Using PrEP? Read here how!

Step 1: Choose your doctor

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 you’ll need to buy it at the pharmacy (± €30 / 30 pills), and the STI tests you get through your GP will be charged against your own risk in your health insurance.
  • Municipal Health Service (GGD)
    Since August 1, 2019, some STI clinics of the Municipal Health Service (GGD) offer PrEP care and provision. The significant advantage here is that everything is available under one roof, from STI tests to buying PrEP. Also, PrEP is much cheaper here than through your GP, only €7.50 per month. The catch is that there are limited spots available. 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.
  • HIV treatment center
    Contact your nearest HIV treatment center. The HIV specialists can prescribe PrEP if your GP is unwilling to cooperate. Since the HIV specialist is expensive, this will definitely count towards your own risk. You’ll also need a referral from your GP. Seek help from the HIV specialist if your GP is unwilling to cooperate.

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:
    • HIV (at the start of PrEP, one month after starting PrEP, and then every 3 months)
    • Kidney function (at the start of PrEP, one month after starting PrEP, and then every 3 to 6 months)
    • Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and Hepatitis C (every 3 months)
    • Hepatitis B (only at the start of PrEP)

It is wise to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

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.