USZ Zürich — PrEP-Sprechstunde Infektiologie

University Hospital Zurich’s PrEP consultation sits within its Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology. The infectious diseases department has longstanding experience of treating HIV. Its prevention consultation provides advice and support for people who choose PrEP, bringing information about HIV prevention together with medical supervision of the medication’s use.[3]

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and uses medication to prevent HIV infection. USZ describes its intended users as people at increased risk of HIV who do not consistently use condoms. In Switzerland, it identifies gay and bisexual men with changing sexual partners and difficulties using condoms as the main group.[3]

The consultation information discusses tenofovir/emtricitabine, abbreviated to TDF/FTC, which is approved for PrEP in Switzerland. These medicines were originally developed to treat HIV. Medical supervision is intended particularly to help prevent side effects and the development of resistant viruses. The monitoring described includes regular blood tests to identify possible organ damage at an early stage.[3]

USZ reports very rare kidney, liver and bone damage. TDF/FTC as PrEP must not be used with serious pre-existing disease affecting these organs or with acute hepatitis B; in the latter case, stopping PrEP can worsen liver inflammation. Taking it when HIV infection is already present can lead to resistance because TDF/FTC is not a complete HIV treatment. Protection depends heavily on correct daily use and decreases with irregular use. Individual HIV infections have been reported despite correct use. PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections. USZ therefore recommends combining it with condoms and having regular checks for other sexually transmitted infections when condoms are not used consistently.[3]

Since 1 July 2024, compulsory health insurance has reimbursed HIV PrEP where there is an appropriate medical indication. PrEP costs consist of tenofovir/emtricitabine, the medical consultation and laboratory tests. The deductible and coinsurance still apply and remain payable by the insured person.[3]

The USZ page gives an indicative price of around CHF 65 for a pack of 30 tablets of the generic medicine available in Switzerland.[3]

Consultations run Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00, and advance registration is required. The published direct contact details are +41 44 255 33 22 and prep_infektiologie@usz.ch. The consultation page also links to a contact form.[1]

The listed consultation room is RAE U 53 at Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zürich. USZ explicitly associates that room with its HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis consultation. To change or cancel an appointment, the hospital requires patients to telephone the relevant department directly. It says the department’s contact details can be found in the appointment letter or on its website.[1][2]

The PrEP consultation page provides referring doctors with access to an online referral route.[1]