Newly Diagnosed With HIV

The a[STARTx] Resource has been written by gay men living with HIV to help you make sense of an HIV diagnosis. a[STARTx] provides clear and concise information to support you through the initial phase of a diagnosis.

a[STARTx] covers topics that are important at diagnosis including treatment, disclosure and building a relationship with a doctor. a[STARTx] also has many useful links to support services across NSW.

Check out the a[STARTx] Resource here.

If you would like to order some copies please email: astart@acon.org.au

To find out more about our a[START]x support workshops, click here.

HIV Treatment

HIV medications or HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs) are commonly referred to as treatments.

Treatments prevent and reduce long term health issues related to HIV, and recent advances mean that treatments today are easier to take with far fewer side effects.

Your doctor will talk to you about when is a good time for you to start treatment, but the final decision on when to start is always yours.

There’s a growing body of evidence that supports starting treatment as early as possible, as modern treatments have benefits for your health and can help reduce the chance of onwards transmission.

Treatments work best when you maintain a high level of adherence (i.e. at the right time each day).

Find out more about your nearest HIV testing and treatments service on our Ending HIV website

Collecting your meds – the choice is yours

The Australian Government is expanding options for dispensing HIV medications. From 1 July 2015, people living with HIV (PLHIV) will be able to access HIV medications from chemists.

For more information about expended access options, visit The Choice Is Yours.

HIV Disclosure

Disclosing your HIV status to other people can seem difficult, but there are things you can do to make it easier. Speaking to other people with HIV about their experiences of disclosure can be very helpful, whether it be in relation to sex, relationships, friends, family or the workplace.

With respects to HIV disclosure and the law, the NSW Parliament has recently passed the Public Health Amendment (Review) Bill 2017 which made amendments to section 79 (s79) of the Public Health Act 2010. The amendments came into force on 18 October 2017.

Removal of disclosure provisions

A person with a sexually transmissible disease or condition is no longer required by law to disclose that they have the condition prior to sexual intercourse. ACON and the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre (HALC) are strongly supportive of this for a number of reasons.

• Firstly, the disclosure requirement placed the legal responsibility for preventing HIV transmission on one person rather than framing it in the context of mutual responsibility
• Secondly, disclosure is not a reliable safeguard to transmission
• Thirdly, people with HIV are highly motivated to prevent HIV transmission and this law implies otherwise
• Finally, the removal of disclosure requirements brings NSW into line with all other states and territories in Australia

Requirement to take reasonable precautions

Instead, the amendments require someone who knows that they have a scheduled or notifiable disease or condition that is sexually transmissible to take reasonable precautions against transmitting the condition to others.

The maximum penalty for an offence against this provision is significant; up to 100 penalty points (equivalent to a fine of $11,000) or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

The provision reads as follows:

       79 Duties of persons in relation to sexually transmissible diseases or conditions

       (1) A person who knows that he or she has a notifiable disease, or a scheduled medical condition, that is sexually transmissible is required to take reasonable precautions against spreading the disease or condition.

       Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months, or both.

Application of the Act

The section applies to a person who knows that they have a notifiable disease or scheduled medical condition that is sexually transmissible. Although a public health approach supports mutual responsibility for safer sex, under this law the person with the condition is the person who bears legal responsibility for taking reasonable precautions.

Scope of the provision

There is some uncertainty as to which additional conditions might fall within the new law. The condition must be either a notifiable disease or a scheduled medical condition that is sexually transmissible.

At the time of writing, ‘notifiable disease’ under Schedule 2 of the Act includes:

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Syphilis

At the time of writing, a ‘scheduled medical condition’ under Schedule 1 of the Act includes:

• Acute viral hepatitis
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
• Lymphogranuloma Venerum (LGV)
• Shigellosis

This offence only applies if the notifiable disease or scheduled medical condition is also sexually transmissible. However, s79 does not specifically mention transmission via sexual intercourse. This is in contrast to the previous law which specified via sexual intercourse and defined sexual intercourse.

The new provision could include other forms of transmission of the relevant condition, and require reasonable precautions to be taken for example, during pregnancy and birth, breastfeeding or in the use of injecting equipment.

