GPs are not able to prescribe antiretroviral drugs, and there are specialist HIV and sexual health clinics in most areas around the country. You will get a prescription for your HIV treatment when you attend your regular HIV clinic appointment, which you can take to either the specialist HIV pharmacy (in larger clinics) or to the hospital’s outpatient pharmacy. A high-street chemist will not usually dispense antiretroviral drugs, unless your clinic has an agreement with a particular chemist.

You should be given supplies to last until your next clinic appointment. Generally, the maximum that can be dispensed is a six-month supply. Once you are stable on HIV treatment, with an undetectable viral load, you may be able to arrange with your clinic to have your HIV treatment delivered to you or a local pharmacy. You will still need to attend regular HIV clinic appointments to have your health monitored.

The pharmacist will ask you if you are allergic to any medicines and explain how to take the drugs that have been prescribed to you. They will also ask you about the medicines you may be taking so that they can check for any potential interactions with these medicines and anti-HIV drugs. Pharmacists can help you with managing your medication use, including adherence, side-effects, drug interactions, food and drink requirements, storage, pill swallowing, and advice on taking your medicines while travelling. Pharmacists are also able to advise you on selecting a suitable over-the-counter medicine for conditions such as hay fever, colds or pain control.