PrEP (HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis)
What is PrEP?
PrEP (HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a medicine for HIV negative people, is taken before sex, so it is pre-exposure. Prophylaxis means to prevent infection – in this case HIV. It can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV when taken as instructed.
PrEP is made up of two drugs, Tenofovir and Emtricitabine. These drugs are known as antiretroviral medicines and have been used as part of HIV treatment for many years. You may know this medicine by its brand name, Truvada, however there are generic forms of the drug with the same active ingredients.
Descovy (tenofovir alafenamide and Emtricitabine) PrEP for people with renal impairment can now be accessed through our clinics.
Who would benefit from PrEP?
You could benefit from PrEP if you are considered to be at high risk of HIV. PrEP can be used as a way to reduce your risk of HIV if you are HIV negative and don’t always use condoms.
PrEP is not a vaccine and only provides protection from HIV so long as you continue to take it as prescribed. It is important to remember that PrEP will not protect you from acquiring other STIs. This is an important advantage of using condoms.
Availability
PrEP is available and free in our clinics for people who are at risk of acquiring HIV through sexual exposure. This is in line with the PrEP rollout by Public Health England that was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are running appointments only clinics, so please check the list below then call us if you meet one or more of the conditions on 01903 285199
Being at risk of acquiring HIV means that you:
- Are a man who has sex with men and do not always use condoms for sex or intend not to use condoms for anal sex
- Have recently needed post exposure prophylaxis for HIV following sexual exposure
- Had recent rectal sexually transmitted infection or syphilis.
- Have a sexual partner who is HIV positive and not established on treatment or not taking their medication regularly
- Have sex with people from countries with high incidence of HIV and do not always use condoms (See list below)