In the past, the law referred to ‘sexually transmitted infections’ which had a particular meaning, and excluded for example, Hepatitis C, which although possible to transmit via sex, is not classified as a ‘sexually transmitted infection’. While hepatitis C has not generally been considered an STI in the past, because it is possible for hepatitis C to be transmitted in sexual settings in some circumstances, it could potentially be included within the scope of this new provision.

However, in a briefing document released by the NSW Ministry of Health brief on s79, the Ministry provides a non-exhaustive list of conditions covered by this section. The scope in the Ministry’s briefing document is narrower. The conditions listed are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, lymphogranuloma venereum, hepatitis B, and HIV. This brief can be accessed on the NSW Health website here.

What constitutes reasonable precautions

What constitutes ‘reasonable precautions’ against the spread of such conditions is not defined by the Act.  In the event that a person was charged with this offence and went to trial, what constitutes ‘reasonable precautions’ to stop the spread of the condition would be open to interpretation by a court, based on the circumstances of the case. It is unclear how broadly or narrowly this could be interpreted.

What constitutes reasonable precautions will depend on a number of factors, including the type of condition, where the infection is on the body, the type of sexual or other activity, and the presence of other infections in the person with the infection or the person’s partner.

At the time of writing, medical and scientific evidence, as well as guidance from NSW Health, indicates that reasonable precautions to prevent the transmission of HIV in relation to s79 may include:

• taking a prescribed antibiotic course for bacterial STIs; or
• use of a condom; or
• for HIV, having an HIV viral load of less than 200 copies/mL, usually resulting from being on effective treatment; or
• for HIV, seeking and receiving confirmation from a sexual partner that they are taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); or
• for hepatitis B, seeking and receiving confirmation from a sexual partner that they are immune to hepatitis B (e.g. vaccinated or previously infected)

More information on sexual transmission of HIV and the law can be found in the MJA article Boyd M, Cooper D, Crock EA, et al. Sexual transmission of HIV and the law: an Australian medical consensus statement. Med J Aust 2016; 205: 409-412.

This is based on the information provided at the time that the Amendment was introduced in Parliament, however, there is no guarantee that a court would agree.

We strongly advise people living with HIV to discuss what constitutes reasonable precautions with their treating doctor and sexual partners. It might be that what constitutes reasonable precautions at one time, will not at another, depending on a person’s particular circumstances. There will also be advances in medical and scientific knowledge that might affect what constitutes reasonable precautions in relation to HIV, and other conditions.

Since the law does not apply specifically to HIV, what constitutes reasonable precautions will depend on the medical condition.

If you are charged with an offence under s79 of the Public Health Act 2010, you should immediately seek legal advice.

Disclosure is not a defence

A person who discloses their HIV status can still be charged under the new section. There is no provision for circumstances in which persons decide, after disclosing that they have HIV to engage in sexual intercourse without taking reasonable precautions to prevent transmission of the condition. Charges could result, even in circumstances where the person with HIV has informed their sexual partner of the risk of transmission, and the person voluntarily agrees to such a risk, and where HIV is not transmitted.

Steps we can take to improve the sexual health of ourselves and our partners

Preventing transmission of conditions that are sexually transmissible should be a matter of mutual responsibility. A person who has, or suspects they have, a sexually transmissible condition as well as a person at risk of contracting a sexually transmissible condition should take reasonable precautions to avoid transmitting or contracting it.

There are steps we can take to prevent transmission of conditions that are transmitted sexually and improve the sexual health of ourselves and our partners.

• Test often or test regularly (2-4 times per year) for STIs (and viral load if you are HIV positive) depending on the number of sexual partners you have, regardless of your HIV status or prevention strategy;
• Have open and honest conversations with your sexual partners (whether it is online, via an app or face-to-face) about how you can maximise pleasure whilst minimising risk;
• Depending on the type and location of the condition, communicate, negotiate and if appropriate, modify your sexual practices with all your partners to reduce risk of transmission;
• Most STIs are treatable. If you are diagnosed with an STI, treating early is important for your sexual health as well as for reducing transmission to your partners;
• If you are on treatment for an STI, it is important to take a break and talk to your sexual healthcare provider about how long to wait before sex;
• If you are HIV positive, engage in discussions with your treating doctor about what constitutes reasonable precautions for you. In the event that charges are laid, clinical notes can be used as evidence;
• Choose combination prevention strategies that work for you, such as using condoms for anal or vaginal sex, maintaining viral suppression of less than 200 copies/ml, taking PrEP, or if you have HIV, confirming your sexual partner is taking PrEP;
• If you are exposed to HIV, take Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours.

