PrEPnu step-by-step guide

To get PrEP, you need a doctor who will prescribe it and arrange tests for you. You have three options for this:

• General Practitioner (GP)
  Ask your GP to prescribe PrEP for you. While most doctors recognize the benefits of PrEP, we know from experience that some GPs may be hesitant to prescribe it. Don’t be discouraged. Consider bringing this professional PrEP guideline printout to your GP, which explains exactly what your doctor needs to do to support you properly. A rule of thumb is: if you have to put in a lot of effort to convince your GP to give you a PrEP prescription, find another doctor.
  PrEPnu has a list of GPs who are definitely willing to prescribe PrEP. You can find the list here. If you can’t find a GP in your area on this list, try to find a doctor through one of the alternatives below. The disadvantage of getting PrEP through your GP is that the STI tests you get through your GP will be charged against your own risk in your health insurance.
• Municipal Health Service (GGD)
  The STI clinics of the Municipal Health Service (GGD) offer PrEP care and provision. The significant advantage here is that GGDs have a lot of experience in offering PrEP care, and that consultations and tests are free of charge. The catch is that there are limited spots available and you may be confronted with a waiting list. This PrEP option is mainly intended for people with limited financial means or those who couldn’t get it through their GP. You can find the STI clinics of the GGD near you here.
• Online service or clinic
  If your GP doesn’t want to prescribe you PrEP and the GGD can’t accommodate you (yet), a specialised online service or clinic might be a good solution. There is a growing number of parties offering these kind of services that are also eligible for reimbursement by health insurance. Generally, consultations take place online or by phone and you can go to a local laboratory for testing. Sometimes a referral from your GP is required. More information about these options can be found here.

If you’re having trouble, send us a message.

Translation in English:

There are several tests you must undergo before starting PrEP. You must also repeat these tests regularly while using PrEP. What tests should you get:

Costs

To save costs, you can get tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis B for free at your local STD clinic (GGD) or arrange this online via MantotMan’s Test Lab.

Testing your kidney function is usually only possible at your general practitioner’s office, and if you also get tested for hepatitis C at the GP, this may cost you approximately €15 from your own risk each time.

You can, of course, get all the tests done at your GP’s office, but the costs for STD tests will be deducted from your own risk. In that case, expect to pay about €210 for the entire package each time. If you have already reached your own risk limit, it doesn’t matter where you get the tests done; they will be covered by your health insurance.

Read more about why these tests are necessary in the frequently asked questions section.

IMPORTANT: If you use PrEP, get tested for HIV, kidney function, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and Hepatitis C EVERY 3 MONTHS.

Your doctor will not provide you with a new prescription if you haven’t done these tests, so it’s essential that you keep track of these tests yourself and schedule a new appointment with your doctor on time.

Step 3: Receive your prescription

Your doctor must write a prescription for generic Emtricitabine-Tenofovir disoproxil. These are the components that make up PrEP. There should be no brand name on the prescription.

IMPORTANT: Are you taking other medications as well? Inform your doctor about them. Some medications may not interact well with PrEP. Your pharmacy can also check this for you.

Tip: Immediately after receiving the prescription, schedule your next appointment with your doctor!

You can buy PrEP at the pharmacy. So, you need to take your prescription to the pharmacy.

Unfortunately, PrEP is not covered by your health insurance, so you have to pay for it yourself. PrEP costs at least around €20 for 30 pills.

PrEP is manufactured by different companies and, therefore, varies in price.

They all work equally well; however, Centrafarm may have limited shelf life. This is only a concern if you do not take PrEP every day. In that case, ask for one of the other brands.

PrEPnu has compiled a list of pharmacies selling PrEP. We always focus on the most affordable option for each pharmacy.

This is just a small selection of pharmacies. In principle, every pharmacy should be able to provide PrEP at a low price. So, ask if there is inexpensive PrEP available at your own pharmacy.

If you are having trouble finding PrEP or your pharmacy is not cooperative, contact PrEPnu here. We will assist you further.