Question
Can I buy ARVs from a pharmacy without a prescription?
5 September 2021. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, Southern Africa.
I am away a lot for work and find it hard to get to the clinic. Can I buy ARVs from the pharmacy? I live in South Africa.
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch and for letting us post your question online.
All countries are supposed to need a prescription to buy HIV drugs. This includes In South Africa.
In some countries you might be able to buy some meds over the counter without a prescription (even if it is not legal). If you can do this, please make sure that you buy exactly the same meds that you usually take.
If you’re having access issues, please talk to your doctor.
Explain your situation, ask to have a few months of meds, even up to six months. This is now common in many countries. Often this is because of COVID.
Things have changed now in many countries, including South Africa.
Instead of being given a month at a time it is more common to get med for 2-6 months.
Hello Polly and thanks for getting in touch.
You might be able to do that online, but I don’t have any information currently about this.
I understand the situation must look difficult right now but please don’t lose hope.
A lot of good people are fighting and trying hard to give access to medication for all.
You can try emailing here to see if they can provide you with further information:
CHANGE: Community Health and HIV Advocates Navigating Global Emergencies
https://pepfarwatch.org/pepfar-funding-freeze/
Email: contact.change.2025@gmail.com
I want to buy ARVs .
Hello Nelly and thank you for the question.
I am very sorry you are experiencing such difficulty with the clinic.
You have done the right thing, going to the nearest clinic and registering with them.
I am based in the UK so I am not sure of the situation where you are.
Here in the UK, when someone transfers to a clinic it is expected that they will contact the old clinic and get the transfer letter.
The UK clinics will also give one month of medication to someone who has run out but has the bottles of their medication with them.
So, I would ask the clinic if they can request a transfer letter on your behalf.
Alternatively, you could try emailing your old clinic and ask for a transfer letter.
Also, bring the old bottles of medication to the new clinic and ask if they can give you a small supply.
Hi is it possible to get my treatment? I have a problem I can’t go back where I started my treatment because of some reasons. How can I get it where I am based now? I tried to go to the nearest clinic but they said they can’t give me ARVs if I don’t have transfer letter
Hello Thabo and thank you for the question.
I am sorry to hear you have difficulties to attend your clinic appointments.
Please consult a local community organisation that works in HIV.
They can give you accurate advice for your country and how to navigate the local healthcare system.
We are based in the UK and we don’t know the local conditions in each country
I’m struggling with my local clinic due to my work. I travel a lot an whn I come back from work an I didn’t make for my date thy give stories. So do we have any private doctor around east rand where can continue taking my medicine.