Find out more about the law and HIV in NSW on the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre website.

The Disclosure Project

A living book of stories and experiences of disclosure.

Growing everyday as stories of people living with HIV are added, the Disclosure Project is a living multi-media web-based resource enabling individuals to share personal stories of HIV disclosure to help and support other individuals planning to disclose.

The Disclosure Project is based upon peer-to-peer based learning, where someone contemplating disclosing can access a wide range of experiences that will help them find the best tools to help their disclosure be a successful one.

The Disclosure Project is a joint initiative of ACON, the Victorian AIDS Council, Living Positive Victoria and TIM (The Institute of Many).

To find out more visit: www.disclosureproject.org.au

HIV Stigma & Discrimination

“Discrimination is a major challenge to HIV prevention work, in that both the experience and fear of discrimination or stigma inhibits the capacity of both HIV-positive and non HIV-positive people to honestly convey their intentions and their expectations. HIV-negative and unknown-status individuals often deny the possibility of infection and avoid their own responsibility to prevent it through assumptions that are often ill-founded and may be experienced by HIV-positive people as discriminatory or stigmatising.” (Reeders, 2009).

“People with an HIV-negative and unknown status making these sorts of assumptions sometimes show less ability to protect themselves and a lower likelihood of HIV testing than people who acknowledge the complexity and difficulties inherent in sexual negotiation and disclosure.” (Dodds, 2008).

The ENUF campaign aims to seek the experiences of both stigma and resilience in all of its many and various forms from people living with HIV.

The ENUF campaign relies upon your voice and your stories. It is a campaign that relies upon a whole crowd of people thinking about stigma and sharing their experiences.

ENUF is coordinated by Living Positive Victoria.

Find out more about the ENUF campaign

HIV & Sexual Health

Some sexually transmissible infections (STIs) can be more difficult to treat for people with HIV. Also some types of STIs can increase the chances of transmitting HIV to sexual partners.

Some STIs can increase the HIV viral load in cum, pre-cum and anal mucus because the immune system is fighting both the HIV infection as well as the other STI. For an HIV positive man, an increased viral load means an increased health risk, and also makes passing on HIV more likely if you are having sex without condoms.

You can get detailed information about STIs from the Drama Down Under website, a comprehensive online resource covering the most common STIs experienced by gay men.

When someone has both Hep C and HIV, their viral load of HIV can increase, putting their health at risk. It’s therefore important for gay men to educate themselves about Hep C.
Find out more about HIV and Hep C.

STI Testing

Managing your sexual health can be easy. Having a sexual health test when you visit your doctor for your routine HIV check-up is the best way to stay on top of your sexual health. If you notice symptoms of an STI, you can go straight to your doctor or a sexual health centre for treatment.

The more sexually active you are, the more often you should get tested. Knowing you have a sexually transmissible infection (STI) allows you to treat it and also prevent passing on the STI to sexual partners.

Find out more about your nearest sexual heath testing centre

HIV & General Health

People with HIV have a range of health related matters to consider. These include:

• Having a good relationship with a doctor you feel comfortable with
• Knowing what HIV treatments are available and which ones are right for you
• Taking preventative actions like quitting smoking, drinking less, having a healthy diet and getting exercise

The right choices can help us manage or avoid certain conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver or kidney disease and bone density loss.

The Your Body Blueprint website provides comprehensive health information for people with HIV.

HIV & Oral Health

Living with HIV means you should take particular care of your oral health.

Some people may experience a greater frequency of certain oral conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis. Others may experience taste change or dry mouth, or they may find more grinding of their teeth.

Many people with HIV feel more comfortable seeing a dentist who has a history of working with people with HIV.

Free public dental health care is delivered to eligible clients including people with HIV in a number of settings across NSW within Local Health Districts (LHDs).

