California Makes PrEP and PEP Available Without Prescription...

[OneTampa]

The state is the first in the nation to expand access this way, something advocates say is key for rural and minority populations.

BY TRUDY RING
OCTOBER 07 2019 7:40 PM EDT

Link:

https://www.advocate.com/health/2019/10/07/california-makes-prep-and-pep-available-without-prescription?fbclid=IwAR0QReemVmgQ08df0LmO6-blqprY3V8PUzbNqygPyN9LXSPel4DkpIfP_e0[/size]

[Jim Allen]

I do think this is good. I know there are arguments against it but I think the benefits this brings to the widest number of people outways them.

Senate Bill 159 will expand access to the prevention drugs, its backers say, as the need to obtain a prescription is a barrier for many people. The bill authorizes pharmacists to furnish at least a 30-day supply and up to a 60-day supply of drugs used for pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, without a prescription, according to a press release from Equality California, a cosponsor of the bill. It also allows them to provide a full course of drugs used for post-exposure prophylaxis, of PEP.

[BKKKevin]

This is good news - But they don’t make any progress on cost?...
My assumption is these meds are still $1,000+ for 30 day supply?...
Not something people will just pop into the Wallgreens for...

Here in Thailand generic Truvada is about $20 for 30 days...

[Expat1]

A person could get generic Tenofovir and 3tc for under $100 (per month) using a pharmacy coupon like one from  good RX.

https://www.goodrx.com/tenofovir

Generic Viread
TENOFOVIR is an antiretroviral medicine. It is used with other medicines to treat hepatitis B virus and HIV. This medicine is not a cure for hepatitis B or HIV. This medicine can lower, but not fully prevent, the risk of spreading hepatitis B or HIV to others. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of tenofovir is around $26.13, 97% off the average retail price of $922.83.

[Expat1]

 Discount Drug Coupon
Your Prescription:
tenofovir 300mg
30 tablets
Discounted price with this coupon:
24.88

If your prescription is for 30 tablets to be taken over 84+ days.

26.13

If your prescription is for 30 tablets to be taken over 1 to 83 days.

This is your estimated price at Costco; the pharmacy will provide the exact pricing.
Pharmacist Info:
Member ID
AE856320
RxGroup
R4560
RxBin
018951
RxPCN
GBX
Customer Questions Call: 1-855-426-4465Pharmacist Questions Call: 1-855-782-3703This coupon will not work for pet prescriptions. GoodRx provides discounts for pets. If you would like help finding a pet coupon, please call 1-855-426-4465 during business hours.

[Jim Allen]

 

https://www.poz.com/article/prep-may-available-without-docs-prescription-two-states

Colorado and Oregon could become the next two states to allow pharmacists to prescribe pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) without a doctor’s prescription. Lawmakers in both states introduced legislation earlier this year to allow easier and faster access to the HIV prevention pills.

Last year, California passed a similar bill. It went into effect January 1, 2020.

Colorado lawmakers introduced a bill on January 1 that would allow pharmacists to prescribe PrEP or PEP without a prescription from a doctor. The legislation would also prevent health insurers from requiring their clients to obtain an authorization before using their insurance to pay for the preventive meds, according to the Loveland Reporter Herald.

More than 14,000 people are living with HIV in Colorado, reports the newspaper.

In Oregon, lawmakers introduced similar bills. Advocates told the Portland Mercury that the legislation is needed to help people in rural areas more easily access health care resources.