Information for GPs in NSW – please distribute to all staff
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) are reporting limited supply of combination tenofovir disoproxil plus
emtricitabine in Australia, with return to supply of various brands expected between November 2024 and March
2025. Refer to the TGA website for further information: https://apps.tga.gov.au/Prod/msi/Search?shortagetype=All
(search for “tenofovir”).
How GPs can manage the shortage
If patients report difficulty obtaining supply of combination tenofovir disoproxil plus emtricitabine, GPs can:
• Ask the patient to purchase PrEP online from international pharmacies via PrEP Access NOW (PAN.org.au)
under the TGA Personal Importation Scheme. A brand new (never filled) script for 90 days that is written within
the last 12 months is required to be provided when ordering. Delivery times are 10-21 days. The cost of
purchasing 90 tablets is approximately $55-$66.
• Discuss switching to “on demand” PrEP dosing if this would reduce the amount of drug required. See the ACON
On-Demand Dosing Guide https://endinghiv.org.au/blog/prep-on-demand-dosing-guide/.
• Refer patients who have exhausted their PrEP supply, and who report that they are unable to use other HIV
prevention methods such as condoms and lube while waiting for delivery, to Sexual Health Infolink for the
most up-to date access information.
• Where practice systems allow, actively recall your PrEP clients early to assist them in managing delays with
international delivery if local stock is not available.
NSW has secured a sufficient stock of medication to meet the needs of NSW PrEP users for the current expected
shortage period up to November 2024.
HIV PEP
HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is available within a maximum of 72 hours (within 24 hours is most effective)
after a known or suspected exposure to HIV to prevent HIV infection.
HIV PEP is available from:
• NSW Health Public Sexual Health Clinics (health.nsw.gov.au/sexual-health-clinics)
• Most public Emergency Departments
Call the PEP Hotline: 1800 737 669 (1800 PEP NOW) or visit https://www.getpep.info/get-pep-now/nsw/ for more
information.
Further advice
Contact Sexual Health Info Link on 1800 451 624, Monday to Friday, 9am-7pm; select option 1 for health
professionals.
Dr Nathan Ryder
Sexual Health Physician
Head, NSW STI Programs Unit
NSW Health