Getting a PrEP refill in Bangkok is straightforward: a short consultation, a fresh HIV test and, if the result is negative, a new supply. Whether you live here or are visiting with pills from home, planning a week or two ahead keeps your protection unbroken.
This guide covers why each top-up begins with a test, what to bring, how residents and visitors differ, and what to do if you’ve already run out. If you’re starting from scratch rather than continuing, see how to start PrEP safely first.
New to the system here? Our overview of how PrEP works in Thailand explains the medicines, the clinics and the rules. The rest of this page assumes you already take PrEP and simply want your next PrEP refill in Bangkok to go smoothly.
Why every refill starts with an HIV test
PrEP is two HIV medicines, tenofovir and emtricitabine. That’s enough to prevent HIV but not enough to treat it. If an infection slipped through unnoticed and you kept taking PrEP, the virus could become resistant to drugs you might need later.
So doctors usually want a recent negative HIV test before handing over each new supply. UK guidance, summarised in the i-Base guide to PrEP, follows the same routine: a check about every three months, with kidney and STI tests alongside.
How recent is recent enough? That depends on your history and your doctor. A test from a few days ago at another clinic may be accepted; one from three months ago usually won’t be. Our guide to what PrEP tests check for explains each result.
What to bring to a PrEP refill appointment
A few documents make a refill quicker and may save you a repeat test.
You don’t need a special PrEP prescription refill form. A short history from you, plus anything on paper or on your phone, is what the doctor uses.
Your refill checklist
| Item | Why it helps | If you don’t have it |
|---|---|---|
| Current pack or photo of label | Shows brand and dose | Tell us the name |
| Date of last HIV test | Decides if a new test is needed | We test again |
| Latest kidney result | Avoids a repeat creatinine test | Checked if due |
| Hepatitis B status | Affects dosing choices | Can be tested |
| List of other medicines | Spots interactions | Describe them |
Also mention any missed doses, any condomless sex in the last few weeks and any symptoms like fever or rash. None of this is about judging you; it helps the doctor choose the right tests.
Residents and visitors: how refills differ
The medical steps are the same for everyone. What differs is paperwork, timing and which tablets you leave with.
Refills for Bangkok residents vs visitors
| Question | Living in Bangkok | Visiting Bangkok |
|---|---|---|
| Usual rhythm | Follow-up about every 3 months | One-off top-up during the trip |
| Records | Kept at your clinic | Bring home clinic results |
| Brand | Generic or original | Thai generics may differ from home |
| Supply length | Set by your doctor | Set by your doctor and travel dates |
For visitors, Thai generics such as Teno-EM, Tenof-EM and Ricovir-EM contain the same ingredients as Truvada and the generics used in Europe or Australia. Our guide to generic PrEP brands in Thailand compares them, and PrEP tips for travellers covers carrying pills through customs.
How many tablets you receive depends on your doctor and your latest HIV test. We don’t set a fixed supply length; we discuss it at the visit. You’ll find approximate prices in our PrEP cost guide for Thailand, and eligible Thai citizens can read about free PrEP through public coverage.
Timing your refill so you don’t run out
The simplest rule: book when you have about two weeks of tablets left. That leaves room for a repeat test if one is needed and for a busy week.
- Daily PrEP users: count tablets on the first of the month so the end never sneaks up.
- On-demand users: keep at least one full course (four tablets) in reserve. The 2-1-1 schedule is only for cis men who have sex with men and trans women not taking estradiol, not for vaginal or front-hole sex and not with hepatitis B; the 2-1-1 dose calculator shows the timings.
- Travellers: if your trip is longer than your supply, plan the top-up in the first week rather than the last.
If you’re thinking of stopping instead of refilling, do it on purpose rather than by running out. The usual guidance is to continue for two days after the last anal sex and seven days after the last receptive vaginal sex, though your doctor confirms what applies to you.
Booking a PrEP refill online or by message
Many people look for a PrEP refill online. We can’t hand over tablets without a test, but you can arrange the visit remotely: message us on LINE or WhatsApp, or use the booking form, and share your last results in advance.
Sending a photo of your pack and your last test report before you arrive lets the doctor see straight away whether a new test is due. It also means the visit itself can focus on your questions rather than on paperwork.
Some people search for PrEP refill delivery too. We don’t offer that as a standard service; message us first and we’ll tell you what’s possible.
If you’re searching for a PrEP refill near me while staying in central Bangkok, you can read what happens at a clinic visit and then book a PrEP follow-up visit. Visits often take about an hour, but we can’t promise exact timings.
If you’ve already run out or missed doses
Running out happens. What to do next depends on how long you’ve been without tablets and whether you had sex during that time.
- A day or two missed with no sex since: restart and come in for your refill.
- Several days missed with condomless sex: you may need a repeat HIV test, and possibly PEP.
- Weeks without PrEP: treat the restart like a new start, with full testing.
Our page on what to do after a missed PrEP dose walks through each case. If anything is unclear, message the clinic for advice rather than guessing. A PrEP refill in Bangkok after a gap is still possible; it just starts with a few more checks.
Had condomless sex in the last 72 hours while unprotected? You need PEP, not PrEP, and it should start as soon as possible. Contact us about urgent PEP.
Questions people ask
Can I get a PrEP refill without an HIV test?
Usually not. Most doctors need a recent negative result first. A test done very recently elsewhere may be accepted if you bring the result.
How often do I need a PrEP refill?
Most people have a follow-up visit about every three months, though your doctor decides the supply length based on your results.
Can tourists get a PrEP refill in Bangkok?
Yes. Bring your pack, your last HIV test date and any kidney results. A short consultation and test usually come first.
Can I switch from Truvada to a generic for my refill?
Yes. Generics contain the same two medicines and work in the same way, so switching doesn’t need a gap.
Do I need a prescription from home?
It helps but isn’t essential. The doctor here assesses you and prescribes after the consultation and test.
Written by the HIV PrEP Bangkok team, based on i-Base and NHS guidance. Last updated 2 October 2026.