People with HIV in NSW who hold a Health Care or Pension Card are eligible for free public dental health care. In some LHDs arrangements are made to provide enhanced dental health care for people with HIV.

Find out more about HIV & oral health on the Positive Life NSW website

HIV & Smoking

Smoking is particularly prevalent among people with HIV, who smoke up to three times the rate than the general population.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health if you smoke even a small number of cigarettes, as people with HIV who smoke are at greater risk of many types of cancers compared to their non-smoking positive peers.

Smoking also increases risk across a range of conditions like heart disease, pneumonia and oral conditions like thrush.

The Albion Centre in Sydney provides information on this topic and runs a quit smoking program.

HIV & Ageing

People with HIV who commence treatment early and who maintain effective control of their HIV viral load have a life expectancy no different from the general population. This has been clearly demonstrated in large studies of people in high income countries with access to best practice HIV clinical care.

However, HIV infection could still damage the immune system. HIV potentially causes premature ageing of the immune system, which means there may be at risk of disease at an earlier age or at slightly increased rates compared to the general population.

Potential health issues may include cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, frailty, and neurocognitive deficits.

Find out more about HIV and ageing via the LOVE Project website

Connect With Other People Living With HIV

Connecting with other people with HIV can be a valuable source of support.

In addition to the workshops and services offered by us, organisations like Positive Life NSW and The Institute of Many (TIM) provide other options.

Positive Life NSW is the largest peer-led and run representative body of all people living with HIV in Australia based in NSW, and the voice of all people living with HIV in NSW since 1988. We provide information and targeted referrals, and advocate to change systems and practices that discriminate against people with HIV, our friends, family and carers in NSW.

The Institute of Many (TIM) is a peer-run group for HIV positive people. Acting as a social umbrella, it brings people together to share their experience of living with HIV in an informal, confidential environment in person and online.

Newly Diagnosed With HIV Services

a[STARTx] (previously known as Genesis), is a weekend workshop for gay men who have been diagnosed with HIV within the last two years.

It’s a peer-based workshop which means it’s run by other gay men with HIV who can relate to the experience of a new diagnosis.

a[STARTx] aims to provide participants with practical help and knowledge to manage their HIV diagnosis, gain confidence, build resilience and make informed decisions around the various issues that may confront them after a HIV diagnosis.

a[STARTx] also provides participants with an opportunity to meet other guys in the same situation in a safe, confidential and supportive environment.

For more information on a[STARTx] click here.

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with HIV, we can help connect you with peer support, workshops, counselling, treatment information and online resources.

Counselling

We provide free and confidential post-test counselling support for people recently diagnosed with HIV and others affected, including partners, family and friends. Support is also available for people testing for HIV.

Follow-up is provided within one working day and assistance is provided either face-to-face or by phone. This includes providing HIV-related information, linking people into peer support programs and other support services, and supporting people to discuss the needs and feelings associated with a recent diagnosis.

To find out more or to undertake a brief intake assessment, please submit an enquiry or contact your nearest ACON office.

One-On-One Peer Support

One-on-one peer support connects HIV positive people with each other. Peer support is for those who want to speak to someone who knows exactly what they are going through from personal experience. Peers know what it is like to receive a new diagnosis and to live as an HIV positive person.

This is not a counselling service, but one-on-one support with an experienced peer.

To find our more or to speak with a peer, please contact your nearest ACON office.

a[STARTx] Workshops

a[STARTx] (previously known as Genesis), is a weekend workshop for gay men who have been diagnosed with HIV within the last two years.

It’s a peer-based workshop which means it’s run by other gay men with HIV who can relate to the experience of a new diagnosis.

a[STARTx] aims to provide participants with practical help and knowledge to manage their HIV diagnosis, gain confidence, build resilience and make informed decisions around the various issues that may confront them after a HIV diagnosis.

a[STARTx] also provides participants with an opportunity to meet other guys in the same situation in a safe, confidential and supportive environment.

a[STARTx] gives participants the opportunity to:

• Explore HIV and its impact on your life
• Understand how HIV and your immune system work
• Get an overview of current and future treatments
• Understand HIV and its impact on your health, sex life and relationships
• Work out who to tell about your status and when to tell them
• Take charge of your own health

a[STARTx] is collaboration between ACON and Positive Life NSW.

