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. Find more information HERE
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 CLICK HERE
- 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.
- Find a growing list of pharmacies that supply PrEP HERE
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:
- $41.00 for a 30 day supply.
- $6.60 on Concession Card (Health Care Card or Pensioner Card) for a 30 day supply.
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander 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 its 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?
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander 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
