Stronger together against HIV

Today is World AIDS Day. A day on which we reflect on HIV and AIDS, but also on the progress made in the fight against this disease. Did you know that recently PreP medication (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is also available through community pharmacies? In this article we explain what HIV and PreP are and how we can help you.

What is HIV?

Hiv stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This virus affects your immune system, making your body less able to fight off infections. Without treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS, a serious disease in which your immune system is severely weakened. Fortunately, HIV is nowadays treatable with medication. This allows people with HIV to live healthy and normal lives.

Learn more about HIV? Visit the website of the AIDS Fund or the GGD.

What is PreP?

PreP is a medication you can take to prevent HIV infection. It is intended for people who are at increased risk of HIV, for example, if you have a partner with HIV or if you have regularly alternating sexual contacts. PreP works by blocking the virus before it can infect your body.

PreP is very effective, but it does not protect against other STIs. Therefore, it is important to use other precautions, such as condoms.

According to the guidelines of the RIVM and Soa AIDS Netherlands, using PreP is safe and effective.

PreP through the community pharmacy

Since recently, you can pick up PreP medication through us, the community pharmacy. This means you no longer have to depend on special HIV centers. We make sure you can pick up your medication safely and discreetly. How do we work?

Prescription needed: For PreP, you need a prescription from a doctor. Your family doctor or a doctor in an STI clinic can help you with this.
Check and advice: We check whether the medicine is suitable for you and we give advice on its use. PreP only works optimally if you take it correctly.

More information about applying for PreP can be found on the websites of Soa Aids Netherlands or the GGD.