Travel and PrEP can be a stressful combination if you don't plan ahead. "I just didn't get around to it" is one of the most common reasons people end up abroad without their medication.
The problem: forward planning is underestimated
PrEP needs to be taken consistently — either daily or using the on-demand protocol. Travel disrupts routine. Regular appointments fall away. And medication isn't always easy to obtain abroad.
What to sort before you leave
- Do you have enough tablets to cover the full trip, plus a few spare days?
- Is your prescription current enough to refill at a pharmacy?
- Are you packing your medication in your carry-on rather than checked luggage?
Simple tip
Count backwards from your departure date and fill your prescription in advance — even if you still have stock. This avoids running short right before you leave.
PrEP in other countries
Within the EU, TDF/FTC (the generic of Truvada®) is approved in many countries, but availability in pharmacies varies. In some countries it's prescription-only; in others it may be difficult to obtain. Don't rely on being able to pick it up spontaneously at a pharmacy abroad.
What to do if it does go wrong
If PrEP is forgotten or runs out: stay calm. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is an option after a specific possible exposure — but must be started within 72 hours and is not a substitute for PrEP. Look for medical advice locally and be honest about what happened.
Digital support while travelling
Some digital providers can respond quickly to prescription renewal requests — which can be useful even when you're away.
PrEP care that actually feels like care
With alloCare, you can manage your PrEP discreetly online — with doctors who genuinely know their field.
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