Testimonials: 

“Having been to a Genesis [workshop] at ACON, I’d highly recommend it to anyone unsure about it. They provide a safe and comfortable environment to ask questions and learn more about HIV while connecting with other men in similar situations. The peer support format is probably how I got the most out of it, especially helping me come to the realisation of ‘I’m not alone on this journey.'”

“I completed the Genesis program last year, two months after my diagnosis. I went into the weekend feeling isolated and quite hesitant, not knowing anyone else living with HIV. I left feeling not only educated, but incredibly supported and welcomed by the team at ACON.”

“It took me a while to pluck up the courage to attend this workshop. I wish I had done it sooner, it has made such a change to my life.”

Upcoming a[STARTx] Workshop

• Weekend: 4^th – 6^th August 2023
• Weekend: 22^nd – 24^th September 2023

Where: ACON Sydney – 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills 2010

For more information please contact our Sydney office 02 9206 2086 or email: astart@acon.org.au.

One-On-One Peer Support

One-on-one peer support connects HIV positive people with each other. Peer support is for those who want to speak to someone who knows exactly what they are going through from personal experience. Peers know what it is like to receive a new diagnosis and to live as an HIV positive person.

This is not a counselling service, but one-on-one support with an experienced peer.

For more information or to speak with a peer, please contact your nearest ACON office.

HIV Counselling

We provide FREE and confidential short term counselling (up to 12 sessions) for:

• People with HIV
• People at risk of HIV
• People affected by HIV (e.g. partners, family and friends)
• People testing for HIV

We prioritise:

• People newly diagnosed with HIV
• Financially disadvantaged people
• People experiencing health or relationship needs related to HIV
• People experiencing the effects of a recent trauma, domestic/family violence or homophobic/transphobic violence

Counsellors use a solutions focused model drawing on a range of approaches to best meet the needs of individuals and couples.

To access this service, you will need to undergo a brief assessment in person or over the phone.

For more information or to undertake an intake assessment, please contact your nearest ACON office or to enquire about making an appointment click here.

Coronavirus update: Due to social distancing requirements, all ACON counselling and support services will be conducted virtually or over the phone.

Care Coordination

Our Care Coordinators are allied health professionals who can help clients with multiple and/or complex needs to:

• Access relevant healthcare and support services
• Increase their ability to manage their care and treatment
• Reduce social isolation

Needs may include:

• HIV
• Mental health
• Alcohol and/or drug use
• Housing
• Family/domestic violence
• Finances
• Legal

Care coordinators work with clients over 3 months to develop a care plan and provide support to help clients achieve their goals and meet their needs

This service is FREE and confidential.

Priority is given to people with HIV, and people at risk or affected by HIV

Our Care Coordinators work in Sydney at our office in Surry Hills as well as the Taylor Square Private Clinic and Holdsworth House Medical Practice in Darlinghurst.

To access this service, you will need to undergo a brief assessment in person or over the phone.

For more information or to undertake a brief intake assessment, please contact our Sydney office 02 9206 2000 to enquire about making an appointment click here.

Regional NSW

Our care coordinators also work in the Hunter and Northern Rivers regions of NSW.

To access this service, you will need to undergo a brief assessment in person or over the phone.

For more information or to undertake a brief assessment please contact our Hunter or Northern Rivers offices or submit an enquiry.

Home-Based Care

Through our Community Support Network (CSN), our team of trained volunteers provide practical assistance to help people with HIV live as independently as possible in their own homes. Services include:

• Basic cleaning
• Grocery shopping
• Doing the laundry
• Meal preparation
• Light gardening
• Transport to and from medical appointments
• To be eligible for home-based care, clients need a diagnosis of physical or cognitive impairment as a result of, or in the presence of, HIV infection resulting in impaired capacity for independent living.

To access this service, you will need to undergo a brief assessment. One of our CSN Care Liaison Officers will arrange to meet with you, usually at your home, to explain how CSN can help and decide what services are needed.

