PrEP for HIV prevention: emtricitabine with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada)
We’re making emtricitabine with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate available for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for prevention of HIV infection for people who meet the funding criteria.
This means about 4000 people in New Zealand will be able to access PrEP.
Truvada is available for eligible people from 1 March 2018.
For consumers
What's PrEP?
The NZ AIDS Foundation has information about PrEP on their websites:
Ending HIV: What's PrEP?(external link)
Ending HIV: PrEP information for patients (2018)(external link)
How do I know if I’m eligible to be prescribed funded PrEP?
Funded PrEP is available for people at high risk of contracting HIV, such as men having sex with men (MSM) or transgender people.
When is PrEP available and funded in New Zealand?
From 1 March 2018.
Who can prescribe PrEP for me?
Starting PrEP
Your first prescription for PrEP needs to be written by a named HIV specialist, or on the recommendation of a named HIV specialist.
Continuing on PrEP
You have to renew your prescription for PrEP every 3 months.
PrEP can be renewed by general practitioners with an up to date knowledge of the safety issues, and competent to prescribe PrEP. You'll need to have certain blood tests and other tests before your prescription is renewed.
What else can I do to prevent an HIV infection?
Condoms are the main way for everyone to prevent an HIV infection.
Condoms are fully funded on prescription, are highly effective, and reduce the chance of most sexually-transmitted infections being passed from one person to another.
What if I have more questions?
If you have any questions about funded PrEP you can contact PHARMAC:
- 0800 66 00 50 or
- enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
If you have general questions about PrEP you can contact New Zealand Aids Foundation (NZAF):
- 0800 802 437 or
- contact@nzaf.org.nz
For prescribers
Who is eligible for PrEP?
Who is eligible to prescribe PrEP?
Starting PrEP
A patient's first prescription for PrEP needs to be written by a named HIV specialist, or on the recommendation of a named HIV specialist.
Continuing on PrEP
Patients must renew their PrEP prescriptions every 3 months.
PrEP can be renewed by general practitioners with an up to date knowledge of the safety issues, and competent to prescribe PrEP.
Can I submit a Special Authority application before receiving endorsement or recommendation of the application from a named HIV specialist?
No. You need the endorsement or recommendation of a named HIV specialist for your patient to have access to their first PrEP prescription before submitting the Special Authority application to Sector Operations Group ("Sector Services").
Which services have named HIV specialists who can make a Special Authority application or endorse a Special Authority application I’m making?
The Special Authority requires all initial applications for a person to access funded PrEP to be from, or on the recommendation of, a named HIV specialist.
The following services have access to HIV specialists:
| Service | Phone |
|---|---|
| Auckland Sexual Health Clinics | 0800 739 432 |
| Hamilton Sexual Health | 07 839 8732 |
| Tauranga-Clinic 2 | 07 579 8157 |
| Rotorua Sexual Health Service | 07 349 7918 |
| Napier Sexual Health Centre | 06 834 1815 |
| Palmerston North Sexual Health | 0800 808 602 |
| Wellington Sexual Health | 0800 188 881 |
| Christchurch Sexual Health Centre | 03 364 0485 |
| Dunedin Sexual Health Clinic | 0800 742 546 |
| Southland Sexual Health Service | 0800 742 546 |
How can I learn about prescribing PrEP?
The Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) provide online training courses. This training will equip you to renew PrEP applications for your patients.
Where can I find more information about PrEP?
The NZ AIDS Foundation website has good information if you are currently prescribing or considering prescribing PrEP, including helpful guidelines, learning modules and resources.
For pharmacists
When am I able to dispense prescriptions for funded PrEP?
Funded PrEP will be available to dispense from 1 March 2018.
What if I have more questions?
If you have questions about funded PrEP you can contact PHARMAC:
- 0800 66 00 50 or
- enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Last updated: 6 September 2019
