Australia is experiencing a nationwide shortage of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a crucial medication used to prevent HIV, due to supply issues affecting multiple suppliers.
The shortage, which could last for months, also impacts a medication used in combination with other drugs to treat people living with HIV.
While many living with HIV have already switched to newer treatment options unaffected by the shortage, the situation has raised concerns within the community, especially for those taking PrEP for HIV prevention.
An Australian government website lists October 11 and 14 as being when it estimates the supply impact will be over for two types of PrEP medication and November 8 for another.
Pharmacies in Sydney’s inner city, including Serafim Pharmacy in Surry Hills, Chemist Warehouse in Darlinghurst and Paddington Compounding Pharmacy reported to customers last week that they were unable to fill PrEP prescriptions due to the shortage. Melbourne CBD pharmacies are reporting the same.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which monitors the supply of medicines in Australia, confirmed to Gay Sydney News that it is aware of shortages involving tenofovir-containing medicines, including those used for PrEP and treating HIV.
The TGA website lists Alphapharm and Sandoz bottles of tenofovir-containing medication with supply impact dates that last until October 11 and October 14 respectively while blister pack versions of the tablets from Arrotex Pharmaceuticals have a supply impact date that lasts until November 8.
The TGA cited “commercial changes/commercial viability” and “manufacturing” issues as reasons for the shortages and stated that it is working with pharmaceutical companies to mitigate the impact and resolve the issue as soon as possible.
“While we are not responsible for co-ordinating the supply of medicines in Australia, the TGA works with pharmaceutical companies (known as sponsors) to minimise the effects on patients,” it said.
“The TGA and sponsors are undertaking various management actions to help ease the effects of these shortages and resolve them as soon as possible,” the TGA said.
It advised those affected to consult their health professionals for personalised advice and support.
Matthew Vaughan, director of HIV and sexual health at LGBTQ+ health organisation ACON, said his organisation had been in contact with PrEP suppliers and that he understood the issue was expected to be resolved soon, with more supply expected to arrive “within the coming months”.
“ACON understands that this situation may be concerning, but we are confident that it will be resolved in the coming months,” he said. “In the meantime, please take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your sexual partners, which is something our communities have always done.”
He urged individuals to plan ahead to avoid running out of medication, advising that it may be necessary to visit multiple pharmacies and that there may be limitations on how many bottles of PrEP you are able to obtain.
Vaughan suggested alternative methods for obtaining PrEP, such as online personal importation through platforms like Green Cross Pharmacy, and noted that ACON was unaware of any supply issues affecting international suppliers.
Vaughan also recommended that individuals consider adjusting their PrEP regimen, particularly those not engaging in regular sexual activity, by switching to an on-demand dosing schedule. This approach can help conserve medication while still providing high levels of protection.
He said that PrEP is not the only method available for preventing HIV transmission, highlighting that people with an undetectable viral load cannot pass on HIV to their partners, and condoms remain an effective prevention method.
Vaughan also reminded individuals of the availability of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which must be started within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV and can be accessed through the Sydney Sexual Health Centre or a hospital emergency department.
For more information on obtaining PrEP through online platforms, visit PrEP Access Now at pan.org.au/buy-prep-online. Detailed information about on-demand dosing is available on the Ending HIV website (endinghiv.org.au).
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
