, testing and PrEP pills.
2. Get PrEP
buy online or at any pharmacy
Once you have a prescription from your prescriber, you can buy your PrEP!
If you have Medicare, you can buy PrEP from any pharmacy at PBS prices. You can also find discounted PrEP deals online from pharmacies in Australia or overseas, offering delivery directly to your door.
If you don't have Medicare, that's fine - you can also access similar low-cost and convenient options to get your PrEP. We have you covered!
If you are struggling to afford the cost of PrEP, you may be eligible for our free PrEP coupon scheme. We want to make sure you stay protected from HIV no matter your situation.
Ready to start?
3. Use PrEP
have fun,
test regularly
Take your PrEP in one of the different ways that protect you and your body. You can follow simple steps in our guide.
Return to your prescriber every three months for regular HIV and STI screening, and to get a new prescription to keep taking PrEP. We recommend you book your next appointment to see your prescriber when you open your last bottle of PrEP. This will ensure you don't run out of PrEP in-between medical visits or waiting for your next delivery.
There are two ways to take PrEP - daily, or on-demand. You can find out more about each method and talk to your prescriber to check which option is best for you.
You can start and stop taking PrEP any time, by following a few easy steps. Following the steps for daily or on-demand PrEP is important to ensure you properly protect yourself from HIV.