PrEP

PrEP is an HIV prevention option that can be considered by anyone who is at risk of acquiring HIV. If taken as prescribed, PrEP is extremely effective at preventing the acquisition of HIV from sexual partners.

All doctors in New Zealand are able to prescribe PrEP, but there’s a chance you might run into one who hasn’t heard of it before. If this happens to you, you could direct them to the Ending HIV and NZAF websites to learn about it - this will help you get on PrEP without visiting multiple clinics, as well as helping their future clients stay safe from HIV.

You can also check out our online map that shows you PrEP-friendly providers around New Zealand.

If taken as directed, PrEP is proven to be highly effective at preventing HIV acquisition - which means you can make the most of the heat of the moment. Remember that PrEP doesn’t protect you against other STIs, so condoms are still an important prevention tool that you can use while taking PrEP. Also, there’s some forward planning required if you’re going to take 2-1-1.

If you are not eligible for publicly-funded PrEP, there are options available to you, however there will be a cost. Burnett Foundation Aotearoa offers access to free PrEP for international students. However, you will still need to pay for your appointments and regular testing.

You can also import generic versions of PrEP from overseas using a prescription from a New Zealand doctor, or buy it directly from a local pharmacy at a similar price.

The first step in getting a PrEP prescription is to talk to a doctor. After that, there are a few steps, but it’s an easy process..

Check out our guide to see all the steps you’ll need to take to get on PrEP.

If you're eligible for funded PrEP, the cost of the medication should be $5 for a three-month supply, plus the cost of a GP visit every three months.

In addition to the initial GP visit/s and prescription fee, PrEP requires three-monthly check-ins for HIV and STI testing, and prescription renewal - so, this will involve a standard GP visit fee.

If you cannot access publicly funded PrEP, Burnett Foundation offers access to free PrEP for international students and low income NZers. However, you will still need to pay for your appointments and regular testing.

Taking a medication like PrEP doesn’t imply you aren’t healthy. It's a preventative measure to keep you healthy if you are likely to be having condomless anal sex with casual partners.

The potential side-effects are experienced by a small proportion of PrEP users and for people having unprotected casual anal sex, the risk of HIV acquisition is greater than the risk of side-effects.

Though a doctor might not be high on the list of people you want to talk to about your sex life, it’s really important to try to be open and honest with them in order for you to stay as healthy as possible. Remember, what you say to a doctor will be confidential and they will uphold your privacy.

Check out our strategies for talking to a doctor about sex, or get help finding a PrEP-friendly provider.

While most people will breeze through taking PrEP without noticing anything, some may experience side effects. These side-effects are usually mild and go away after the first month on PrEP.  Some reported side effects can include: gas, bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, and low energy.

Read more about potential side effects here.

PrEP is extremely effective at preventing HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP can be your own personal bodyguard. But it’s really important to remember that PrEP doesn’t prevent other STIs like syphilis and gonorrhoea, so condoms are still an important prevention tool.

The first step in getting a PrEP prescription is to talk to a doctor. After that, there are a few steps, but it’s a simple process.

Check out our guide to see all the steps you’ll need to take to get a prescription for PrEP.