Are HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) drugs available in pharmacies?

Generally, HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications are not available in regular pharmacies. They can typically be obtained from local Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infectious disease specialty hospitals, large tertiary hospitals, and designated HIV treatment hospitals. The details are as follows:

HIV PEP drugs are prescription medications under special management and must be used under the guidance of a qualified physician, strictly following relevant clinical guidelines and regulations. These medications are only permitted to be dispensed by medical institutions that possess the appropriate qualifications and facilities. Ordinary pharmacies usually do not carry HIV PEP drugs. Local CDC offices, infectious disease specialty hospitals, major tertiary hospitals, and designated HIV treatment centers are equipped with comprehensive medical facilities and professional healthcare teams capable of properly assessing patients' conditions and issuing prescriptions accordingly. Individuals seeking to purchase and use these medications should visit正规 medical institutions and consult qualified physicians, strictly adhering to medical instructions. Additionally, it is important to avoid purchasing such medications through unofficial channels like the internet, which may expose individuals to counterfeit or substandard drugs.

In daily life, people should avoid unsafe sexual practices, use condoms correctly, avoid unnecessary injections and blood transfusions, and minimize the use of shared personal items in public places.