Question
I’ve ran out off meds, can I get them from a pharmacy?
25 March 2020. Related: Access to treatment, All topics.
Hi, I live in South Africa. Due to the lock down I can’t get to my clinic. Is it possible to buy ARVs from a pharmacy?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
It’s possible to buy ARVs from a pharmacy in South Africa, you will however need a prescription from your doctor. So this may not be helpful, especially due to the current situation.
The response to Covid 19 is changing on an hourly basis, and that includes here in the UK. As we’re based in the UK your best option would be to contact the following org: https://tac.org.za/ They are based in South Africa and may be able to help.
Hi Nkosi, thanks – it sounds like you might be in South Africa. I am sorry I don’t understand the details of getting HIV meds in every country but what does your clinic say? Can you get a new ID card?
I couldn’t get the treatment because l lost my ID book
Hi Veronica, there isn’t enough information here to give you individual information. If you live in another EU country, then you may be able to get treatment in France. Even if you don’t speak good French you could use Google to find a local HIV organisation who could try to help you. Or find a local HIV clinic in case they can help.
You could also call Sida Info Service at 0 800 840 800 for free and anonymous 24/7 support and information on HIV. The service is available in several different languages including English, Spanish and Arabic.
Please I visit Cōte d’lvoire for about three month now and am running out of my medication and I don’t understand French so is difficult for me to get my medication and I don’t know what to do because I will spend about six months here.
Hello Janet and many thanks for getting in touch.
I am very sorry to hear about the difficult situation you are in.
Please try to contact these community organisations and see if they can help:
Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) http://www.tac.org.za
CHANGE: https://pepfarwatch.org/pepfar-funding-freeze/
Please stay strong.
Currently the clinics in South Africa are giving medication to all people living with HIV.
Also try contacting your clinic by phone and e-mail and see what options are there to help you.
Hi, I live in South Africa. They are not allowing foreigners to the clinic. Is it possible if you can help me with some advice on what to do so that I can get my medication from any pharmacy. Because now it’s gonna lead me to stop taking my meds and I don’t want to.
Hello Jane and thanks for getting in touch.
I am very sorry to hear you are having difficulty getting your medication.
Why is your clinic refusing to give you medication?
Please speak to this organisation: https://www.tac.org.za
They work in Africa so they might be able to support you with alternative options
Hi I’m running out of meds at clinic they refuse me to get them what will happen to me if I stop taking them coz I have no any other way out