PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
PrEP is medicine that helps stop people getting HIV. PrEP is for people who are:
- At a higher risk of HIV.
- Do not have HIV.
You take PrEP before you come into contact with HIV, usually through sex.
When taken correctly, PrEP is very good at preventing HIV.
PrEP does not protect you from other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or stop pregnancy.
We can offer PrEP to people who are at higher risk of getting HIV. This includes:
• Transgender and non-binary people.
• Gay and bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men.
• People with a partner who has HIV.
• Black African men and women.
• People who inject drugs.
• People who exchange sex for money or other goods.
Your clinician can talk to you about whether PrEP is right for you.
Before you start PrEP, we will:
• Ask about your health and your sex life.
• Do an HIV test to make sure you do not have HIV.
• Test for other STIs and, if needed, do a pregnancy test.
• Check your kidneys with a blood test.
• Explain how to take PrEP and answer your questions.
While you are taking PrEP, you will have regular check-ups and HIV tests. This is to make sure the PrEP is working well.
There are different ways to take PrEP. Your clinician will help you choose the best way.
Daily PrEP
Daily PrEP can be used by everyone.
• Take 2 tablets to start.
• Then take 1 tablet every day.
Event-based PrEP (2:1:1)
You take PrEP around the time you have sex.
Take:
• 2 tablets 2–24 hours before sex.
• Then 1 tablet each day for 2 days after the last time you have sex.
This choice may be suitable for:
• Receptive anal sex.
• Insertive anal sex.
• Insertive vaginal or neovaginal sex.
Event-based PrEP (2:7)
Take:
• 2 tablets 2–24 hours before sex.
• Then 1 tablet each day for 7 days after the last time you have sex.
This choice may be suitable for:
• Receptive vaginal or neovaginal sex.
• People who inject drugs.
Intermittent PrEP (TTSS)
Some people can take PrEP 4 days each week.
Take 1 tablet on:
• Tuesday
• Thursday
• Saturday
• Sunday
This choice only works if you have already taken at least 4 doses in the week before your risk of HIV.
Injectable PrEP
Some people may be able to have PrEP as an injection instead of tablets.
Injectable PrEP may be suitable if:
• You cannot take PrEP tablets.
• Tablets are not suitable because of your personal or social circumstances.
The injection is given every 2 months.
Your clinician will explain which choice is best for you.
If you miss your PrEP and think you may have been exposed to HIV, contact us straight away. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if the clinic is not open.
The advice depends on:
• How many doses you missed.
• The type of sex you had.
• When the possible exposure happened.
Do not wait until your next appointment.
Most people take PrEP without any problems.
Some people may have:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Wind (flatulence)
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
These side effects are mostly mild and often go away within the first month.
Yes. You can safely take PrEP with any type of contraception.
Tell your clinician about all the medicines you take. This includes medicines you buy yourself, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements.
We will check your kidneys before you start PrEP. We will also check them every 3 to 6 months whilst you take PrEP.
Transgender and non-binary people can safely take PrEP with gender-affirming hormone treatment. PrEP does not affect how hormone treatment works.
Yes.
PrEP does not affect your fertility.
You can safely take PrEP if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
If you are at risk of HIV, PrEP can help protect you and your baby.
Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. They can make sure you get the right care.