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.
Hi Phakama, when was your last CD4 count and viral load test? Do you remember what treatment you were on previously?
In most countries ARVs are a prescription only medication and you will need to speak to a doctor/clinic before being able to access treatment. Do you still have your treatment notes/summary from when you last received treatment and/or are you able to contact your old clinic?
Where are you now staying?
I’m HIV positive it’s been 8yrs now ..but the last seen of treatment was 2022 bcz of work I’m coming out of town now I’m staying here p.e I don’t have transferred from clinic I want to start over a treatment…can I buy ARV at clicks or chemist
Hi Tsundzuka, in the UK you can only access treatment with a prescription. This is true in most countries as the medication needs to be given by a doctor. Where are you based? and why do you not want to attend a clinic? are you able to maintain having regular CD4 count and viral load tests?
I know my stutas and all this thing’s and what tablets i used so that i can be able to buy for my self without going to clinic
Hi Noli, ARVs usually can’t be purchased over the counter. Do you have a prescription or a previous doctors note detailing that you regularly take treatment?
Hi I am workingMon to Fri and I dnt have a chance for clinic can I buy Arvs over the counter
Hi Rachel, prescriptions between countries do not usually work due to different laws. Have you enquired with the pharmacy if you would be able to do this? and do you know of any local health clinics where you can be tested and prescribed treatment in South Africa so you do not need to rely on your Zimbabwean prescription?
Hie I have a Zimbabwean prescription can I buy medication in South Africa
Hi Nhlapo, as i-base is a UK based charity I do not have information about access in Tanzania. Have you asked your pharmacy if you are able to buy them?
Most countries will require that you have a prescription for ARVs from a doctor before starting treatment.
Hi I am in Tanzania and can I buy ARV s from the pharmacy