11 frequently asked questions about PrEP through the GGD
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From 1 August, you will no longer get PrEP at the GGD, but a only a prescription. With that prescription, you buy your own PrEP from a pharmacy. What you pay for it differs per brand and per pharmacy. You can choose which pharmacy you buy your PrEP from. You can continue to go to the GGD for your check-ups and the prescription. Those checks will then be standard twice a year, instead of four times. You can also choose to go to your own GP for your check-ups and PrEP prescription.
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The price for 30 pills varies a lot by brand, place and pharmacy. At one pharmacy you pay €12,50 and at another €62,-. Fortunately, you can choose which pharmacy you go to, it does not have to be your regular pharmacy. PrEPnu keeps a PrEP price list of pharmacies in different places in the Netherlands.
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Yes, you may. With a valid prescription, you can go to any pharmacy to buy your PrEP. There are also reliable online pharmacies such as MijnApotheek.nl and Nationale Apotheek.
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No, you get pills at the GGD that will give you enough until August 1. You don't get a supply.
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The GGD's Sexual Health Centre (CSG) employs doctors who specialise in PrEP care. Because if you use PrEP, you do need guidance from a doctor. You need to have regular HIV/STI tests and have your kidneys checked. These tests are free at the CSG. CSG doctors can also answer all your questions about PrEP. Especially when you start using PrEP, it is nice to have specialised guidance.
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It is supposed to. Because you get the pills yourself from the pharmacy, the GGD is no longer dependent on its own supply. And the GGD gets money from the government to help more people. Also, the standard checks will soon be twice a year instead of four times a year. And only more often if really necessary. The doctor decides that together with you. This way, more people can get PrEP care and the waiting list will be a lot shorter. Are you on the waiting list? Then chances are it will be your turn sooner.
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Yes, you can. More and more GPs also provide PrEP care. Often your own GP knows you better than a doctor at the GGD. Your own doctor also knows your (medical) history. Moreover, your GP is often closer and you can easily make a quick appointment by calling or emailing.
At the GP's, you pay the HIV and STI tests out of your deductible. If your deductible runs out, your health insurer will reimburse you for the tests. Like at the GGD, your GP will give you a prescription to get PrEP at the pharmacy. You pay for the pills yourself.
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Yes, you can. But it is safer to take PrEP daily. If you use PrEP properly, you are well protected against HIV. That means you should not forget or skip a pill. You are less likely to forget a pill if you are used to taking it every day at a fixed time.
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At least twice a year for an HIV and STI test. And because PrEP can affect your kidneys, you will also be checked once a year if your kidneys are working properly. Sometimes it is necessary to come for a check-up more often. For example, if you have complaints or a sex partner has told you about an STI. Your doctor will also advise you about this.
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Not all GPs give a prescription or care for PrEP. Is your GP unable or unwilling to help you? Then ask for a referral to another GP or ask the GGD for advice. You can also go to an online GP. Read more about all the options for getting PrEP in the Netherlands.
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Just like your GP, the pharmacy treats your data confidentially. However, you might not be comfortable buying your PrEP from your regular pharmacy.
You can choose which pharmacy to buy your PrEP from. This can also be an online pharmacy that sends the pills by post. You pay for the pills yourself, so they do not end up in your health insurance cost summary.
If you want to get your PrEP from another pharmacy than the rest of your medicines, the pharmacy will ask your permission for a link with the LSP (National Switch Point). This prevents you from receiving medicines that you cannot handle, for example due to an allergy. We therefore recommend giving permission for this link. But if you do not want to, you can refuse.
