PrEP Vienna
HIV PrEP discreetly at Johann Strauss Pharmacy
What is HIV-PrEP?
HIV PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. This involves HIV-negative individuals taking an HIV medication preventatively to significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection.
PrEP specifically protects against HIV – in concrete terms, it reduces the risk of HIV transmission by up to 86%. However, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea or hepatitis. That is why regular STI testing and practising safe sex remain important.
PrEP is useful for whom?
An HIV PrEP can be useful for people who have an increased risk of HIV. This includes, for example:
- People with a changing number of sexual partners
- People with HIV-positive partners without reliably suppressed viral load or
- Repeated risk contacts
Whether PrEP is suitable for your situation should always be clarified by a doctor. Before starting, an HIV test, medical check-ups, and screening for potential co-existing conditions, among other things, are important.
Get PrEP medication in Vienna
At the Johann Strauss Pharmacy, you can obtain your PrEP medication in Vienna with a doctor's prescription (prescription-only).
The cost is €47.90 per pack of 28 (in blister packs) or €49.90 per pack of 30 (in a tin).
We will inform you about taking, possible interactions, and correct application.
Through our focus on HIV & STIs and we can offer you comprehensive and individual advice. And also STI-Screenings are part of our services.
You will also receive important information from us regarding HIV PrEP, PEP, sexual health and any further steps after a risky contact. Our pharmacy is a discreet point of contact for both statutory and private patients.
Recipe, Cost & Reimbursement
Since April 2024, the costs for HIV PrEP are reimbursed under certain conditions.
Insured individuals (with the exception of insured individuals of health insurance funds for general practitioners) receive a reimbursement of up to 60 euros per month for medication, as well as 25 euros per quarter for doctor's appointments.
You will generally need the prescription and the pharmacy invoice for this. These documents can be submitted to your relevant health insurance provider.
Income schedule for anal intercourse
In the case of a permanent medication, one tablet is taken daily. This form of HIV PrEP is recommended in the German-Austrian guidelines.
The following recommendations apply regarding the duration of intake before the first unprotected contact:
- Anal and bowel lining Sufficient protection is established two days after starting daily intake.
- Penile mucosa Appropriate protection against HIV also exists after two days.
Income schedule for vaginal intercourse
The active ingredients of HIV PrEP do not accumulate as well in the vaginal mucosa and are broken down more quickly. Therefore, it takes longer to achieve a protective level of the active ingredient.
It is assumed that adequate protection is built up seven days after starting daily intake.
Occasion-related intake
(Recommended for anal sex only)
Studies have shown that on-demand HIV PrEP during anal sex (involving the penis and rectal lining) also offers reliable protection. This method of taking PrEP is suitable if PrEP is only being used temporarily, for example, around a sex party.
The revenue schedule ideally looks like this:
- 24 hours, or at the latest 2 hours before sex Two tablets at once (Important: Taking them only two hours before sex is considered very close to the wire)
- After the first administration time: one tablet daily
- After the last sex: Take the medication for two more days
Regular tests & checks
During PrEP, regular medical check-ups are necessary. These primarily include:
- HIV test
- Kidney function test
- STI Screening
- and further blood tests as needed
These check-up appointments are for your safety – as they ensure that there is no undetected HIV infection and that the medication is well tolerated.
PrEP, HIV Testing & STI Screening in Vienna
As well as the PrEP medication, the Johann Strauss Pharmacy offers discreet STD and STI screenings in Vienna. These include, among others:
- HIV tests
- Syphilis tests
- Chlamydia tests
- Gonorrhoea tests
- and further testing options.
This is how you get straightforward clarity about your status. Regular testing is an important part of responsible sexual health, especially with PrEP.
Our services are aimed at all people seeking discreet information on Aids, PrEP and PEP, individual counselling or a quick appointment for STI screenings.
Feel free to arrange an appointment at any time!
Johann Strauss Pharmacy: Safe Space for Sexual Health
Many people hesitate to ask questions about HIV, PrEP, or sexually transmitted infections. Shame or insecurity often play a large role. We won't leave you alone with this, and we won't judge you.
We take your concerns seriously, offer discreet and respectful advice, and support you with the next steps. Our goal is a safe space where you can talk openly about sexual health.
We support patients with sensitive topics just as respectfully as people with questions about HIV therapy, AIDS, PEP, or other concerns.
Difference: HIV-PEP vs. -PrEP
Besides HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), there's also HIV PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
This occurs after a possible contact, to prevent the transmission of HIV. It is always recommended when there is a high risk of HIV infection, such as:
- Condom break
- Unprotected anal or vaginal sex
- Partners with unknown HIV status
- Needlestick injuries
The procedure for the PEP should be as follows:
- 1-2 hours after exposure (and after 48 hours at the latest): Seek hospital treatment & start PEP
- Treatment duration4 weeks
- Blood tests: After 14 and 30 days
For those affected, rapid contact with a hospital or specialised centres is particularly important.
Further information can also be found on the page of the Aids Help Vienna.
Difference from HIV therapy
PrEP serves to protect against HIV infection before possible contact and PEP is an emergency measure after contact. They are important measures, but they are not HIV therapy.
Because the real HIV therapy is used in patients who are already infected. This therapy is lifelong and stops the virus from multiplying in the body. This also prevents the virus from being transmitted during sexual intercourse.
Frequently Asked Questions about PrEP Vienna
Can I buy PrEP medication without a prescription?
No. HIV PrEP is a prescription-only medicine, so you will always require a doctor's prescription.
Does PrEP also protect against other STIs?
No. PrEP protects against HIV, but not against syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea or hepatitis. Regular STI tests remain important.
Can I get PrEP directly from the pharmacy?
You can obtain your PrEP medication with a valid prescription at the Johann Strauss Pharmacy. We are happy to advise you on its use, side effects, therapy, and more.
Wo finde ich PrEP in Wien?
The Johann Strauss Pharmacy in 1040 Vienna is centrally accessible and offers advice, medication, and STI screenings for HIV PrEP and sexual health.
What is the difference between PrEP, PEP & HIV therapy?
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, while PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. The former is taken by non-infected individuals before potential HIV exposure, the latter after potential exposure. HIV therapy, in contrast, is a lifelong treatment used for patients who are already infected, stopping the virus's replication in the body.