Country Issues and HIV Drugs

[Kalel]

Hi all! I've being living with HIV for 5 years now, I'm UD, my currently my regimen is
Norvir +Tenofovir & Lamivudina + Darunavir(x2) and i live in Brazil.

There are many rumors around my country that the new President (Jair Bolsonaro) will stop the govern from giving FREE meds for the Country. I know it's a very drastic atittude and can be hard to be implemented but I'm trying to undestand my options if that happens.

1. Should I buy some extra meds? To prevent any "run out"
I've being searching for my meds on internet, and they are REALLY hard to find and very expensive, found them on Canada and India, and it might cost me around $800 dolars for a 2 months regimen. Is it worth it? I'm also not sure if the websites are trustfull for that amount of money. Is there any indication on how/where can I buy it?

2. Should I plan moving to another Country (legally)
Brazilians do not need VISA for Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Portugal and Mexico. But will these countries give me free meds? There is a limit of time that I can stay in these countries, so what would I do next? I am willing to pay for a medical plan if necessary. But not sure if thats an option.

3. Should I plan going to go to another country (illegally)
This would be my last option, but is it an option at all? I still have VISA as a turist for some countries. But will I be able to get my meds if I just get there? And what next?


Please don't get me wrong, I'm not happy on coming up with these ideias, but planing makes me feel more calm. And if this happens, and there is an option to pay an reasonable money for my meds in my Country, I would stay.

But I can imagine how people would go panic and maybe buy more than necessary, so the meds would eventually run out! I know how important is to keep my regimen.

Sorry my bad English, and thanks a lot for any support.

[Dfwguy]

I completely understand your dilemna. It is always Smart to review various options. If the situation gets bad, I would attempt to move out of Brazil. You might check to see if HIV testing is required to get a residence visa. Argentina/Uruguay would be a good option. I do not know about the cost of medications.  Here in the USA, we have elections next week. If the Democrats do not win a majority, we fear  the situation in the USA will become like Brazil- and the government stop paying for HIV medications.
Best of luck to you- please reply back with future updates

[Tonny2]

     ojo.    Hello there... I'm sorry about your dilema, I talk to several Brazilian friends who are HIV positive, and they are concerned too...I know that the government of Argentina is cutting funds for HIV treatment... I heard that in Mexico anyone can get meds, although there are guidelines for what treatment to start you with... I agree with the previous member's reply. I even heard Trump praising your new  president, which we know he likes dictators... I guess we all have to wait and see what happens... Do not lose hope.

I think that that medication you're taking, specially darunavir/norvir, are more expensive than $800 for 2 months. that website where you check for med's prices is wrong... Good luck and please Keep in touch...abracos...tchau.    ojo

[Matland]

Ok i am typing these sentences hoping that these make you relieved.

I live in Turkey and you might know that we are having a huge economic crisis here like Argentina. Our currency lost its value for a couple of Last months over %150 or something. We are the second worst country in an economic basis after Argentina. Our president is alike your president. Here in Turkey hiv+ People feared about What you feel right now. Because most of us on Genvoya or Truimeq treatment and both are imported from abroad. Anyways, health issues are very critical here and health policies are so determinative  that the government had to explained that there Would be no expense reduction for medications, operations and other health issues. Health politics can be counted as number 1 to consider when People vote here. What i say is that hiv as like in the other parts of the world, is a Public health issue. It is impossible to cut the funds for treatment. Otherwise it can cause greater problems which need much more money than they need now.

By the way i am sorry for the result of the elections. In my country People started to ask that question for the world: are we coming in a New medieval age? I think it is worth to think about it.

[Expat1]

I believe that you should get the prescriptions, and travel once per year to India to obtain the medicine/

[kentfrat1783]

I'm still nervous about the election this coming Tuesday in the USA. 

Then again we are currently working on the health insurance renewal at work and the rates are either going to go up by 20% (or around) or the deductible will rise again.  Ugh.  I'm going to have to start using the copay cards for my Rx's. 

Let's hope things go better then you expect in your country.  BTW try to enjoy your day.

[Expat1]

On a sidenote, perhaps it would be easier to source your medicine in South Africa if need be.