Question
Can I buy ARVs from a pharmacy without a prescription?
5 September 2021. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, South 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.
Hi Karel, please see the answer to the main question on this thread.
Can I buy arv without prescription at pharmacy
Hi Happy, as i-base is a UK based charity I do not have information about access in other countries. Are you able to contact the pharmacy directly and ask?
Hi can I buy arv’s frm the pharmacy because I am far frm the clinic
Hi Joseph, unfortautnely i-base does not have any more information than what is mentioned in the main question.
I’m very far away about my work and I have no prescription for my treatment can i buy it from Clicks or chemistry?
Hi Eugene, please go to the pharmacy and ask. As i-base is UK based I do not have information about emergency access in other countries.
What ARVs do you normally take?
Hi I am away from home and forgot my ARVs can I get 2 tablets for emergency at my local pharmacy
Hi Nompumelelo, as i-base is UK based I am unsure about accessing ARVs in other countries. Are you able to go this pharmacy and ask? Which country are you in?
Hi can I buy my ARVs at pharmacy I used to take my treatment at clinic but now I’m far from the clinic