HIV Health Retreats

We run two FREE health retreats every year for people with HIV – one for gay men living in regional and rural NSW and one for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Ngalawi Djardi Health Retreat For Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People Living With HIV

This annual health retreat aims to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with HIV by providing:

• Culturally appropriate respite and relaxation
• An opportunity to connect and share stories with other HIV positive people
• Opportunities to share culture, art and good yarns
• Access to professional workers, treatments and other support services

The name, Ngalawi Djardi means ‘sit and yarn’ in Dharug language. The retreat is facilitated by Aboriginal workers, with non-Indigenous guest presenters and counsellors. Sessions are voluntary so you can participate in as little or as many sessions as you wish.

The retreat is particularly valuable for those living in rural and regional areas of NSW who may not have regular access to HIV support services in their area.

All aspects of the retreat are conducted in the strictest confidentiality and the privacy of all participants is respected.

Each participant is welcome to bring a support person (partner, friend or family member). The support person need not be Aboriginal or living with HIV.

Our retreats are held in motel-style accommodation in a peaceful location just outside Sydney. All transport from ACON, accommodation and meals are provided. People who need assistance with transport to Sydney are encouraged to talk to us as soon as possible so that we can assist you to seek travel assistance.

The next retreat is scheduled for Friday 30 October to Monday 2 November. Interested people must contact us by 31 September at the details below so that we can assist you with your application.

For more information or to get involved, please contact us at email: Aboriginal@acon.org.au or call | 1800 063 060 | (02) 9206 2042

Health Retreat For Regional/Rural Gay Men With HIV

Every year we invite participants from regional/rural NSW and South East Queensland to come to our relaxed bush venue underneath the magnificent Wollumbin with other guys living with HIV in rural NSW.

We’ve been hosting our retreat for guys living with HIV since 1994. The retreat is open to gay men with HIV and their partners.

We expect that gay men of all ages and history of HIV will attend from regional NSW and from SE Queensland. In previous retreats all our participants have contributed to making it a great retreat experience.

It provides a nice mix of structured activities, lots of free time and fantastic food and good company. This year we’ll have a stimulating workshop program on staying fit and well with HIV, and also will be offering yoga classes. We’ll have a great range of leisure activities: canoeing, bushwalking, and ball games.

The retreat is a residential retreat and participants have the choice of accommodation: either sleeping in your own camp gear or in comfortable shared bungalow accommodation. You are able to nominate which when you register.

For more information contact
nmckellar-stewart@acon.org.au |  02 6622 1555  |  Freecall 1800 633 637

Meal Service

ACON offers a FREE lunch service every Friday for people who are living with HIV.

The meal service offers a friendly space where people can catch up and have a bite to eat while connecting with staff for referrals and/or advice for any questions relating to HIV.

Anyone arriving to the service for the first time should speak to a staff member about signing up for the service.

Where: ACON Café, 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hill, Sydney
When: Friday: 12pm – 1:30pm

Coronavirus update: ACON’s HIV meal service in Sydney continues to operate. Until further notice, meals will be provided to clients on a takeaway basis. Service may be revised as the situation develops.

Vitamin Service

Our Vitamin Service is a non-profit program that aims to provide high quality practitioner vitamins and nutritional supplements at the lowest possible price to people with HIV/AIDS, other ACON clients and staff. Clients and staff of our partner organisations (Positive Life, HALC, NUAA, Hepatitis NSW, BGF, etc) are also able to access the service.

Our product list is based on advice from dietitians, HIV/AIDS practitioners and naturopaths. We also take into consideration our community’s input/suggestions.

The service is governed by the Therapeutic Goods Act (1989), which oversees the packaging, sale and advertising of all therapeutic substances. The Vitamin Service works on a script basis because of the Act.

Accessing Our Vitamin Service

To us our Vitamin Service, you will need an ACON Vitamin Script form signed by your dietitian, GP or complementary therapist, indicating which vitamins/supplements suit your needs.

Many practitioners have ACON Vitamin Service scripts in their consulting rooms. These forms are also available at ACON’s reception. You can visit our Sydney office or contact Reception at acon@acon.org.au or 02 9206 2000. The script expires after six (6) months and is confidentially stored at the service using a non-identifying client code.

As outlined by the Therapeutic Goods Act, we are unable to give advice or recommend the use of any particular product. This is the role of your dietitian, GP or therapist.