From 1 July 2015, HIV treatments can be dispensed by local chemists. This will make it easier for people with HIV to pick up their HIV medication especially as local chemists often offer weekend and evening opening hours. You also have a number of options to purchase your HIV drugs from online pharmacies, which can be a useful way to have medications posted to your home address. Search the web for the online services – free delivery options might be available.
HIV treatments are specialised and not all chemists will choose to dispense them for a range of reasons such as difficulties in managing stocks. You will need to discuss your medication needs with the pharmacist at the chemist you want to use.
To pick up from a local chemist or arrange delivery via an online options, your scripts will need to be dated 1 July 2015 or after to be honoured.
Plan ahead to renew your scripts and allow time for the chemist to order stock especially if you live in an outer suburban, regional or rural area.
In you need any more information talk to your doctor, nurse, sexual health centre or pharmacist. The services below can also assist:
Phone: (02) 9206 2177 Freecall – 1800 245 677
Phone: (02) 9206 2000Freecall – 1800 063 060
Phone: (02) 9283 8666Freecall – 1800 651 011
Access to HIV treatment is available for people who are not eligible for Medicare.
NSW Health has developed a Guideline (GL2024_003) to implement the Federation Funding Agreement (FFA) Access to HIV treatment for people who are not eligible for Medicare.