Medications used for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) experiencing supply shortages in Australia

As of 9 September 2024, Australia is currently experiencing a supply shortage of medications containing tenofovir and emtricitabine, which are commonly used for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Despite this shortage, pharmacists, HIV PrEP prescribers, and people using HIV PrEP should not be alarmed — shortages are expected to resolve later this year for most brands.

Current impact of HIV PrEP shortage

People using HIV PrEP medications affected by the shortage may be impacted in the following ways: 

1. People eligible for Medicare with a valid script for HIV PrEP may only be able to purchase one bottle of the drug at a time.  
2. People may need to wait a couple of days for a supply of HIV PrEP medications at their local pharmacy.  
3. People may need to travel to an alternative pharmacy to purchase HIV PrEP medication.  
4. People can access HIV PrEP online via personal importation through platforms such as Green Cross Pharmacy. More information about online outlets is available through PrEP Access Now at pan.org.au/buy-prep-online. 
5. The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) has recently approved the importation and supply of overseas-registered tenofovir/emtricitabine tablets under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. Further information can be found here.  
6. Specifically in NSW, we are aware that NSW Health are working to ensure access to HIV PrEP and HIV PEP medication is available for those who need them. 

Supporting people who use HIV PrEP during the shortage

HIV PrEP prescribers can support people who use PrEP in the following ways: 

1. Let people who are seeking a HIV PrEP prescription know that there is a supply shortage and the current impacts of that shortage (as above).  
2. Re-assure patients the issue is expected to be resolved, and that HIV PrEP is still accessible through many pharmacies and online.  
3. Discuss information on alternative ways of staying protected against HIV during the current shortage which suits each person’s personal and clinical circumstances — for example, using On Demand PrEP dose scheduling or using condoms.  
4. Patients should maintain their regular HIV testing schedule, especially if their HIV PrEP dosing schedule has changed due to the shortage. 

More information on supply shortages

You can keep up-to-date on current medication supply shortages by using the Therapeutic Goods Association’s Medicine shortage reports database.