Question
How much do ARVs cost privately in South Africa?
1 May 2012. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, South Africa.
Answer
Hi
Drug pricing for HIV meds is complex. It varies depending whether a country is rich or poor because global agreements and treatment programmes recognise that richer countries are able to pay more for basic medicine.
It also related to how serious a health problem in terms of numbers of people who are HIV positive in that country. So although South Africa is a rich country, because HIV affects such a large percentage of the population, it can use generic HIV meds, which are also substantially cheaper.
The cost for ARVs in private are on this web page from the Treatment Action Campaign.
Hi Tendani,
If you want to know how much ARVs cost in South Africa, please see the above post. If you don’t live in South Africa, then if you could tell me where you live I’ll be able to help you. However, ARVs in a lot of countries are free.
How much do ARVs cost from the pharmacy?
Hi Bernard,
It all depends on what ARVs you’re taking. What are you on?
Is it advisable to drink ARVs immediately after eating? If not when is the right time for the dug to be effective?
Hi Nokuthula,
If you live in South Africa, yes you can buy ARV’s from a pharmacy. You do however need to have a prescription from your doctor. This is because in South Africa ARV’s can’t be sold without one.
Isn’t there a health center near to your school? Is there is you should be able to get them free there.
Hello, I am student and I stay far away from the health facility. Can I buy ARV’s at any pharmacy or which pharmacy can I get them?
Hi Teller,
Its great to hear that you’ve not had any side effects. Though this may seem strange, it can and does happen. This is because not all people who start meds get side effects. You’ve been lucky.
With regards to how much do ARVs cost, this depends on where you live. If you’re in South Africa then please see the above post. If you aren’t in South Africa, where is it that you live?
I’ve started my AVRs, I’m not having any side effects, is this normal? How much to ARVs cost?
Hi Buhle,
If you live in South Africa, then yes you can get ARVs in a pharmacy. However, you will need a prescription from either a doctor or a HIV specialist nurse. You can also get them for free from a public clinic.
Can I get ARVs in the pharmacy?