What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS.
PrEP is a combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine, which are the drugs commonly used to treat HIV. It is sometimes referred to as ‘Truvada’ and comes in tablet form.
By taking PrEP before you could have been exposed to HIV will mean that there’s enough drug inside you to stop HIV if it got into your body.
How do I get PrEP?
PrEP became available via sexual Health clinics in England in October 2020. To access PrEP via your local clinic you will need to take part in a telephone assessment with a clinician to discuss if PrEP is right for you. You will also need to undergo a full sexual health screen and test negative for HIV. If you would like more information on arranging an assessment, please fill out our enquiry form below.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all doing this differently, visit their websites for more information:
You can also access PrEP privately via iwantprepnow. The site lists international pharmaceautical companies to purchase PrEP from. All the companies listed have had their medication tested for authenticity. If you have any questions about obtaining PrEP via this method please get in touch.
What else do I need to know?
However you are accessing PrEP there are specific tests you need to do first to ensure your body can take PrEP safely. If you don't take it correctly, it may not work. Your sexual health clinic can complete these tests for you.
Serious side effects are very rare, a few people experience headaches, tiredness, and nausea. In some rare cases it can affect kidney function, which is why it is important to get the pre-tests done and have regular follow-up kidney function tests whilst you are using PrEP.
Remember PrEP is very effective in preventing HIV transmission, but it won’t protect you from all the other STIs or an unwanted pregnancy, using condoms remains the most effective method for protecting yourself against these.
If you’re using PrEP it's important you go for regular STI screenings every three months.
Where can I get more information?
i-Base
HIV i-Base is a treatment activist group. Committed to providing timely and up to date information about HIV treatment to HIV positive people and to health care professionals.
I want prep now
iwantPrEPnow.co.uk was created to raise awareness of and access to PrEP, with all the information you need in one place so you can access PrEP now.
aidsmap
NAM Publications (known as aidsmap) is a charity based in the United Kingdom. Who work to change lives by sharing information about HIV & AIDS.
Prepster
PrEPster was founded in October 2015 by four London based HIV prevention activists, in response to the lack of clear and concise educational info available about PrEP.